Honey-Sage Marinade

FOR TRADITIONAL BARBECUE, CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD, & GRILLED DISHES 

Here’s a case where dried herbs will bolster the flavor of the marinade more fully than fresh. Save fresh sage for Fried Sage Leaves or use it as a special garnish for your dish.

Honey-Sage Marinade is a delightful and versatile concoction that combines the natural sweetness of honey with the earthy and aromatic essence of dried sage. This flavorful marinade is perfect for infusing pork with a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite choice for grilling, roasting, or pan-searing pork cuts.

The combination of apple juice or cider, honey, extra-virgin olive oil, dried sage, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper creates a well-balanced marinade that not only enhances the taste of the pork but also helps tenderize the meat. The apple juice or cider provides a subtle fruitiness that complements the honey, while the sage and garlic add depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

Using the Honey-Sage Marinade is a straightforward process. Whether you whisk the ingredients together in a bowl or mix them in a zipper-lock plastic bag, the marinade comes together easily. Simply pour it over the pork, ensuring the meat is well-coated, and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate it for a longer infusion.

The result is succulent and flavorful pork that delights the taste buds with every bite. This marinade pairs exceptionally well with various pork cuts, from chops to tenderloins and roasts. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or preparing a weeknight dinner, the Honey-Sage Marinade will take your pork dishes to new heights, earning praises from family and friends alike. Enjoy the delectable blend of honey and sage, and savor the enticing aroma that wafts through the air as your pork cooks to perfection.

This delicious apple and honey marinade infuses the pork with a perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes, complemented by the aromatic blend of sage and garlic. It’s an excellent choice for pork chops, tenderloin, or roasts, and the marinade can take your pork dishes to a whole new level of flavor. Enjoy the delectable taste and aroma that this marinade adds to your favorite pork recipes.

MAKES: ABOUT 1¾ CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup apple juice or cider
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon crumbled dried sage
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until well combined. Alternatively, you can combine the ingredients in a large zipper-lock plastic bag.
2. Use the marinade right away to season your pork or refrigerate it in a covered container for up to a couple of days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
3. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it’s evenly coated, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For a more intense flavor, you can also refrigerate the marinating pork, wrapped or covered, for a longer period, even up to overnight.

VARIATION:

• If sage isn’t a favorite of yours, leave it out and add a chopped shallot and then a tablespoon or so of crumbled dried thyme or rosemary.