FOR CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD & GRILLED DISHES
Marinades in general work better with meat and seafood than with vegetables, which can get soggy quickly. An important exception for us is the opportunity to add soy sauce flavor in a short bath to eggplant rounds, portobello mushroom slices, asparagus, and baby onions on the stem before grilling or lightly smoking, or to tofu and tempeh before grilling.
This marinade offers a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, making it an excellent choice for infusing vegetables with an Asian-inspired taste profile. The soy sauce provides saltiness, while the mirin contributes a touch of sweetness and depth. The combination of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil brings layers of aromatic and savory notes that beautifully complement a variety of vegetables.
This marinade is a versatile addition to your culinary toolkit, allowing you to create delicious and flavorful vegetable dishes with an Asian twist. Whether you’re preparing a side dish, stir-fry, or even a vegetable skewer for grilling, this marinade adds a burst of flavor that elevates the natural taste of the vegetables.
MAKES: ABOUT 1 CUP
INGREDIENTS:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup mirin
- 1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Combine Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, peanut or vegetable oil, minced ginger, Asian sesame oil, and minced garlic. Alternatively, you can combine these ingredients in a large zipper-lock plastic bag.
- Marinate Vegetables: Place the vegetables you intend to marinate in a bowl or a plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the vegetables to marinate for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This marinating time will help infuse the vegetables with the flavors of the marinade.
- Cooking: After marinating, you can proceed to cook the vegetables according to your preferred method. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, stir-frying, or any other cooking technique, the marinated vegetables will have absorbed the savory and aromatic qualities of the marinade, enhancing their overall taste.
VARIATIONS:
- Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh citrus juice, such as orange, lime, or lemon, to the marinade. The acidity will brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing element to the dish.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the marinade. This will give the vegetables a subtle spicy kick that balances well with the other flavors.
- Honey Glaze: For a touch of sweetness, blend in a small amount of honey or brown sugar to the marinade. This adds depth and caramelizes nicely when cooking the vegetables.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can be a wonderful addition to the marinade. They not only contribute a pleasant nutty flavor but also provide a delightful crunch.
- Fresh Herbs: Experiment with adding chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, green onions, or basil to the marinade. Their freshness can bring another layer of complexity to the overall taste.
- Tamarind Twist: For a tangy twist, incorporate a bit of tamarind paste or tamarind concentrate into the marinade. This will introduce a unique sweet and sour element to the flavor profile.
- Coconut Infusion: Replace the vegetable oil with coconut oil and add a splash of coconut milk to the marinade. This variation will give the vegetables a subtle coconut flavor and creamy texture.
- Soy-Ginger-Garlic Base: If you’re looking for a classic trio of Asian flavors, focus on enhancing the soy sauce, ginger, and garlic elements in the marinade. Adjust the quantities to achieve the desired intensity.




