FOR CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD & GRILLED DISHES
We’re tampering here with the Chinese-style barbecued pork flavoring called char siu, which mixes sweet and savory flavors along with a healthy shot of red food coloring. We’ve cut the food coloring, added a few squirts of tangy hot sriracha, and then balanced the sweetness with the toasty flavor of sesame oil. This is great on lightly smoked foods, but the sesame would get lost on long smoked barbecue.
The Sriracha, Soy, and Sesame Marinade is a delightful and bold combination of flavors that brings together the heat of sriracha, the savory richness of soy sauce, and the nutty essence of sesame oil. This versatile marinade is perfect for enhancing the taste of various meats, especially pork, chicken, and beef, infusing them with an irresistible blend of sweet, spicy, and umami notes.
The base of the marinade consists of soy sauce, which provides a salty and savory foundation to the mixture. The addition of sriracha sauce brings a fiery kick and a burst of chili flavor, adding just the right amount of heat to the marinade. Asian sesame oil contributes a nutty and aromatic element that complements the other ingredients perfectly. These components work harmoniously to create a well-balanced and tantalizing marinade that will take your dishes to a whole new level.
The marinade is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of whisking or shaking to combine the ingredients. Once mixed, it can be used right away, or if you prefer a more intense flavor, you can refrigerate it for a couple of days to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
To use the Sriracha, Soy, and Sesame Marinade, simply pour it over your choice of meat and let it work its magic. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or stir-frying, this marinade will infuse your meat with mouthwatering flavors, resulting in tender, succulent, and well-seasoned dishes that will impress your family and guests.
This marinade is a go-to recipe for anyone who enjoys bold and flavorful dishes. Its versatility makes it a fantastic choice for various cuts of meat, making it an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire. With a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and nutty elements, the Sriracha, Soy, and Sesame Marinade is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, elevating your meals and tantalizing your taste buds with every bite.
MAKES: ABOUT 2 CUPS
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice or syrup from a can of lychees
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha, or more to taste
- 1 or 2 crushed star anise or 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
INSTRUCTIONS:
- 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.
- The marinade can be used immediately, or if not using right away, cover and refrigerate it for up to a couple of days to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- To marinate the pork, pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Let the pork sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes at room temperature for a quick infusion of flavor. For a more intense flavor, you can refrigerate the meat, wrapped or covered, for an extended period, even up to overnight.
