Homemade seasonings and marinades are the secret weapons of any great cook, transforming everyday ingredients into unforgettable meals. Unlike store-bought blends, making your own lets you control the salt, sugar, and spice levels, avoid preservatives, and customize flavors to suit your taste. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, sautéing, or meal prepping, a well-crafted seasoning or marinade can elevate chicken, beef, seafood, vegetables, and even tofu. From bold dry rubs that create a crave-worthy crust to zesty marinades that tenderize and infuse, these recipes are easy to make and even easier to love. This collection of 14 best homemade seasoning and marinade recipes features global flavors, classic blends, and creative twists that will keep your meals exciting all year round. Dive in, experiment, and discover how a simple mix of herbs, spices, citrus, and aromatics can unlock a world of flavor in your kitchen.
Garlic Soy & Lime Chicken Marinade
Garlic Soy & Lime Chicken Marinade is a powerhouse of flavor that brings together the best of savory, tangy, and aromatic notes in one simple blend. This marinade starts with fresh garlic, which infuses the chicken with deep, pungent warmth. Soy sauce adds a salty, umami backbone, while lime juice delivers a burst of citrusy brightness that not only flavors the chicken but also helps tenderize it. A touch of honey or brown sugar can be added for balance, rounding out the acidity and saltiness with a subtle sweetness. To prepare, simply whisk together minced garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, and your sweetener of choice. Pour it over chicken breasts, thighs, or even tofu, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—or overnight for the most intense flavor. Grill, roast, or pan-sear as desired. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a slightly caramelized exterior and a zesty, savory kick in every bite. This marinade is perfect for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or meal prep, and it pairs beautifully with rice, salads, or roasted vegetables. Get the recipe: Garlic Soy & Lime Chicken Marinade
Jamaican Jerk Marinade
Jamaican Jerk Marinade is your ticket to the bold, fiery flavors of the Caribbean right in your own kitchen. This marinade is built on a complex blend of spices and aromatics: allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, combined with Scotch bonnet peppers for heat, and rounded out with garlic, ginger, scallions, and a touch of brown sugar. The result is a marinade that’s both spicy and aromatic, with a subtle sweetness and layers of earthy, herbal notes. Traditionally used for chicken or pork, jerk marinade can also be used on shrimp, tofu, or vegetables for a vegan twist. To use, blend all the ingredients into a thick paste, coat your protein generously, and let it marinate for several hours or overnight. Grill or roast for the best results, allowing the sugars to caramelize and the spices to form a flavorful crust. Every bite is a balance of heat, sweetness, and aromatic depth, making it perfect for summer cookouts, backyard gatherings, or whenever you crave a taste of the islands. Get the recipe: Jamaican Jerk Marinade
Mojo Marinade
Mojo Marinade is a Cuban classic that packs a punch of citrus and garlic, creating a bright and zesty flavor profile that’s perfect for pork, chicken, or vegetables. The base is a mix of orange juice and lime juice, which tenderize and infuse the meat with tangy freshness. Garlic, oregano, cumin, and a splash of olive oil round out the marinade, adding depth and a hint of earthiness. To make mojo, simply whisk together the juices, minced garlic, herbs, and oil, then pour over your protein and let it soak for at least an hour. Mojo is especially fantastic for pork shoulder or chicken thighs destined for the grill or a slow roast, but it’s also delicious drizzled over roasted vegetables or used as a finishing sauce. The citrus not only flavors the meat but also helps keep it juicy and tender, while the garlic and herbs provide an irresistible aroma. This marinade is a must for anyone who loves bold, fresh, and vibrant flavors in their cooking. Get the recipe: Mojo Marinade
Korean BBQ Marinade
Korean BBQ Marinade is the secret behind the irresistible sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors of Korean barbecue. This marinade typically combines soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sometimes Asian pear or apple for natural sweetness and tenderizing power. The result is a glossy, umami-rich marinade that clings beautifully to beef short ribs (galbi), chicken, or tofu. To prepare, whisk the ingredients together until the sugar dissolves, then pour over your protein and marinate for at least a couple of hours, or overnight for the deepest flavor. When grilled or broiled, the sugars caramelize, creating a sticky, flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Korean BBQ marinade is also great for stir-fries or as a base for rice bowls. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving for a classic finish. This marinade brings the magic of Korean barbecue to your home kitchen, making every meal a celebration. Get the recipe: Korean BBQ Marinade
Lemon Dijon Marinade
Lemon Dijon Marinade is a versatile, tangy blend that brightens up chicken, fish, pork, or even roasted vegetables. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest with Dijon mustard creates a zippy, slightly creamy base, while olive oil, garlic, and herbs like thyme or rosemary add depth and aroma. This marinade is especially great for grilling or roasting, as the acidity from the lemon helps tenderize the meat and the mustard forms a flavorful crust. To make it, simply whisk together lemon juice, zest, Dijon, olive oil, minced garlic, and your favorite herbs. Pour over your protein and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for more intense flavor. Lemon Dijon marinade is perfect for summer meals, salads, or meal prep, and it’s a great way to add brightness and complexity to everyday dishes. Get the recipe: Lemon Dijon Marinade
Morton’s Steakhouse Marinade
Morton’s Steakhouse Marinade brings the rich, savory flavors of a classic steakhouse dinner right to your home. This marinade combines soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and a hint of brown sugar for sweetness, along with black pepper and a splash of olive oil. The soy and Worcestershire sauces provide a deep umami backbone, while the garlic and sugar create a subtle caramelization on the grill or under the broiler. To use, whisk all the ingredients together and marinate your steaks for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor. This marinade is ideal for beef, but also works beautifully with pork chops or portobello mushrooms. The result is a steak that’s juicy, tender, and packed with restaurant-quality flavor—perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to a great meal at home.
Get the recipe: Morton’s Steakhouse Marinade
Cilantro Lime Marinade
Cilantro Lime Marinade is a bright, herby blend that’s perfect for chicken, shrimp, fish, or vegetables. Fresh cilantro and lime juice are the stars, supported by garlic, olive oil, cumin, and a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick. This marinade is especially great for grilling, as the lime juice tenderizes the protein and the cilantro infuses every bite with freshness. To make it, blend or whisk together the ingredients and marinate your protein for at least 30 minutes. Cilantro lime marinade is a must for taco night, fajitas, or summer cookouts, and it’s also delicious drizzled over salads or grain bowls. The vibrant color and flavor make it a standout, and it’s a great way to add a taste of the Southwest or Mexico to your meals. Get the recipe: Cilantro Lime Marinade
Piri Piri Marinade
Piri Piri Marinade is inspired by the bold, spicy flavors of Portuguese and African cuisine. The key ingredients are chili peppers (often bird’s eye or red chilies), garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and olive oil, blended into a fiery, tangy paste. This marinade is famous for its use on grilled chicken, but it’s also fantastic with shrimp, fish, or even roasted vegetables. To use, coat your protein generously and let it marinate for at least an hour before grilling or roasting. The result is a dish with a smoky, spicy kick and a bright citrus finish. Piri piri is perfect for adventurous eaters and anyone looking to add a little heat and excitement to their meals. Get the recipe: Piri Piri Marinade
Coconut Curry Marinade
Coconut Curry Marinade brings the lush, aromatic flavors of Southeast Asia to your kitchen. The base is creamy coconut milk, which keeps proteins moist and adds a subtle sweetness. Curry powder, ginger, garlic, and a splash of lime juice provide warmth and complexity. This marinade is perfect for chicken, shrimp, tofu, or vegetables—simply whisk together the ingredients, coat your protein, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Grill, roast, or stir-fry for a meal that’s rich, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. Coconut curry marinade is a great way to add global flair to your weeknight dinners and is especially good for meal prep, as the flavors intensify overnight. Get the recipe: Coconut Curry Marinade
Honey Balsamic Marinade
Honey Balsamic Marinade is a sweet, tangy, and savory blend that works wonders on chicken, pork, or roasted vegetables. The combination of honey and balsamic vinegar creates a sticky glaze, while garlic, Dijon mustard, and herbs add depth and complexity. To make it, whisk together honey, balsamic, olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Marinate your protein for at least 30 minutes, then grill, bake, or roast for a caramelized finish. The honey helps the meat brown beautifully, while the balsamic adds a rich, tangy note. This marinade is perfect for summer grilling, holiday roasts, or anytime you want to add a gourmet touch to your meals. Get the recipe: Honey Balsamic Marinade
Tequila Lime Marinade
Tequila Lime Marinade is a fiesta in a bowl, infusing chicken, steak, or shrimp with bold, citrusy flavor. Fresh lime juice and zest provide brightness, while tequila adds a subtle kick and helps tenderize the meat. Garlic, cumin, chili powder, and cilantro round out the blend, creating a marinade that’s perfect for grilling or pan-searing. To use, whisk together the ingredients, pour over your protein, and marinate for at least an hour. Tequila lime marinade is ideal for taco night, fajitas, or summer barbecues, and pairs perfectly with Mexican sides like rice, beans, or grilled corn. Get the recipe: Tequila Lime Marinade
Chimichurri Marinade
Chimichurri Marinade is an Argentine classic that doubles as a sauce and a marinade. Fresh parsley, garlic, oregano, red wine vinegar, and olive oil are blended together to create a vibrant, herbaceous mixture. Use it to marinate steak, chicken, or vegetables before grilling, or simply spoon it over cooked meat for a burst of freshness. Chimichurri adds brightness, acidity, and a touch of heat to any dish, making it a versatile staple in your kitchen. It’s especially good with grilled meats and is a must-have for summer cookouts or Argentine-inspired dinners. Get the recipe: Chimichurri Marinade
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Homemade Taco Seasoning is a pantry essential that’s far superior to store-bought packets. Mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. This blend is perfect for seasoning ground beef, chicken, or even roasted vegetables for tacos, burritos, or fajitas. Making your own lets you control the salt and spice level, and you can make a big batch to keep on hand for quick weeknight dinners. Get the recipe: Homemade Taco Seasoning
Italian Seasoning
Italian Seasoning is a versatile blend of dried herbs that brings instant Mediterranean flair to pasta, pizza, roasted meats, and vegetables. Combine dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram for a classic mix, or add sage and parsley for extra depth. This seasoning is a must-have for Italian-inspired dishes and is great to have in your pantry for adding quick flavor to soups, sauces, and marinades.
Get the recipe: Italian Seasoning
Homemade seasonings and marinades are the key to unlocking bold, fresh flavors in your everyday cooking. By mixing your own blends, you can tailor each recipe to your taste, avoid unnecessary additives, and make every meal special. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or meal prepping, these 14 best homemade seasoning and marinade recipes offer endless inspiration for chicken, beef, seafood, veggies, and more. Try a new blend this week, experiment with global flavors, and discover how easy it is to elevate your home cooking with a few simple ingredients and a little creativity. Your taste buds—and your dinner guests—will thank you!
