Will’s Special Marinade is infused with bold flavours of cocoa and espresso. It adds a rich, smokey flavour to beef, bison, ribs and lamb.
This wine-based meat marinade is key to juicy steaks all summer long.
No need for store-bought marinades. They are really simple to make and great for those long overnight soaks like for roasts. The results are amazing.
We love to bbq, or I should say my hubby loves to bbq. I am more than happy to let him work his magic whether he is using the gas grill or the charcoal Keg. We are always trying new rubs and marinade recipes during grilling season.
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this bbq marinade can be found at the bottom of this post.
Experiment with different spices, wines, and flavours of kinds of vinegar to create flavour combinations that will win your guests over every time.
We have a cocoa dry rub that we really enjoy using, so that is where the idea for this chocolate coffee marinade came from.
Ingredients For This Easy Marinade Recipe
Easy-to-find ingredients include:
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- port
- Worcestershire sauce
- dry mustard
- espresso powder
- paprika
- cocoa powder
- soy sauce
- garlic
- black pepper
Making This Special Marinade From Scratch
This really is super easy. The hardest part is choosing which cut of meat you want to cook.
Combine all the marinade ingredients in a measuring cup, or bottle.
Today we are going to grill some steaks. Place the meat in a freezer bag, and pour in the marinade. Allow to marinate in the fridge for several hours. Turn the bag over a few times to enable the marinade to get all sides of the meat.
This special marinade is sure to elevate your grilling skills and take your dishes to a new level of perfection.
Suggestions/Recipe Tips
When using alcohol in recipes, be sure it is good quality. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive bottle, but not the cheapest either.
Never reuse the marinade that meat has been soaking in.
Always keep leftover marinade in the fridge.
FAQ’s
It will help soften the meat and adds aroma during grilling.
Taking off the excess moisture before placing the meat on the grill helps to create a crispy texture during cooking. The excess marinade also causes flare-ups on the grill.
Anywhere from 4 to 24 hours, depending on the cut of meat. Steaks and chicken do not take as long as a roast. Fish is usually only about 30-60 minutes.
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You may also enjoy these grilling recipes:
- Looking for a great side dish? How about some Simple Grilled Veggies.
- Have you tried Grilled Garlic Scapes?
- BBQ Seasonings Recipe Roundup has all your grilling needs covered.
- Grilled Balsamic Strawberries are great for dessert.
- Cold Smoked Brie will be a hit at your next bbq party.
Will’s Special Marinade
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup port use a good quality
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves fresh minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a measuring cup. Pour over meat.
- Let meat marinate for at least 4 hours to overnight in the fridge.
- To not reuse marinade.
Amy Liu Dong
I have never tried this before but wow, I made this yesterday and it is so easy and delicious. Everyone loves it!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Homemade marinades are the best.
Isa
I used this as a marinade for grilled steaks and it was absolutely incredible. We usually grill steaks plain but wanted to try with the coffee powder and this will definitly be a regular way be marinate them from now on.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You will never grill plain steaks again! This is a must for grilling season.
Kristina
A few weeks ago I marinated a tri tip steak in a marinade with coffee grinds and was told it was the best steak my dinner guests had. So I figured the espresso powder would have the same effect and I was right! The espresso takes this marinade to the next level- it’s something everyone needs to try.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Glad you enjoyed this fantastic marinade.
Moop Brown
I think the cocoa and espresso flavors make this marinade particularly unique and serve as a great addition to the meats you pair it with.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
It creates a nice smokey flavour for sure.
Monica
I love how the cocoa mixes with the espresso powder and the wine for this marinade – it’s really a complex but irresistible combination of flavors, and you’re right, so perfect for major flavor for summer grilling!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You can’t buy marinades like this in the store. ENJOY!
LaKita
This marinade is so smokey, delicious, and flavorful! Love the addition of espresso and cocoa powder, it really brings out the flavors of any meat that you use this marinade on!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
This is one marinade that is a must for grilling season.
Silvia
Wow! This marinade is so flavorful. My hubby is a big Port and Worcestershire Sauce fan, so I knew I had to make it. I’m glad I did. I marinaded some carne asada and it was perfect.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
It really is the only meat marinade you need.
Claire
Extra special is right! The combination of espresso, cocoa and smoked paprika made for the smokiest sauce. I never would have thought to put those flavors together but they were so good!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
All of the flavours play a part in this unique marinade.
Ann
I used this marinade for some chicken, and it was super tasty! I saved the recipe so I can try with other cuts of meats. Thanks for the recipe share!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
This is the only meat marinade you need for all your summer grilling.
Jamie
Wow! This marinade looks incredibly delicious and very yummy! It’s stuffed with amazing flavor and taste! This will make any meat dish so great! Totally loved this!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
This is the best meat marinade for all your grilling pleasure.
Carrie Robinson
I really love the coffee/espresso flavor with beef! 🙂 I would definitely try this with a pot roast or as an marinade for steak.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Perfect for steak, roast, and or any kind of meat.
Tristin
This had some intriguing flavors so we had to try it. Will definitely be using this one throughout the summer!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I will say if is unique, and homemade marinades are the best.