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    Home » Recipes » Sauces, Marinades, Condiments and More

    Will’s Extra Special Marinade

    Published: May 23, 2023 / By: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 56 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Policy.
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    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.

    Pin

    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.

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    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.

    All the marinade ingredients in a measuring cup.Pin

    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.

    Steaks marinating in bag with Will's Special Marinade.Pin

    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.

    Juicy marinated steak right off the grill.Pin

    FAQ’s

    Why add alcohol to homemade marinades?

    It will help soften the meat and adds aroma during grilling.

    Do you need to pat dry meat before 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.

    How long do you marinate meat before cooking?

    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.

    Be sure to CLICK THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON located in the TOP MENU.

      You may also enjoy these grilling recipes:

      • Looking for a great side dish? How about some Simple Grilled Veggies.
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      • 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.
      Marinade pin image.Pin

      Will’s Special Marinade

      Will’s Special Marinade is a bold cocoa and espresso-infused marinade that is sure to add rich smoky flavour to any cut of meat.
      5 from 52 votes
      Pin Recipe Print Rate Save To Your Recipe Box Saved!
      Course: Marinade
      Cuisine: American, Canadian
      Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
      Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
      Servings: 1 cup
      Author: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

      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
      US Customary – Metric

      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.

      Notes

      Increase the amount of marinade according to the amount of meat you will be using. Always remember to use a GOOD quality port…it will make a huge difference in taste. 
      Tried this recipe?Take a picture and tag @homemadeandyummy
      Nutritional information on this site is generated via a plugin. I am not responsible for the accuracy of the plugin information.

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      MEET THE AUTHOR

      Gloria Duggan is the author for Homemade & Yummy, where she creates fun and easy recipes. She is also a brand ambassador/influencer for well-known companies. Gloria has judged food competitions and has posted about local food events. Gloria's work has been featured in magazines, and she has been interviewed on several podcasts. Read More…

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Alison Saalbach Corey

        May 25, 2023 at 2:18 pm

        I’m constantly amazed by your ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals!! Your creativity and skills are truly impressive!!

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          May 27, 2023 at 10:41 am

          Thanks so much, I am glad you enjoy the recipes on my blog.

        • Dee

          June 05, 2023 at 1:50 am

          This marinade was amazing. So simple yet so much flavor.

        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          June 05, 2023 at 9:06 am

          This is such a great marinade, we use it all summer long.

      2. Jen Vinuya

        May 25, 2023 at 12:16 pm

        This is really an amazing marinade! A new staple at my house!

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          May 27, 2023 at 10:42 am

          One of our favourites for grilling season.

      3. Toni

        May 25, 2023 at 11:29 am

        Such an amazing marinade! Everyone at my house loved it!

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          May 27, 2023 at 10:42 am

          This meat marinade really has some bold and smokey flavour.

      4. Elizabeth

        May 25, 2023 at 10:53 am

        Delicious and so much healthier than buying store-bought marinades! Would love to try this on chicken when we start grilling this summer.

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          May 27, 2023 at 10:43 am

          I agree, homemade marinades are much better.

      5. Andrea

        May 25, 2023 at 10:33 am

        I am so intrigued by the addition of cocoa and coffee in this fabulous marinade. I can’t wait to try it.

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          May 27, 2023 at 10:43 am

          The cocoa and espresso really add depth to this marinade recipe.

      6. Katie

        May 24, 2023 at 11:19 am

        This is so delicious, I can’t wait to get the BBQ out again so I can have some more steaks marinaded in this nectar!

        Katie xoxo

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          May 25, 2023 at 9:00 am

          I know right? The only meat marinade you need.

      7. Giangi Townsend

        May 24, 2023 at 10:59 am

        I am not a marinade person, but your recipe called to me and I am so happy i did.
        Tender meat, and so rich in flavor.
        I am so happy I made it and will make it again this coming weekend for my friends.
        Thank you.

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          May 25, 2023 at 9:00 am

          The cocoa and coffee in this marinade makes the difference in the bold and unique taste.

      8. Mary

        May 24, 2023 at 10:36 am

        I agree with the readers who loved the espresso in this marinade. It was delicious on small filet Mignon. I only had a couple of hours to marinated the steaks but they came out great. Maybe because they were small and tender already. Adding this recipe to my grilling marinade rotation!

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          May 25, 2023 at 9:01 am

          I agree, the espresso really adds a nice bold and smokey flavour for sure.

      9. Helen

        May 24, 2023 at 10:20 am

        I used this on ribs and it was amazing. I like that it is basic with other flavor options. A perfect recipe to use all year!

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          May 24, 2023 at 10:35 am

          It really is the perfect meat marinade for grilling all season long.

      10. Megane

        May 24, 2023 at 10:17 am

        My favorite marinade. The coffee and chocolate together is a perfect flavour combo for any meat.

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          May 24, 2023 at 10:36 am

          I love the chocolate and coffee in this special marinade too.

      11. Elizabeth

        May 24, 2023 at 9:10 am

        Love the added espresso! Thanks for the recipe!

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          May 24, 2023 at 9:15 am

          You are welcome, glad you enjoyed this marinade recipe.

      12. Marisa Franca

        October 28, 2018 at 1:36 pm

        I believe marinades make a meat from Ho-Hum to Wowza! Love that combination of cocoa powder and espresso. See there is where the wowza is coming in. His spices are right on and I bet that meat tastes so good you don’t want to eat anything else. I’m saving the recipe for Hubby to try when next we grill.

        Reply
        • Homemade & Yummy

          October 29, 2018 at 8:29 am

          Oh yes…this is hands down our favourite marinade for red meat!

      13. Pina at One Two Culinary Stew

        June 19, 2015 at 4:07 pm

        My husband loves to BBQ too. He uses Port but has also been known to use scotch!

        Reply
        • Chef G

          June 20, 2015 at 6:59 am

          HAHA….yes there are many options to use that is for sure!!

      14. Debbie S.

        June 05, 2015 at 12:49 am

        Sounds delicious, I think my family will love this! Thanks!

        Reply
        • Chef G

          June 05, 2015 at 8:52 am

          I know we really like it…hope it works well for you.

      15. Old Fat Guy

        May 28, 2015 at 10:37 am

        I h ave saved this to give it a try! I love a good marinated steak.

        Reply
        • Chef G

          May 28, 2015 at 12:53 pm

          Well I think you will like it….let me know!!

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      5 from 52 votes (27 ratings without comment)

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