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.
Alison Saalbach Corey
I’m constantly amazed by your ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals!! Your creativity and skills are truly impressive!!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Thanks so much, I am glad you enjoy the recipes on my blog.
Dee
This marinade was amazing. So simple yet so much flavor.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
This is such a great marinade, we use it all summer long.
Jen Vinuya
This is really an amazing marinade! A new staple at my house!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
One of our favourites for grilling season.
Toni
Such an amazing marinade! Everyone at my house loved it!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
This meat marinade really has some bold and smokey flavour.
Elizabeth
Delicious and so much healthier than buying store-bought marinades! Would love to try this on chicken when we start grilling this summer.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I agree, homemade marinades are much better.
Andrea
I am so intrigued by the addition of cocoa and coffee in this fabulous marinade. I can’t wait to try it.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
The cocoa and espresso really add depth to this marinade recipe.
Katie
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
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I know right? The only meat marinade you need.
Giangi Townsend
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.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
The cocoa and coffee in this marinade makes the difference in the bold and unique taste.
Mary
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!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I agree, the espresso really adds a nice bold and smokey flavour for sure.
Helen
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!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
It really is the perfect meat marinade for grilling all season long.
Megane
My favorite marinade. The coffee and chocolate together is a perfect flavour combo for any meat.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I love the chocolate and coffee in this special marinade too.
Elizabeth
Love the added espresso! Thanks for the recipe!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You are welcome, glad you enjoyed this marinade recipe.
Marisa Franca
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.
Homemade & Yummy
Oh yes…this is hands down our favourite marinade for red meat!
Pina at One Two Culinary Stew
My husband loves to BBQ too. He uses Port but has also been known to use scotch!
Chef G
HAHA….yes there are many options to use that is for sure!!
Debbie S.
Sounds delicious, I think my family will love this! Thanks!
Chef G
I know we really like it…hope it works well for you.
Old Fat Guy
I h ave saved this to give it a try! I love a good marinated steak.
Chef G
Well I think you will like it….let me know!!