Description
Succulent Greek Yogurt and Lemon Juice Marinade elevates ordinary proteins with Mediterranean magic. Tangy, creamy, and packed with zesty flavor, you’ll discover a simple yet extraordinary way to infuse depth into your favorite meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins and Dairy:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Acidic Components:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking Greek yogurt with freshly squeezed lemon juice in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Introduce minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the yogurt mixture, blending thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Select your preferred protein – whether chicken, fish, or lamb – and generously coat it with the zesty marinade, massaging the mixture into the meat’s surface.
- Cover the marinated protein with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the tangy yogurt and aromatic herbs to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Before cooking, remove the protein from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Grill, bake, or pan-sear the marinated protein at medium-high heat (375-400°F), cooking until the internal temperature reaches the recommended safe level for your specific protein choice.
- Let the cooked protein rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help retain its juices and maximize tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Greek yogurt’s creamy texture helps tenderize meats by breaking down proteins, making chicken, fish, or lamb extra juicy and soft.
- Add fresh herbs like mint or dill to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile and introduce additional aromatic complexity.
- Reduce marinating time for delicate proteins like fish to 15-20 minutes to prevent the acid from breaking down the flesh too much.
- For dairy-free alternatives, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut milk or cashew cream to maintain the marinade’s rich, tangy character.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 34 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 5.9 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg