Easy All Purpose Marinade For Summer Grilling

Posted By Meghan Y. | Updated on March 19, 2025 | Published on July 22, 2019 // Leave a Comment

This Easy All Purpose Marinade makes summer grilling oh-so simple. You can use it with any protein from beef to pork to chicken. The marinade makes the protein nice and juicy, with a tangy and hearty fresh flavor in every bite. Fire up the grill, it’s time to cook! 

Easy all purpose marinade for beef, pork, or chicken

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by ButcherBox. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

Summer is in full swing over here and I have to tell you, my grill is getting a serious workout. 

Grilled chicken thighs

From beef to pork to chicken to fish, all of the proteins have been hitting the grates on a weekly basis at the very least.

I don’t know if you follow me over on Instagram, but when I was going through the most difficult weeks, there was one thing that totally saved me and the Man in terms of cooking.

Simply put, it was ButcherBox.

ButcherBox Meats

More grilling recipes to use with ButcherBox: Chipotle Lime Flank Steak / Grilled Avocado Caprese Chicken / Grilled Chipotle BBQ Chicken Skewers / Spicy Ginger Grilled Chicken Thighs

I’ve included a master list of recipes that you can make with the help of ButcherBox at the bottom of this post too! Be sure to scroll all the way down to check it out.

We really leaned heavily on the mail-ordered meats because they are so easy to create recipes from, and the flavor of the beef, pork, and chicken is downright tasty. I have made everything from burgers to BBQ chicken to fancy steak frites, and I’m not stopping there!

Grilled chicken and steak on a plate

Now I’m sure that you’ve heard of a bunch of different meat delivery or meal delivery services out in the world, but I can honestly say that ButcherBox has become an instant favorite for the Man and I.

We’ve tried others, but this is the one that really stands out in a sea of options.

Flat iron steak in a marinade Chicken thighs in a marinade

All of the beef from ButcherBox is 100% grass-fed, grass finished. They also have heritage breed pork and free-range, organic chicken.

Not only do they have incredible product and a wide variety, they are striving to make it more accessible to US consumers.

Honestly, this is one of those companies that you can feel good about purchasing from, but you can also taste the difference in their products. I know that sounds kind of corny, but the quality of meat is really above and beyond anything you can grab at your supermarket.

Fun Fact: The ButcherBox boxes are 100% curbside recyclable and made from 95% recycled materials! For me that’s a big bonus because not only is the product sustainably sourced, ButcherBox puts sustainable practices in everything right down to the box they send to you!

Grilling steak on the grill

When it comes to summer grilling, ButcherBox really comes in handy. You can order a box based on the kind of proteins you like to eat the best, then you whip out what you need when you need it.

That’s why you need this easy all purpose marinade in your life for your summer grilling. It’s ideal for literally any protein, bringing in tangy and fresh flavor while also keeping all the proteins super juicy.

Side shot of marinated chicken thighs

The best part is, you most likely have all the ingredients for this marinade in your pantry and refrigerator already!

What You’ll Need To Make This Easy Marinade

All you need is a bowl from your set of mixing bowls and whisk to make the marinade.

Obviously, you need your preferred ButcherBox package so you can select whatever protein you plan to enjoy tonight.

Top down shot of grilled steak and chicken thighs

Quick Tips For Making This All Purpose Marinade

You can easily use lime juice instead of lemon juice if that’s all that you have.

Don’t like parsley? Use freshly chopped cilantro instead.

Side shot of grilled flat iron steak

Make sure that you give your protein a solid two hours for the marinade to seep into the meat. However, the longer you leave it the better it will taste. I always recommend marinating proteins overnight.

You can also whip it up in the morning so all you have to do is throw the meat on the grill when you get home from work!

Grilled chicken thighs and steak

Pin this Easy All Purpose Marinade recipe for later!

Easy all purpose marinade Pinterest image

Easy all purpose marinade thumbnail image

Easy All Purpose Marinade

The easiest marinade in the entire world, that can be used for any protein including beef, pork, chicken and even seafood!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Passive Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 1 1/4 cups marinade
5 from 1 vote

ingredients

  • 2 lbs your chosen protein beef, pork, chicken
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/3 cup olive/vegetable/canola oil
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley leaves
  • Garnish: fresh parsley leaves

instructions

  • Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oil, lemon juice, and parsley leaves to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.
  • Add the mixture to a large sealable bag along with your desired protein. Seal and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
  • Remove from marinade and cook as desired on the grill. You can also use this marinade for proteins that you would like to cook on the stove or in the oven. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve.
Cuisine: American
Category: Grilling

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5 from 1 vote

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