Espresso Jolt Marinade

Elevate your grilling game with this bold and aromatic Espresso Jolt Marinade—a flavor-packed blend perfect for infusing meats, vegetables, or tofu with a deep, smoky richness. The star of this recipe is fresh-brewed espresso, which pairs perfectly with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of brown sugar to create a harmonious balance of savory and sweet. Layers of smoky paprika, zesty garlic, and a kick of optional red pepper flakes enhance the marinade, while Worcestershire sauce ties it all together with its distinctive umami flavor. Ready in just 10 minutes, this marinade is as versatile as it is bold, perfect for steak, chicken, portobello mushrooms, or even hearty cuts of salmon. Pro tip: let it work its magic for 24 hours to fully infuse your ingredients with its robust, coffee-inspired essence. Say goodbye to boring cookouts and hello to a jolt of unforgettable flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 120 ml Brewed espresso
• 60 ml Olive oil
• 60 ml Balsamic vinegar
• 30 g Brown sugar
• 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 5 g Smoked paprika
• 3 g Freshly ground black pepper
• 5 g Kosher salt
• 5 g Onion powder
• 2 g Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

Step 1

Brew a fresh shot of espresso (or 120 ml if using brewed coffee) and let it cool slightly.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brewed espresso, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until well blended.

Step 3

Add the brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk vigorously to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 4

Taste the marinade and adjust salt, sugar, or spices according to your preference.

Step 5

Place your chosen protein or vegetables (up to 1.5 kg) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ingredients, making sure they are fully submerged and coated.

Step 6

Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For bolder flavor, marinate for up to 24 hours.

Step 7

Before cooking, remove the ingredients from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels to achieve optimal searing or grilling.

Step 8

Discard any unused marinade or bring it to a boil if you wish to use it as a sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	311.6 grams (311.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	762

Total Fat 58.40g	75%
Saturated Fat 9.00g	45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2233mg	97%
Total Carbohydrate 57.40g	21%
Dietary Fiber 4.60g	16%
Total Sugars 40.60g
Protein 3.90g	8%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 137mg	11%
Iron 4mg	24%
Potassium 713mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.2%

Protein: 2.0%

Carbs: 29.8%