Sesame Ginger Marinade (Savory, Aromatic & Perfect for Chicken, Beef & Salmon!)

This Sesame Ginger Marinade is savory, aromatic, and deeply flavorful — made with soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for balance. It’s the perfect all-purpose Asian-inspired marinade for chicken, beef, pork, salmon, shrimp, or even grilled vegetables. Every bite becomes tender, juicy, and infused with warm, nutty sesame flavor. Serve your sesame ginger–marinated protein with simple sides like Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, or a fresh Classic Caesar Salad for a cozy and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This

• Savory sesame flavor with fresh ginger and garlic

• Balanced marinade with a hint of sweetness and depth

• Simple ingredients mixed quickly

• Perfect for chicken, beef, seafood, or stir-fry dishes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Optional: pinch red pepper flakes

• 1.5–2 lbs chicken, beef, pork, salmon, or shrimp

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, and pepper.

2. Add protein to a zip-top bag or shallow dish.

3. Pour the marinade over the meat and refrigerate:

   • Chicken: 1–8 hours

   • Beef: 2–12 hours

   • Pork: 2–12 hours

   • Salmon: 20–30 minutes

   • Shrimp: 15 minutes

4. Remove from the marinade and discard excess.

5. Grill, pan-sear, bake, or air fry until cooked through.

6. Optional: Boil leftover marinade for 3–5 minutes to use as a glaze.

Marinade Time

• Chicken: 1–8 hours

• Beef/Pork: 2–12 hours

• Salmon: 20–30 minutes

• Shrimp: 15 minutes

• Max for meats: 12 hours

Cook Time:

10–20 minutes, depending on protein

Storage

• Unused marinade: 5–6 days refrigerated

• Raw meat in marinade: Use times above

• Cooked protein: 3–4 days

• Freezer: Freeze meat + marinade up to 3 months (except shrimp)

Best Proteins for This Marinade

• Chicken thighs/breasts

• Beef skirt steak or flank steak

• Pork tenderloin or chops

• Salmon fillets

• Shrimp

• Veggies: mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, green beans

• Tofu

FAQ

Is sesame oil required?

Yes — it gives the marinade its nutty, signature flavor. A little goes a long way.

Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?

Yes — use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger if you don’t have fresh.

Can I turn this into a stir-fry sauce?

Absolutely! Boil marinade for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Can I reduce sodium?

Use low-sodium soy sauce or replace half with water.

Does this taste spicy?

Only if you add red pepper flakes; otherwise, it's mild.

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Ginger Marinade is a simple way to bring deep, savory flavor and warm aromatic notes to everyday meals. The combination of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil infuses proteins with rich, nutty depth while keeping everything tender and juicy. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or pan-searing, this marinade delivers bold flavor that feels comforting yet fresh. It’s a versatile recipe you’ll reach for whenever you want an easy meal with big, satisfying taste.