Marinade for poultry
A marinade for poultry is a flavorful liquid mixture used to tenderize and infuse meat like chicken or turkey with taste before cooking. Common ingredients include acidic elements like lemon juice or yogurt, herbs such as rosemary and thyme, garlic, and spices. This technique is found in cuisines worldwide, from Middle Eastern yogurt-based marinades to Caribbean jerk seasonings.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
While the marinade itself is not typically consumed in large quantities, it adds minimal calories (around 20-50 per serving) and can enhance the protein content of the poultry by helping it retain moisture. The key nutrients it contributes are often antioxidants from herbs and anti-inflammatory compounds from spices like turmeric or ginger.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 3.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1800 mg |
| Sodium | 1800 mg |
| Potassium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Calcium | 25 mg |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Phosphorus | 40 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.2 mg |
Per 1/2 cup (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, marinades often reflect local agricultural and trade histories—like the use of citrus in Mediterranean regions or tamarind in South Asian cooking. Nutritionally, acidic marinades can help break down tough muscle fibers, making the protein more digestible, while certain spices may aid in nutrient absorption.
