Sweet Tea Marinade

Sweet Tea Marinade is a flavorful liquid mixture used to tenderize and infuse proteins, primarily popular in the American South. It typically combines brewed black tea, sugar, and acidic elements like lemon juice or vinegar, along with spices such as ginger or garlic. This marinade is commonly used for chicken, pork, or sometimes tofu.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This marinade is high in carbohydrates due to its sugar content and provides minimal protein or fat. It contributes small amounts of antioxidants from the tea and some electrolytes, with a typical serving containing roughly 50-70 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	60 kcal
Protein	0.1 g
Carbs	15 g
Fat	0 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	14 g
Sodium	5 mg
Manganese	0.2 mg
Fluoride	0.1 mg
Potassium	20 mg
Vitamin B6	0.01 mg
Folate	2 µg
Antioxidants (Theaflavins)	Variable

Per 1/4 cup (60 ml) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The use of sweet tea as a marinade base is a creative twist on the iconic Southern beverage, leveraging its tannins and sweetness to both tenderize meat and create a caramelized glaze during cooking.