Yes, we have come to that point in the year that is unofficially known as grilling season. But before you get the smoky party started and unthaw that side of beef you went in on with your friends, you need to round up the best marinades you can buy. Whether you’re trying to ratchet up the vinegar kick on skinless chicken breasts or add a dash of acid (hello lime juice!) to those pork chops, trust us, there’s nothing that adds a better flavor to meat than a delicious marinade. Sure, following a recipe and whipping up your own simple marinade is one way you could go (mincing all. that. garlic.), but each of these ready-made versions is a simpler way to soften the meat and add serious flavor—without having to shop for a ton of ingredients. Check the bottle to see how long to let your meat sit (the longer meat sits in a marinade, the more flavor it will absorb; the same holds true for tofu), and then when it’s actually grilled you can tell everyone you made the marinade yourself. (We won’t say anything.)
Primal Kitchen Lemon Turmeric Vinaigrette & Marinade with Avocado Oil, $5.99 on Thrive Market
Thrive Market
All the cool kids are talking about turmeric—it’s an Indian spice that’s said to fight inflammation. So add this citrusy cocktail—which is also Whole30-compliant—to shrimp or fish before you throw it on the grill.Buy Now
The New Primal Noble Made Medium Buffalo Sauce, $6.99 on Thrive Market
Thrive Market
Paleo acolytes love this line. But even if you’re eating carbs, dunk your chicken wings in this finger-licking sauce before they hit the grill, and you’ll get a game-day snack that’s better than any sports bar’s version. For real.Buy Now
Tessemae’s Lemon Garlic Dressing & Marinade, $5.49 on Thrive Market
Thrive Market
We’re just going to say it: chicken breast is boring. But adding this lemony, garlicky marinade is a simple way to make even a bland chicken breast sing with flavor when grilled.Buy Now
Frontera Carne Asada Marinade For Steak, With Jalapeño and Garlic, $2.09 on Thrive Market
Thrive Market
You don’t have to wait until Taco Tuesday to make the best carne asada of your life. Just add this jalapeño and garlic mixture to a slab of steak and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then grill it up, and get ready to fall deeply in love.Buy Now
Stonewall Kitchen Garlic Rosemary Citrus Sauce, $8.95 at Sur la Table
Sur la Table
Add some serious zing to your chicken or shrimp before it hits the grill with this Italian-leaning sauce that’s got all the best flavors (praise be garlic and rosemary). No more sad chicken dinners!Buy Now
Lemon Dill Marinade & Dressing, $7.95 at Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen
The lemony dill flavors in this marinade were made for summertime grilling—even if you don’t own a home in the Mediterranean. Just soak some salmon in this savory sauce before getting your grill on.Buy Now
Walkerswood Jerk Marinade, $11.98 for 2 at World Market
World Market
Can’t afford a trip to Jamaica? Get a taste of the island with this authentic jerk sauce that has some serious kick thanks to scotch bonnet peppers. Throw it on chicken before tossing the bird over an open flame.Buy Now
Korean Bulgogi BBQ Sauce, $6.98 for 2 at World Market
World Market
Chicken breasts, pork, and beef will get a whole new life thanks to this sweet (that’s the pears and apples) and tangy Korean sauce. Bulgogi literally means “fire meat” in Korean, so, well, you know what to do.Buy Now
Stubb’s Pork Marinade, $2.99 at Target
Target
Some of the best BBQ in Austin comes from Stubb’s, and now you don’t have to travel to the Texas town (or wait in line) to get that smoky sweet flavor anytime you want it. Add this guy to anything from pork chops to ribs and let the chiles, lime, and ginger take over.Buy Now
Filfil Garlic Spread and Marinade, $14 at Mouth
Mouth.com
Garlic lovers will rejoice over this flavor-packed paste (it also has paprika and cayenne) that’s deadly on chicken and steak, in a good way. Just make sure you don’t have plans to kiss anyone who might mind garlic breath because, well, you will have garlic breath.Buy Now
Shrimp & Steak Mixed Grill Summer Cookout Box, $125 at Blue Apron
All the ingredients you need for 8 servings of Spanish-spiced steak & shrimp, plus delicious sides and dessert—which also goes on the grill!
Enhance Your BBQ IQ: Everything Else You Need to Know About Grilling and Barbecue
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Header image courtesy of Mouth.com.
