Using hot sauce as a marinade is absolutely possible and can infuse food with lots of flavor. However, there are some things to keep in mind when using hot sauce for marinating to ensure the best results.
What is a Marinade?
A marinade is a liquid that is used to soak foods in before cooking. The purpose of a marinade is to tenderize, add flavor, and impart moisture. A typical marinade contains an acidic ingredient like vinegar or citrus juice which helps break down tough proteins in meats. It also contains oil which keeps foods moist and carries flavor. And marinades usually include herbs, spices, and aromatics like garlic, onion, or ginger to infuse foods with big, bold flavors.
Can You Use Hot Sauce as a Marinade?
Yes, you absolutely can use hot sauce as a marinade! Hot sauce contains many of the typical marinade ingredients – vinegar, spices, herbs, and flavorful chiles. The vinegar and salt in hot sauce will tenderize meats and poultry. And the chiles and spices will infuse the food with heat and flavor. Here are some tips for using hot sauce to marinate:
- Use an appropriate hot sauce – thicker, paste-like hot sauces will coat the food better than thin, vinegar-based sauces.
- Mix the hot sauce with oil – this will help it cling to the food and add moisture.
- Add other flavorings – garlic, onion, herbs to complement the hot sauce.
- Marinate in the refrigerator – let foods soak up the flavors for 1-24 hours.
- Reserve some hot sauce – brush on additional hot sauce right before cooking or serving.
Best Foods to Marinate with Hot Sauce
Many types of foods pair well with a spicy, hot sauce-based marinade. Some top options include:
- Chicken – skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- Pork – pork chops, pork tenderloin, or pork shoulder
- Beef – flank steak, skirt steak, or other cheaper cuts
- Fish – firm fish like salmon, tuna, or halibut
- Shrimp – peeled, deveined shrimp
- Vegetables – mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, or onions
The hot sauce will complement the flavor of these foods nicely. Be sure to pat off any excess marinade before cooking to prevent burning.
Hot Sauce Marinade Recipes
Here are some tasty marinade recipes featuring hot sauce:
Jamaican Jerk Hot Sauce Marinade
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Mix all ingredients together. Marinate chicken, pork, or shrimp for 1-24 hrs.
Spicy Thai Peanut Hot Sauce Marinade
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Whisk together all ingredients. Marinate chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu for 30 mins – overnight.
Chipotle Hot Sauce Steak Marinade
- 1/2 cup chipotle hot sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
Mix together all ingredients. Marinate flank steak, skirt steak, or other beef cuts for 2-24 hours.
Tips for Cooking with a Hot Sauce Marinade
Here are some additional pointers to follow when marinating with hot sauce:
- Remove raw meat from the marinade before cooking. Cook marinated vegetables as desired.
- Let foods come to room temperature before cooking for even heating.
- Pat off excess marinade with paper towels to prevent burning or smoking.
- Use tongs or spatulas vs. forks which pierce the meat and let juices run out.
- Cook over medium-high heat. Marinades often contain sugars that can burn at very high heat.
- Discard used marinade if it touched raw meat to avoid foodborne illness.
- Brush on a bit of the reserved marinade at the end for extra flavor.
Serving Ideas for Hot Sauce Marinated Foods
Foods marinated in hot sauce can be served in many fun and flavorful ways. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled hot sauce chicken or steak tacos with avocado
- Spicy marinated shrimp skewers with pineapple salsa
- Jerk pork tenderloin with grilled pineapple
- Chipotle steak fajitas with grilled peppers and onions
- Hot buffalo chicken wraps with blue cheese dressing
- Grilled hot sauce salmon with mango avocado salsa
- Spicy marinated mushrooms on crusty baguette slices
Using hot sauces to marinate opens up a world of possibilities! Play around with different flavor combinations to discover new favorites.
Storing and Handling Hot Sauce Marinades Safely
When working with marinades containing hot sauce, be sure to follow food safety guidelines:
- Store marinades in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
- Marinate foods for no more than 24 hours to prevent over-tenderizing.
- Always marinate in non-reactive, food-safe containers.
- Discard used marinade from raw meat/seafood to avoid contamination.
- Bring sauces to a full boil if wanting to use as a finishing sauce.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
- Reheat leftovers to 165°F.
- Consume within 3-4 days.
Following these tips will keep your hot sauce marinated foods safe to enjoy!
Conclusion
Hot sauce can make an excellent marinade ingredient. It tenderizes meats, infuses big flavor, and brings heat and spice. Use thicker, paste-like hot sauces blended with oil, herbs, and aromatics. Marinate proteins like chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, and fish along with sturdy vegetables. Grill, pan sear, or broil marinated foods over high heat. Serve hot sauce marinated foods in tacos, kebabs, sandwiches, wraps, and more. Follow food safety guidelines and enjoy the spicy flavors! With a little creativity, hot sauce marinades can really unlock new dimensions of heat and flavor in your cooking.