Greek Yogurt Marinade for Meats
A simple, aromatic marinade that tenderizes and flavors chicken, lamb, or beef with Greek yogurt, olive oil, and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- 3 tbps olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ tsp ground turmeric (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Meat of choice chicken, lamb, or beef (cut into pieces or left whole)
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and well blended.
Marinate the Meat
- Add the meat to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly.
- For larger cuts, place the marinade and meat in a zip-lock bag or wrap tightly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. (Even 30 minutes works if short on time.)
Cook the Meat
- Remove meat from the fridge and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes
- Grill, roast, or pan-sear until cooked to your preferred doneness.
Serve & Enjoy
- Pair with grilled vegetables, fresh salads, or warm pita bread for a complete meal.
Notes
The calorie count is for the portion of the marinade only.
~220 kcal per serving (marinade + chicken)
Not all of the marinade is absorbed — some stays behind in the bowl/bag — so the actual calories consumed are usually 20–30% lower.
Nutrition
Calories: 80kcal
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