Sprouts Black Garlic Marinade Recipe
I love bold flavor, and this Sprouts Black Garlic Marinade Recipe brings it in a calm, smooth way. Black garlic is sometimes referred to as black gold. For years, only top chefs used it. Now it sits on store shelves for everyone.
Sprouts Farmers Market has been serving home cooks since 2002, and their black garlic marinade has a loyal following. This sauce blends deep savory notes with soy sauce and spice extracts.
The result is dark, rich, and easy to use. One big win for me is the soft garlic flavor. I get all the depth with none of the sharp bite that raw garlic leaves behind.
How to Prepare Black Garlic?
Black garlic is made from regular white garlic that is aged slowly under controlled heat and humidity for several weeks. This process turns the cloves soft, dark, and sweet, removing the strong smell.
Black garlic contains nearly double the amount of antioxidants found in regular garlic. You can use black garlic as a base for marinades. It blends easily into liquids like oil or soy sauce.
To release its rich, umami flavor, mash or blend the peeled cloves. This flavor adds depth without overpowering other tastes.
In marinades, mix it well with soy sauce, oils, and mild spices to coat meats or vegetables evenly. This method keeps it simple for home cooks while delivering a rich flavor.
Sprouts Black Garlic Marinade vs Other Marinade
Sprouts Black Garlic Marinade stands out from many store-bought alternatives. Most use strong vinegar or lots of sugar, whereas this one uses slow-aged garlic and clean oils.
The flavor is rich but not overpowering, unlike other marinades that can overwhelm food with too much salt.
This marinade coats food evenly, without dripping or clumping, and enhances the cooking process.
Who Should Not Take Black Garlic?
Black garlic is generally safe for most people, but some people should exercise caution. If you have a garlic allergy, skip it because it can cause reactions such as skin issues or breathing difficulties.
Individuals taking blood-thinning medications should consult their doctor first, as garlic compounds can interact with these medications and affect their bleeding risk.
Individuals with low blood pressure should be mindful of portion size. Also, it may cause stomach upset for sensitive individuals.
Ingredients for Sprouts Black Garlic Marinade Recipe
1. Black Garlic (½ cup, peeled): This ingredient gives its distinctive dark color and mild sweetness. You can also use regular roasted garlic, but it will have less flavor.
2. Palm Fat (¼ cup, melted): This adds richness and a smooth texture. You can use coconut oil as an alternative.
3. Canola Oil (½ cup): This keeps the marinade light and has a neutral flavor. Avocado oil is a good substitute.
4. Soy Sauce (1½ tablespoons): This adds saltiness and umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead.
5. Brandy Vinegar (1 teaspoon): This adds a mild tang. You can use apple cider vinegar for a gentler flavor.
6 Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): This enhances the garlic flavor without being sharp.
7. Dehydrated Onion (½ teaspoon): This adds a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor.
8. Onion Powder (¼ teaspoon): This balances the savory flavors.
9. Blue Fenugreek (pinch): This provides a warm, herbal note. Regular fenugreek can also be used.
10. Spice Extract (3–5 drops): This adds a strong background flavor. Liquid smoke is effective for achieving a smoky flavor.
11. Salt (1 teaspoon): This controls the taste and balance.
12. Extra Spices (pinch): Use black pepper or mild chili flakes.
Recommended Tools for This Recipe
- Saucepan
- Blender
- Measuring cups
- Heat-safe spoon
- Storage jar
How to make black garlic marinade
Step 1: Prepare the garlic
Peeling the black garlic and keeping it near the stove saves time later.
Step 2: Heat and cook
Warm the oils on medium-high heat. Add the garlic and salt, and cook until the mixture looks glossy and has a very dark color. Keep the heat steady.
Step 3: Blend the sauce
Remove the pan from the heat. Add the remaining liquid ingredients. Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend on high until smooth.
Step 4: Chill
Pour the marinade into a jar and refrigerate it to rest.
Tips, Tricks, and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Blend for a longer time if the mix looks chunky, as a smooth texture coats better.
- Taste as you go and add salt carefully, as too much can overpower the sweet garlic.
- Don’t overheat the garlic, or it may turn bitter quickly.
- Store in a tight jar to keep the flavor fresh for weeks.
- Start with less spice extract, and you can always add more next time.
What Flavors Pair Well with Sprouts Black Garlic Marinade?
This marinade is very versatile. I often use it as a black garlic marinade for chicken, as its rich, savory taste goes well with poultry.
It also works great on steak. The natural sugars in black garlic create an excellent crust when you grill. For steak kabobs, this marinade helps everything brown evenly.
I have used it on fish, especially salmon. The fatty fish absorbs the umami flavor perfectly. Lamb takes on a sophisticated twist with this sauce. Mushrooms absorb this marinade thoroughly, making them tender and flavorful.
Storage Tips
I store this marinade in a sealed glass jar. The flavors boost after one or two days, and the dish remains fresh in the fridge for up to 10 days.
If you see any separation, stir it well before use. I shake the jar before each use to mix the oils.
Once the marinade comes into contact with raw meat, never reuse it. Discard any leftover marinade to avoid food safety risks. Always make a new batch or save some for later use after marinating.
Sprouts Black Garlic Marinade Recipe FAQs
1. Is Black Garlic Bad for the Liver?
Black garlic is usually good for the liver. Studies suggest it can help protect liver cells. The antioxidants in black garlic support the liver’s function. However, if you have liver problems, it’s best to talk to your doctor.
2. Can I use regular garlic instead of black garlic?
No, Black garlic is sweet, mild, and tangy because it undergoes a fermentation process that alters its flavor. Using regular garlic will significantly change the flavor and make it very strong.
3. How long should I marinate meat with this sauce?
For thin cuts, such as chicken breasts or fish fillets, marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator. For thicker cuts, such as a whole chicken or a roast, marinate for 4 to 12 hours.
4. My marinade looks pretty thick. Is that normal?
Yes, it should be thick and paste-like, which helps it stick to the food. If it’s too thick to spread easily, you can thin it out with a small amount of canola oil or water, adding one teaspoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Why did my marinade separate in the fridge?
Oils and other liquids can separate when left undisturbed. Stir or shake the jar well before use, and it will mix back together. A good blend at the start helps keep it mixed longer.
Sprouts Black Garlic Marinade Recipe
Sprouts Black Garlic Marinade Recipe ready in 25 min – rich, smooth flavor perfect for chicken, steak, fish, and more.
Ingredients
- Black Garlic, peeled – ½ cup
- Palm Fat, melted – ¼ cup
- Canola Oil – ½ cup
- Soy Sauce – 1½ tablespoons
- Brandy Vinegar – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder – ¼ teaspoon
- Dehydrated Onion – ½ teaspoon
- Onion Powder – ¼ teaspoon
- Blue Fenugreek – pinch
- Spice Extract – 3 to 5 drops
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Extra Spices – pinch
Instructions
- Peeling the black garlic and keeping it near the stove saves time later.
- Warm the oils on medium-high heat. Add the garlic and salt, and cook until the mixture looks glossy and has a very dark color. Keep the heat steady.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Add the remaining liquid ingredients. Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend on high until smooth.
- Pour the marinade into a jar and refrigerate it to rest.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 90
Sprouts Black Garlic Marinade Recipe is a functional food. It helps support your immune system while you enjoy your steak or chicken. You get health benefits along with great taste.
