This ginger honey marinade is one of those things I always keep in my back pocket.
It’s sweet, tangy, a little spicy, and makes anything you pour it over taste like you worked way harder than you did.
You can throw it together in 5 minutes, and it works great on chicken, salmon, tofu, shrimp, or even roasted veggies.
I’ve made it dozens of times—it never fails.
What You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredients + Tools
Why I Love This Recipe
This marinade has saved dinner more times than I can count. I can toss it together during a lunch break or while the oven preheats, and it instantly adds deep flavor. I started using it on grilled chicken, but now I use it on everything from stir-fries to sheet pan meals. It’s versatile and wildly delicious.
- Comes together in 5 minutes
- Uses pantry staples
- Packs a punch of flavor
- Works for meats, veggies, or tofu
- Stores well in the fridge
Servings + Time
Makes: Enough to marinate about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of meat or veggies
Total Time: 5 minutes
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Honey helps the marinade cling to the food and caramelize during cooking. Soy sauce adds umami and salt, while vinegar tenderizes and balances the sweetness. Fresh ginger and garlic give sharp, aromatic depth. Olive oil helps distribute everything evenly and adds richness.
Common Mistakes
- Not grating the ginger: Big chunks don’t absorb well and can overpower a bite.
- Too much red pepper: It builds heat quickly—start with less if unsure.
- Skipping the vinegar: Without the acid, the flavor falls flat.
- Using old garlic or ginger: Fresh is key for bold flavor.
What to Serve With
- Grilled or baked chicken thighs
- Glazed salmon over rice
- Stir-fried tofu and broccoli
- Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
- Noodles or jasmine rice
FAQ
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
Yes, use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger in place of the 1 tablespoon fresh—but fresh tastes way better.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Just scale up all the ingredients evenly.
How long can I store it?
Up to 1 week in a sealed jar in the fridge.
Do I have to cook it first?
Nope. It’s a no-cook marinade—just whisk and use.
Tools Needed
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Garlic press
- Microplane or grater
- Whisk or spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor
- Lime juice instead of vinegar for citrusy brightness
- Avocado oil instead of olive oil
- Add sesame oil for a nutty finish
- Swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free
Make Ahead Tips
You can make this up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge in a jar. Just shake or stir before using.
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Add the honey
In a small bowl, add 1/4 cup honey.
Step 2: Add the soy sauce
Pour in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce to the honey.
Step 3: Add rice vinegar
Add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar.
Step 4: Grate and add ginger
Grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger and add it to the bowl.
Step 5: Add minced garlic
Mince 2 garlic cloves and stir them in.
Step 6: Add olive oil
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the bowl.
Step 7: Add spices
Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Step 8: Whisk it all together
Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
Step 9: Ready to use or store
Pour the finished marinade into a small jar or bowl for immediate use or storage.
Tips for Leftovers + Storage
- Store leftover marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- If using as a glaze, boil it for 2-3 minutes before serving to make it food-safe.
- Not recommended to reuse after raw meat has been marinated in it unless boiled first.
Conclusion
This ginger honey marinade is one of those magic recipes that makes dinner better with almost no effort. It’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor. Try it, then come back and leave a comment—I’d love to hear how you used it and answer any questions!