Marinade Amount Calculator

Calculate how much marinade you need based on the weight of meat or vegetables. Provides a balanced acid-oil-seasoning ratio.

lbs

Total Marinade

1.00 cups

Acid (vinegar, citrus, wine)0.25 cups
Oil0.50 cups
Seasoning/Aromatics0.25 cups

How Marinade Amounts Are Calculated

Formula

Total Marinade = Meat Weight (lbs) x Coverage Factor

The standard ratio is about 1/2 cup of marinade per pound of meat.

Classic Marinade Ratio

  • 50% oil: Carries flavor, helps browning
  • 25% acid: Tenderizes surface, adds tang (vinegar, citrus juice, wine)
  • 25% seasoning: Garlic, herbs, spices, soy sauce, etc.
  • Marinating Times

  • Fish/seafood: 15-30 minutes
  • Chicken/pork: 2-12 hours
  • Beef/lamb: 4-24 hours
  • Vegetables: 30 min-2 hours
  • Example Calculation

    Marinade for 2 lbs of chicken thighs, standard coverage.

    1. 01Total marinade = 2 x 0.5 = 1 cup.
    2. 02Acid (vinegar/citrus) = 1 x 0.25 = 0.25 cups (4 tbsp).
    3. 03Oil = 1 x 0.50 = 0.50 cups (8 tbsp).
    4. 04Seasoning = 1 x 0.25 = 0.25 cups (4 tbsp).

    Frequently Asked Questions

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