If you’ve fallen in love with the tenderness and precision of sous vide cooking, you’re not alone. But here’s the secret to taking it from good to fabulous: the marinade. While sous vide ensures perfect texture, it’s your marinade that brings bold, bright flavor — and the farmers market is the perfect place to find inspiration. Whether it’s citrus and herbs from a local grower, sun-ripened fruit, or other seasonal ingredients, marinades elevate simple cuts of meat into memorable meals. Simply add the ingredients to a jar with a lid and shake vigorously!
Citrus-Herb Marinade
Bright and aromatic—perfect for chicken, pork, or lamb.
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or a mix of lemon and orange)
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Use with: Chicken breasts, lamb chops, pork loin
Marinate for: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Sous vide tip: Use lemon slices in the bag for extra aromatic infusion.
Strawberry-Balsamic Marinade
Sweet, tangy, and summery—great on pork chops or chicken thighs.
1/2 cup ripe strawberries, mashed or puréed
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
Pinch of salt and pepper
Use with: Pork chops, chicken thighs, turkey cutlets
Marinate for: 1–2 hours
Sous vide tip: After cooking, reduce leftover marinade into a glaze.
Smoky Chipotle Marinade
Bold and flavorful—ideal for flank steak or beef short ribs.
2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from canned chipotles)
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 garlic clove, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Use with: Skirt steak, beef ribs, lamb
Marinate for: 4–12 hours
Sous vide tip: Sear finished meat on a hot grill for a smoky char.
