Store-Bought Salsa Is The Key To More Flavorful Marinades

A good marinade can make all the difference. It not only tenderizes the meat and gives it that perfect melt-in-your-mouth goodness, but it's also the key to achieving divine flavors from the inside out. Normally, you wouldn't need anything more than the usual pantry staples to make it. When you're in the mood to try something new, however, you can find the shortcut in the most unexpected place: a jar of store-bought salsa. This isn't what salsa is typically used for, but you'll be surprised by how good it can be.

Salsa is a medley of various vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, and cilantro, tied together by lime juice and intense spices. With store-bought salsa, you will still get all of this, but without the hassle of chopping up the vegetables and blending them together. When your meat needs marinating, it's as simple as scooping up a few spoonfuls, mixing with extra lime juice and optional seasonings, and coating the meat for a few hours.

The true allure, however, lies in the flavor salsa brings to your meat. All at once, it's a burst of tangy, zesty, peppery, and subtly spicy flavors fusing into the familiar savory base. This mixture is a touch different from regular marinades. Instead of depth and richness, you'd get a lively vibrancy that salsa is famously beloved for. It's the perfect way to transform your meat dishes from familiar to intriguing and captivating without too much effort.

Salsa can work its magic with a wide variety of meat. One of the most common choices is steak — whether it's flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin steak. For an ideal marinade, allow your salsa to join forces with other ingredients for a flavorful upgrade. They could be anything you want, from Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, taco seasoning, chipotle seasoning, and wine vinegar to orange juice even. For an aromatic undertone, a sprinkle of fresh herbs will do the trick. Cilantro is a salsa staple, but you can also opt for basil, parsley, oregano, or rosemary.

If steak isn't your favorite, no worries, there are other types of meat. Chicken, with its mild taste, can always use a salsa flavor boost. You can also go for turkey for something slightly richer. As for pork, pork chops and pork tenderloin are excellent in a salsa marinade, especially when they hit the grill.

With a salsa marinade, your best serving option for the protein is to obviously pull inspiration from Mexican cuisine. The grilled meat could be accompanied by a small bowl of salsa on the side, acting as a dip for even more intense flavors. Taco is another terrific pick. Just imagine the flavor-soaked meat, stuffed in between tortillas alongside colorful veggies, fragrant herbs, and tangy cheese. It's heaven in every bite.