There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil blending, it instantly brings the warmth of an Italian kitchen to life. This Tomato, Garlic & Basil Marinade captures that homemade charm in every drop. It’s tangy, herby, and slightly sweet, creating a perfect balance for grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or even roasted vegetables. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer cookout or whipping up a quick weeknight meal, this simple yet flavorful marinade turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s fresh, fragrant, and filled with the kind of flavor that makes everyone come back for seconds.

Easy 5-Minute Tomato, Garlic & Basil Marinade Recipe

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Servings

cup

Prep time

minutes

Total time

minutes

A bright and flavorful Tomato, Garlic & Basil Marinade made with tomato paste, fresh basil, and zesty garlic. Perfect for chicken, seafood, or veggies, this marinade brings a Mediterranean twist to your dishes. Marinate, grill, and enjoy fresh flavor in every bite!

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Ingredients

1/4 cup Neutral Oil
1 tbsp Melted Butter
1/4 cup Water
2 tbsp White Vinegar
1 tbsp Tomato Paste
1½ tbsp Fresh Basil (finely chopped)
2–3 cloves Fresh Garlic (minced)
1 tsp Onion Powder
1½ tsp Sugar
1½ tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
1 tsp Paprika
1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Directions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, melted butter, water, and vinegar until slightly emulsified.
Add tomato paste, fresh basil, minced garlic, onion powder, sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice.
Whisk until the marinade is smooth and well combined.

Recipe Video

Notes

It makes about ¾ cup of marinade, enough to coat up to 1½ pounds of chicken, fish, or vegetables.
For best results, marinate your protein in a resealable bag or shallow dish:
Chicken: 1–2 hours
Seafood: 20–30 minutes
Vegetables: 30 minutes
Grill or pan-sear as desired, brushing with a little reserved marinade in the final few minutes for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon before serving for that fresh, summery finish!
You can also adjust the acidity with more lemon juice or tone down the tang by adding a touch of honey.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.