This past Sunday, I had my family over for dinner—and what fun it was! I was in the mood to make something I hadn’t made in a long time… or maybe something brand new. I went with the new, thanks to my son who suggested this delicious marinade idea.
Some of my family members eat meat, while others are plant-based, so I wanted to create something that would work for everyone. This marinade is perfect for a pork roast, but I also used it on tofu—and let me tell you, it was fantastic!
My son and I are what you’d call estimate cooks. We don’t measure everything to a T, so feel free to adjust the amounts depending on your taste and how many guests you’re serving. A good rule of thumb: use a 3:1 oil-to-vinegar ratio as your base.
🍊 Fresh & Flavorful Marinade
Base Ratio: 3 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar
(adjust depending on how much marinade you need)
Additional Ingredients:
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1/4 cup orange juice
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lime juice
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4–5 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup chopped cilantro (or to taste)
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1–2 tablespoons chopped Italian basil and oregano (after chopping)
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1 tablespoon chopped mint
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Sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, cumin, and chili powder—to taste
🥩 For Pork Roast
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Combine all marinade ingredients in a large container or sealable bag.
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Add your pork roast and ensure it’s fully coated.
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Seal and refrigerate overnight.
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Grill or roast the pork following cooking times based on the size of your cut.
🌱 For Tofu
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Slice tofu into desired shapes.
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Press out excess water by placing the tofu between two towels and weighing it down with a heavy object for about 15 minutes.
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Place tofu in a separate container or bag with marinade.
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Refrigerate and let marinate overnight.
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Grill the tofu in the last 15 minutes of cooking the pork, flipping once halfway through.
🍽️ What I Served It With:
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Black beans
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Rice
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Grilled white corn tortillas (warmed quickly on the grill)
But really, any side dish you love will work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This dish was a hit and brought everyone together—meat lovers and plant-based eaters alike. The citrus and herbs gave the roast and tofu such a fresh, bold flavor. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just trying something new, this marinade is one to save and make again!
Let me know if you try it—or if you tweak it your own way. Happy cooking!
