By Jack Daniels Marinade + Grilling Sauce is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Jack Daniels Marinade + Grilling Sauce captures the essence of meals while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Jack Daniels Marinade + Grilling Sauce becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons molasses
½ cup Jack Daniel’s Whiskey
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili paste (such as Gourmet Garden)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
PREPARATION STEPS
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients except cornstarch and water. Whisk to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking frequently. If using as a marinade only, remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature before use.
To Make a Grilling Sauce:
To thicken the marinade into a grilling sauce, whisk cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the boiling marinade, whisking to combine. Allow the mixture to boil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until thickened.
Remove from heat and use as desired. Brush onto meats while grilling or serve as a dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: Varies
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~300 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
