Sweet Sesame-Soy Marinade

From: Barbecue! Bible -- Sauces, Rubs and Marinades
By Steven Raichlen/ Workman

This marinade is simplicity itself, yet I never met anyone who didn't adore it. The hardest part will be assembling the ingredients, but most can be found at your local supermarket. You may need to go to an Asian market for sesame oil, five-spice powder, and oyster sauce. The marinade reflects several Asian grilling cultures: the Korean fondness for sauce and ginger; the Chinese love of five-spice powder and garlic; and the Thai enthusiasm for chili sauce. Put them all together and you get a marinade that turns poultry, meat, seafood, and even tofu into championship barbecue.

You must use Asian sesame oil for the marinade: Some of the oils sold at health food stores aren't roasted, so they lack the rich nutty taste.

• 1/3 cup Asian sesame oil
• 1/3 cup rice wine or dry sherry
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 2 scallions (white and green parts), minced
• 2 strips of lemon zest
• 1 to 2 jalapeno chilies, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder, preferably homemade, or use a good commercial brand

To prepare: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir or whisk to mix. Use right away or transfer to a large jar, cover, and refrigerate. The marinade will keep for up to 3 days.

Makes 1 1/2 cups; enough for 2 pounds of food.