1. Maple Mustard

Tangy mustard and sweet maple syrup make for a balanced marinade that’s tart and sweet. Combine 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard with 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and a big pinch of salt.

2. Lemon Pesto

Pesto can be a whole lot more than an easy sauce for pasta. As a base of a marinade it delivers an herby, garlicky punch to the meat — a little bit of lemon juice added to it gives it tang. Just mix 3 tablespoons of store-bought basil pesto with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, and a big pinch of salt.

3. Chili Garlic

Give your chicken or pork a hot kick by bolstering a marinade with fiery sambal oelek or Asian chili-garlic sauce, and then tame the heat by serving the cooked meat over rice. Combine 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce with 1/2 tablespoon grated or minced fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon sambal oelek or Asian chili-garlic sauce, and 1/2 tablespoon Asian sesame oil.

4. Yogurt Garam Masala

Yogurt makes for an incredible base for a marinade, as it tenderizes the meat. And the Indian spice blend garam masala (which contains cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, and peppercorns) lends a warm, aromatic touch. Stir together 1/4 cup whole-milk yogurt with 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, and a big pinch of salt.

5. Sweet and Sour

Forget calling your favorite Chinese restaurant for a takeout order of sweet and sour chicken or pork and make an easy version at home instead. Just mix together 2 tablespoons pineapple juice with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons soy sauce.