I Try These 10 substitutes for Yogurt in Marinade

Marinating any meat, fish before grilling, deep-frying leads to more tender. Yogurt is the key ingredient in marinating the dish.

Many people have lactose intolerance, and yogurt is not good to go with them; some are vegan, but all want the tenderness and taste that yogurt brings to the meat.

So today, I fetch ten magical ingredients that can easily substitute for yogurt in the marinade.

Why Yogurt Use in Marinate?

There are many reasons to use yogurt in a marinade. The most obvious is that it contains acids, such as lactic acid, which help to tenderize meat.

Yogurt is also a good source of protein and enzymes, which can help to break down the meat’s connective tissue.- This makes the meat more tender and flavorful.

If you’re using the grill for cooking chicken, for example, adding yogurt to the marinade can help to reduce the risk of contamination.

Additionally, yogurt is a good source of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health. When used in a marinade, these probiotics can transfer to the meat and help to improve digestion. 

So, if you’re looking for a way to add flavor and tenderness to your meat, yogurt is a great option. It’s also a healthy way to marinate food, as it can help reduce the risk of food-borne illness and promote gut health. 

But don’t worry, you can get the same benefits from the substitutes as well.

Read More– 10+ Yogurt Substitute

10 Substitute for Yogurt in Marinade

1. COCONUT YOGURT/PASTE- Dairy-free Substitute for Yogurt in Chicken Marinade

Coconut yogurt is a dairy-free alternative to regular yogurt in the marinade. It’s made from the meat of coconuts and has a very similar taste to coconut cream or milk. 

You can eat it as it is or use it in any recipe that calls for cow, soy, rice, or nut yogurt. It’s low in carbs, rich in fiber and healthy fats, and contains lauric acid, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

Some people find the taste of coconut yogurt a little overpowering, but most people seem to like it. It can be used in sweet or savory dishes and is a great way to add some healthy goodness to your diet.

If you’re looking for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly yogurt alternative, coconut yogurt is a great option. It’s healthy, tasty, and relatively easy to find in stores.

There are a few ways to store coconut yogurt. One way is to seal it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. 

Another way is to freeze it in an airtight container. If you choose to freeze it, make sure you thaw it before eating.

2. CASHEW YOGURT for Nondairy Substitute for Yogurt in Marinade

Cashew yogurt is a dairy-free yogurt made from cashews. It has a creamy, tangy flavor that’s a bit different than traditional yogurt. Some people say it tastes like cheese or sour cream.

Cashew yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium, and it also contains healthy monounsaturated fats. It has the same amount of protein as dairy yogurt, but it has more calcium and less sugar.

Suppose you’re allergic to dairy products or intolerant to lactose. In that case, cashew yogurt is a good alternative for marination. It’s also gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly.

3. Substitute SOUR CREAM for Yogurt in The Marinade

Sour cream tastes like a smooth, tangy cream product that complements other flavors such as spices and vegetables (ex: salsa). 

It is often slightly salty to add to the flavor. Some like their sour cream sweetened with sugar or vanilla for a sweet taste as well.

Sour cream helps tenderize meats naturally, without chemicals or other preservatives. The lactic acid in sour cream helps break down proteins in the meat, making it more likely to absorb flavors and moisture better. 

While most marinades do this job in a matter of minutes or hours, if you have the time to let your dish sit overnight in the fridge, using a dollop of sour cream on top can only enhance its flavor.

Aside from being a tenderizing agent, sour cream is also great for adding richness and moisture to dishes. It can be used as a sauce or gravy base or mixed with meat or vegetables.

4. Use ALMOND YOGURT as a Substitute for Yogurt in Tikka Masala

Almond yogurt is a type of yogurt that is made from almonds. It has a nutty flavor and a creamy texture. 

Some people find that almond yogurt has a sweet taste, while others find it sour. It tastes somewhat like regular yogurt with almonds mixed in. 

The tartness of the almond milk combined with the added flavorings makes this yogurt have a distinct flavor.

Some lactose-intolerant people may eat almond yogurt because the almonds help break down the lactose. 

Almond yogurt is also a good substitute for people who do not eat dairy products due to allergies or lifestyle choices.

If you are looking for a lower-fat, lower-calorie alternative to yogurt in your Tikka Masala, try almond yogurt instead. It also has a slightly sweet flavor that will pair well with the spices in your dish.

The best way to store almond yogurt is in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to five days if stored this way. 

If you want to freeze it, make sure to do so in an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.

5. Use GREEK YOGURT as an Alternative to Yogurt in Marinade

Greek yogurt has gained immense popularity among health buffs for its high protein content. 

Substituting Greek yogurt in traditional recipes that require plain yogurt can be a healthy alternative since the end result will be lower calorie dish.

Greek Yogurt is used as a substitute for plain yogurt in various recipes that call for plain yogurt to tenderize meats, poultry, or vegetables before they are cooked.

When used as a replacement in recipes that call for plain yogurt, Greek Yogurt will yield similar results with the added benefits of being lower in calories and fat.

Following are some essential points to consider when using Greek Yogurt as a replacement in marinade recipes:

· -Since Greek yogurt is thicker than regular yogurt, it will not run off of meats or vegetables as easily when used in a marinade.

· -Greek yogurt is a great way to add extra protein to a dish while keeping low calorie and fat.

6. STORE BOUGHT VEGAN YOGURT for Yogurt Substitute in Marinade

Many people have contacted me asking which vegan yogurts I used in my test kitchen to find substitutes for dairy-based yogurt in marinades. 

The good news is that there are many vegan yogurts on the market these days, and most major grocery stores carry them.

I started by testing store-bought vegan yogurts from brands like Silk, So Delicious, Almond Dream, Kite Hill, Forager, and even some mainstream brands like Dannon and Yoplait. 

I also tested vegan yogurt alternatives, such as store-bought vegan sour cream, store-bought vegan cream cheese, and vegan mayo.

In the end, I found that Silk’s Soy Yogurt worked best in my marinades. It had a thick consistency, like dairy yogurt. 

The flavors were quite mild (which is why I liked it in my vegan kebabs), and the texture was pretty good too.

I did discover that some flavor varieties worked better than others. For example, the strawberry flavor didn’t add much to my Vegan Tofu Kebabs since it didn’t have much of a strawberry flavor. 

The plain flavor worked better in my Vegan Chicken Kebabs because it allowed the taste of the marinade to come through.

7. Use SOYA YOGHURT instead of Yogurt in Marination

Soy yogurt is also known as soy yogurt, tofu yogurt, or Yuba curd. It is made from fermented soy milk. 

The taste of soy yogurt is similar to dairy yogurt, but the texture may be different. Soy yogurt can be flavored with fruit syrups, spices, and artificial sweeteners. 

Unflavored versions are also available. Soy Yogurt is a good choice for nut allergy vegans.

Refrigerate soy yogurt in an airtight container. It will keep for up to one week.

Some people like to freeze soy yogurt. This will extend the shelf life by up to two months. Just make sure you thaw it out in the fridge before eating.

8. OAT MILK YOGURT for Yogurt Substitution in Your Marinade

There are many types of dairy-free yogurt on the market, but one of the most common is oat milk yogurt. 

Oat milk yogurt is made from blending oats with water to create a milk-like consistency and then adding cultures to thicken and ferment the mixture. This type of yogurt has a mild flavor and a slightly grainy texture.

Oat milk yogurt is a good source of fiber, protein, and nutrients like potassium and magnesium. It also has a relatively low-calorie count, making it a healthy choice for those looking for a dairy-free option. 

Oat milk yogurt can be used in the same ways as regular yogurts, such as marinade, smoothies, parfaits, and dips. It’s also a suitable choice for people who have dairy allergies or intolerances.

Once your yogurt is made, you will store it in the fridge. You can store it in a covered container or in a plastic bag. 

When storing it, make sure to keep it away from any other dairy products, as they may spoil each other. 

When stored in the fridge, Oat Milk Yogurt will stay fresh for about two weeks.

To make it last even longer, you can freeze the yogurt. Once you defrost it, be sure to mix it very well before serving or eating.

If any chunks remain frozen, they will not taste good once they thaw.

9. Bring a new Tang with MAYO 

A marinade is my favorite way to add flavor and moisture to chicken. A marinade is simply a mixture of seasonings and liquids used to soak meat or poultry before cooking. 

There are endless possibilities for creating a marinade, but one of our favorites is using mayonnaise.

The creamy, tangy flavor of mayo makes it the perfect base for a marinade. Plus, it helps to keep chicken moist and juicy while it cooks. 

To make a mayo marinade, simply mix together 1/2 cup of mayo with your favorite seasonings. We like to use garlic, onion, and pepper, but you can get creative with your spices.

Then, place the chicken in a large resealable bag or in a bowl and pour the marinade over the top. Allow it to settle in the refrigerator for at least an hour and up to 12 hours.

When you’re ready to cook, simply grill, bake or pan-fry the chicken until it’s cooked through. The mayo marinade will give it a delicious flavor and tender, juicy texture.

So next time you’re looking for a new way to flavor your chicken, try using a mayo marinade. You won’t be disappointed!

10. Replace Yogurt with MILK in Marinade

Some people recommend using yogurt as a marinade for meat because the lactic acid in yogurt is supposed to tenderize the meat. 

However, if you search for a dairy-free alternative, you can easily replace the yogurt with milk.

Simply mix together the milk and any other desired seasonings and soak your meat in the mixture for as long as you would have if you were using yogurt.

The milk still provides a slight tang to marinades but does not contain the same degree of lactic acid as yogurt. 

Additionally, milk is a better source of protein than yogurt, so it can help keep the meat tender and juicy.

How to Thicken Non-dairy Yogurt

If you are looking to thicken your non-dairy yogurt, there are a few things you can do. 

One option is to add some flour to the yogurt. Another option is to add some cornstarch. You can also try adding some agar agar flakes. 

If you are using agar agar flakes, you will need to dissolve them in a small amount of water before adding them to the yogurt.

To thicken non-dairy yogurt with flour, simply add one tablespoon of flour for each cup of non-dairy yogurt you plan to thicken and mix well. 

Check that the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Flour needs time to work and should not be added until you are ready to place the yogurt in a pot on the stove. 

Once it is thickened, remove it from heat and allow it to cool.

If you own a stand mixer, there is another option for thickening your non-dairy yogurt. Simply add the yogurt to the mixing bowl and turn it on medium speed for approximately thirty seconds or until the yogurt is thick.

For those that do not have a stand mixer, an alternative to this option is to pour your non-dairy yogurt into a cheesecloth or coffee filter and place it in a strainer. 

Allow the liquid, whey, to exhaust the yogurt throughout the day at room temperature. As it sits, stir once every hour.

Agar-agar flakes are a vegetarian thickener made from seaweed. 

When added to liquids, Agar-agar thickens and form a gel. To use, dissolve one teaspoon of agar-agar flakes in one tablespoon of water. 

Once the flakes have dissolved, add to your non-dairy yogurt and mix well. Heat the yogurt on low until it thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Whichever method you choose, make sure to stir the yogurt often while it is thickening to avoid any lumps. 

Once it has thickened, place it in a container and refrigerate. Enjoy your thickened non-dairy yogurt!

Wrap Up On Yogurt Substitute In Marinade

So, if you are looking for a yogurt-based marinade that is both healthy and flavorful, look no further than your own kitchen. 

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious marinade that will add flavor and moisture to your meat or poultry. 

And, best of all, you can feel good about using a yogurt substitute in your marinade, as it is a healthier option than some of the other commonly used ingredients. 

Try it out the next time you have a barbecue!

Thank You & Happy Cooking!

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