Best 5 BBQ Marinade Recipes Using Cold-Pressed Oils

Best 5 BBQ Marinade Recipes Using Cold-Pressed Oils

Olesya Odas

Why Cold-Pressed Oils Are a Game-Changer for BBQ Marinades

Summer grilling season is here, and your BBQ deserves better than the same old marinades from a bottle. If you’re using cold-pressed oils, you’re already ahead of the flavor game. Unlike refined oils, cold-pressed oils are extracted without heat, preserving their natural taste and aroma. That means every brush of marinade adds more than just moisture — it adds character.

At Purepress Oils, we press our oils in small batches right here on Vancouver Island, using only premium pumpkin, almond, sunflower, sesame, and hemp seeds. Each oil has its own flavor personality, making them perfect for experimenting with marinades.

Below, you’ll find five easy BBQ marinade recipes — each highlighting one of our cold-pressed oils — so you can take your summer grilling from good to unforgettable.

1. Smoky Pumpkin Seed Oil Marinade

Best for: Beef, portobello mushrooms, root veggies

Why it works: Pumpkin seed oil’s deep, nutty notes pair beautifully with smoky spices and grilled flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup Purepress Pumpkin Seed Oil

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Whisk ingredients until combined.

  2. Marinate meat or vegetables for at least 1 hour.

  3. Grill over medium heat until cooked to your liking.

💡 Tip: Brush a little extra marinade on after grilling for a rich, glossy finish.

Shop Cold-Pressed Pumpkin Seed Oil →

2. Sweet & Savory Almond Oil Marinade

Best for: Chicken, shrimp, zucchini

Why it works: Almond oil is mild and slightly sweet, making it perfect for light proteins and summer vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup Purepress Almond Oil

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 tsp white pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine ingredients in a bowl or jar.

  2. Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

  3. Grill over medium-high heat until golden.

💡 Tip: Add a splash of extra lemon juice and use as a salad dressing.

Shop Cold-Pressed Almond Oil →

3. Zesty Sunflower Oil Herb Marinade

Best for: Veggie skewers, fish, chicken breasts

Why it works: Sunflower oil’s light flavor makes it an ideal base for fresh herbs and bright acidity.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup Purepress Sunflower Oil

  • 3 tbsp white wine vinegar

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano or basil, chopped

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Stir together all ingredients.

  2. Toss with fish or vegetables, marinate for 20–30 minutes.

  3. Grill until lightly charred.

💡 Tip: Reserve some marinade (before adding raw meat) for basting during grilling.

Shop Cold-Pressed Sunflower Oil →

4. Sesame-Ginger Marinade

Best for: Tofu, chicken thighs, salmon

Why it works: Cold-pressed sesame oil adds an irresistible toasty aroma to Asian-inspired BBQ dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp Purepress Sesame Oil

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients until smooth.

  2. Marinate tofu, salmon, or chicken for 1–3 hours.

  3. Grill over medium heat to prevent burning.

💡 Tip: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Shop Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil →

5. Fresh Herb & Lemon Hemp Oil Marinade

Best for: Grilled vegetables, white fish, chicken skewers

Why it works: Hemp oil has a fresh, grassy taste that works beautifully with lemon and herbs.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup Purepress Hemp Oil

  • 3 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Whisk ingredients together.

  2. Marinate veggies or fish for 20–40 minutes.

  3. Grill until just cooked.

💡 Tip: Use hemp oil marinades mainly for flavoring and finishing — its low smoke point means it’s best away from direct high heat.

Shop Cold-Pressed Hemp Oil →

BBQ Marinade Tips for Best Results

  • Match flavors to your oil: Nutty oils for bold meats, light oils for delicate proteins.

  • Don’t over-marinate fish & shrimp: 20–30 minutes is enough.

  • Reserve a portion for basting: Avoid using marinade that’s touched raw meat for finishing.

  • Brush during grilling: Adds moisture and enhances color.

Final Thoughts

Cold-pressed oils aren’t just for salads — they’re a BBQ essential. Whether you’re making smoky, herby, or citrusy marinades, starting with small-batch, unrefined oils will make every grilled bite unforgettable.

You can find all of these oils — pumpkin, almond, sunflower, sesame, and hemp — in our online shop, with fast shipping across Canada and the USA.

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