Grill Mates Tomato, Garlic & Basil Marinade Packet — Ready-to-Mix, No MSG, Herb-Forward Flavor

Grill Mates Tomato, Garlic & Basil Marinade is a ready-to-mix seasoning packet that brings bright tomato, savory garlic and fresh basil flavor to chicken, shrimp and beef for grilling and roasting.

Bright, herb-forward and simple to use, this McCormick Grill Mates marinade packet converts pantry staples into crowd-pleasing meals. The blend combines tomato, garlic, basil and natural extractives—designed to add aromatic depth without artificial colors or MSG. Mix the packet with a small amount of water, oil and vinegar, marinate your protein for as little as 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor, then grill, roast or sauté.

How do I prepare the marinade for grilling?

Preparing the Grill Mates Tomato, Garlic & Basil Marinade takes only minutes and requires common pantry ingredients. Combine the packet with water, oil and vinegar, toss with your chosen protein, and allow time for flavors to penetrate before cooking.

• Mix one packet with 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup vegetable or olive oil, and 2 tablespoons white or balsamic vinegar.
• Use the marinade for 2 pounds of chicken, shrimp, or beef.
• Marinate 30 minutes for quick flavor, or up to 8 hours for more intensity.
• Discard excess marinade or boil for use as a sauce if desired.

What dishes and proteins work best with this flavor profile?

The tomato, garlic and basil combination pairs naturally with a variety of proteins and side dishes. It complements light seafood, versatile poultry and beef, and also enhances vegetable skewers when applied to hearty veggies before grilling.

• Chicken breasts, thighs or drumsticks—grilled, baked, or pan-seared.
• Shrimp or firm white fish for quick, bright seafood meals.
• Beef kebabs or flank steak for herb-forward barbecue dishes.
• Eggplant, zucchini and bell peppers for vegetarian skewers or sheet-pan meals.

How does this marinade fit into healthier cooking or clean-label meals?

This Grill Mates packet is formulated with natural herbs and spices and contains no added MSG, artificial colors or artificial flavors, making it a convenient option for cleaner-label cooking. Because you control the oil and amount of salt in the mixing step, it’s easy to adapt the recipe to dietary needs or calorie goals.

• Made with natural herbs and spices—simple ingredient base.
• No MSG or artificial colors and flavors added.
• Control oil type and quantity to lower calories or use heart-healthy olive oil.
• Easy to portion for family-size or single-meal marinating.

What are quick tips for grilling success with this marinade?

Small technique tweaks make a big difference when grilling marinated proteins. Dry the protein briefly before placing on the hot grill to achieve better sear and avoid flare-ups, and reserve a small amount of marinade (uncooked) or cook marinade thoroughly before using as a finishing sauce.

• Pat proteins dry for a crisp, caramelized exterior when grilling.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high for even cooking and good sear marks.
• Use longer marinating for thicker cuts; short marinating for delicate seafood.
• Boil leftover marinade if you plan to brush it on during cooking.

Who is this product for? Home cooks and backyard grillers who want fast, consistent flavor without mixing multiple spices will appreciate this McCormick Grill Mates packet. It’s ideal for busy weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or anyone looking to add tomato-herb brightness to chicken, shrimp, beef or grilled vegetables with minimal prep and reliable results.

Ingredients

Salt, Tomato, Garlic, Modified Corn Starch, Sugar, Spices and Herbs (Including Basil), Parmesan Cheese (Cultured Part-Skim Cow's Milk, Salt, Enzymes), Butter [Cream (Milk), Salt], Nonfat Dry Milk, Citric Acid, Olive Oil, Canola Oil, Extractives of Paprika and Natural Flavor (Including Barley).