Marsala Wine

Vitis vinifera (grapes used) Alcohol (Cooking Wine)

Marsala Wine Alcohol (Cooking Wine)

At a Glance

  • Category Alcohol (Cooking Wine)

The Forktionary Angle

"The Sicilian secret to deeply flavored, restaurant-quality savory and sweet dishes."

Definition

A fortified wine from Sicily, ranging from dry to sweet, used in cooking for rich sauces or as a dessert wine.

Common Usage Essential for classic dishes like Chicken Marsala and Veal Marsala.
Geographic Origin Named after the city of Marsala in Sicily, Italy, where it originated.
Storage Tip Once opened, store tightly corked in a cool, dark place for 1-2 months.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Marsala Wine are:

Caramel nutty dried fruit vanilla burnt sugar (varies by dry/sweet)

Chef’s Secret

Reduce Marsala by half before adding other liquids to concentrate its rich, complex flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Best Substitutes

Dry Sherry

for dry Marsala
Ratio 1:1

Madeira

Ratio 1:1

Port Wine

for sweet Marsala
Ratio 1:1

Balsamic Vinegar + Grape Juice

for non-alcoholic

Buying Guide

For cooking, a mid-range "fine" or "superiore" quality is sufficient. Choose "secco" (dry) for savory and "dolce" (sweet) for desserts.

Recipes Using Marsala Wine

Course Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Artichoke Gratinata

Experience the irresistible flavors of Giada De Laurentiis with this incredible Artichoke Gratinata! Crispy golden breadcrumbs, melted butter, and tender artichoke hearts create a symphony of taste in this easy-to-make, 25-minute oven-baked dish. Perfect as a side or a light vegetarian meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Main Dish Savory Pies Meat

Beef En Croute With Marsala Sauce

Elevate your dinner party with this show-stopping Beef En Croute! This recipe features succulent steak encased in golden puff pastry, complemented by a decadent Marsala wine sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a truly impressive weeknight meal. Customize it with your favorite steak cut – we used topside, but ribeye or filet mignon would be equally delicious. The recipe is easily scalable, so you can make enough for a crowd or just a romantic dinner for two. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly – make extra for another night! Served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted carrots (not included in recipe).

See Complete Recipe
Fruit Pork Loins Occasion Time To Make

Apple And Onion Smothered Pork Chops With Garam Masala

Experience a flavor explosion with these Apple & Onion Smothered Pork Chops! Tender pork chops are infused with aromatic garam masala, then pan-seared to perfection. Sweet apples and savory onions, enhanced by the subtle earthiness of juniper berries, create a rich and unforgettable sauce. This recipe, inspired by Barbara Fisher's culinary genius (recipes #292143 & #291999 on tigersandstrawberries.com), is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Pair it with sauteed broccoli rabe for a complete and satisfying meal.

See Complete Recipe
Main Dish Main Ingredient Low Carb Meat

Amazing Rib Eye Steaks With Marsala Sauce

Savor the rich, earthy flavors of this restaurant-quality Rib Eye Steak dinner! Pan-fried to perfection and topped with a luscious Marsala mushroom sauce, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes. The creamy, decadent sauce is so irresistible, you'll be licking your plate clean! Impress your family and friends with this easy yet elegant meal.

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Dietary Poultry Preparation

Basil Chicken Marsala With Mushrooms

Savor the delightful combination of juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant basil in this quick and easy Chicken Marsala recipe! This 15-minute meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner, boasting rich Marsala wine sauce and a burst of fresh basil flavor. Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish!

See Complete Recipe
Weeknight Main Dish Novelty Served Hot

Best Creamy Marsala Wine Sauce Over Mushroom Ravioli

Indulge in this decadent copycat recipe of the Macaroni Grill's famous mushroom ravioli! Our creamy Marsala wine sauce perfectly complements the savory portobello mushroom-stuffed ravioli. This easy 20-minute recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and elegant presentation.

See Complete Recipe
North American Gluten Free Preparation North American

Baked Chicken With Apple Sherry Sauce

This Mother's Day masterpiece, created by Rick, will be a hit with your family! Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a rich and decadent apple sherry sauce. The sweet and savory flavors of apples, sherry, and brown sugar create an unforgettable culinary experience. Impress your loved ones with this elegant yet surprisingly easy recipe.

See Complete Recipe
Dinner Party Cuisine Occasion Dinner Party

Authentic Tiramisu

This authentic Tiramisu recipe was a gift from an Italian friend, made for a special anniversary and cherished ever since. Experience the rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful taste of Italy in your own kitchen! This classic dessert is perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or any special occasion. Prepare to be transported to the heart of Italy with each decadent bite.

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Preparation Pasta Main Ingredient

Fake Crab Stroganoff

This surprisingly delicious Fake Crab Stroganoff recipe is a family favorite! Our son enjoyed it for years before discovering the 'secret' ingredient – delicious, budget-friendly imitation crab meat! But hey, feel free to use real crab for an extra luxurious treat. This lighter take uses low-fat sour cream and soup, and butter-flavored cooking spray instead of butter, significantly reducing fat without sacrificing flavor. Quick, easy, and perfect served with a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Preparation 3 Steps Or Less Vegetables

Artichoke Gratin Giada De Laurentiis

Elevate your next dinner party with Giada De Laurentiis' irresistible Artichoke Gratin! This stunning side dish features tender artichoke hearts, fragrant garlic, and a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping. A perfect blend of savory and satisfying, it's surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Beef Meat 4 Hours Or Less

Biba's Osso Bucco

Unearth a culinary treasure! This Osso Buco recipe, originally found scribbled on an old telephone bill, hails from Biba's Italian Kitchen TV show. Prepare for melt-in-your-mouth veal shanks braised to perfection in a rich, savory sauce. A true taste of authentic Italian home cooking – don't miss this hidden gem!

See Complete Recipe
Side Dishes Preparation Main Ingredient Easy

Baked Orzo With Fontina And Peas

Inspired by Giada De Laurentiis, this creamy baked orzo pasta dish is a comforting and flavorful masterpiece! Tender orzo pasta is baked with creamy fontina cheese, sweet peas, and a savory mushroom and marsala wine sauce. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it's the perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion side dish. Get ready for a taste of Italy!

See Complete Recipe