Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar (or honey), Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
Marinate the Ingredients: Place your protein (such as chicken, beef, pork, or seafood) or vegetables into a sealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ingredients, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for best results. For tougher cuts of meat, marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
Cook Your Dish: Once the ingredients have marinated, remove them from the marinade and discard any excess. Cook the marinated ingredients according to your preferred method: grilling, roasting, or sautéing. For grilling, cook on medium-high heat, turning occasionally until the meat is fully cooked.
Optional Glaze: You can reserve some of the marinade (before adding it to the raw ingredients) to use as a glaze or dipping sauce during the final stages of cooking.