Barbecue Best

Great BBQ Marinade Tips and Recipes

Nothing tenderizes and provides flavors to meat like a good marinade. Despite being a popular practice amongst BBQ enthusiasts, only a few truly understand the process and the important elements that contribute to achieve a tender and juicy piece of meat.Marination is the process of soaking foods in a seasoned, often acidic, liquid before cooking. The origins of the word allude to the use of brine (aqua marina) in the pickling process, which led to the technique of adding flavor by immersion in liquid. The liquid in question, the 'marinade', can be acidic with ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, or wine, or savory with soy sauce, brine or other prepared sauces. Along with these liquids, a marinade often contains oils, herbs and spices to further flavor the food items.In meats, the acid causes the tissue to break down, allowing more moisture to be absorbed and giving a juicier end product. However, too much acid can be detrimental to the end product. A good marinade will have a delicate balance of spices, acids, and oil. It is generally not recommended that raw marinated meats be frozen, as the marinade can break down the surface and make the outer layer turn mushy.One important point to note is that marinade that has come into contact with raw meat should be discarded after the marinating is done as it may contain harmful bacteria. If there is a desire to use a marinade as a sauce, a portion should be reserved in a separate container to be used as the sauce once the meat is cooked.One easy way to marinade meat is to pour the marinade in a 'zip top' freezer bag. Then, add the meat and seal the bag leaving as little air as possible in it. Lay the bag flat in your refrigerator or put it inside a large bowl to contain it. Marinating time should be overnight if possible but a minimum of 4 hours should result in the desired effect.Here are two great marinade recipes:#1: Great Chicken or Beef MarinadeIn a large bowl, mix ¼ cup of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons or honey, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 ½ teaspoons or garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground ginger (or fresh is even better), ¾ cup of vegetable oil, 2 chopped green onions and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Place your meat in the marinade and let refrigerate at least 4 hours before grilling.#2: Super Easy Teriyaki MarinadeThis easy recipe is a great way to add Asian flavours to your meat. It works well with chicken, pork and beef. In a medium bowl combine 1/3 cup of water, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Add meat to the marinade and refrigerate a least 4 hours before grilling.