Marinating involves soaking food in a mixture of seasonings, acids, and oils. The acid in the marinade (such as vinegar or citrus juice) breaks down the proteins on the surface of the food, making it more receptive to flavors. The oil helps to lock in moisture and add richness.
Typical marinade ingredients include Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and spices like black pepper and garlic powder. You can make your own or use a pre-made marinade for a quick, easy, delicious meal.
How to Use a Marinade
1. Choose Your Flavor: Select a marinade that complements the flavor profile of your food. For example, Honey Mustard and Cilantro Lime sauces make a great chicken marinade. Because beef has a stronger taste, you might opt for a bold vinaigrette or a spicy sauce like Mango Jalapeño BBQ to enhance your steak.
2. Prep Your Food: Trim, slice, or chop your ingredients into desired portions. With meat, remove any excess fat or connective tissue to ensure even marinating.
3. Combine Marinade Ingredients: Mix your marinade ingredients in a bowl, whisking until smooth. Pro Tip: Cut down on your prep time by using a pre-made grilling sauce or dressing as a marinade. You’ll get a burst of flavor without the need for mixing—just shake and pour.
4. Marinate: Place your food in a non-reactive container (like glass or plastic) and pour the marinade over it. Make sure your meat or veggies are fully submerged.
5. Refrigerate: Chill for at least 30 minutes to several hours. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.
How Long to Marinate Meats and Veggies
Deciding how long to marinate meat and veggies is an art and a science. Too little time, and you might not get the flavor you want. Too long, and your food can develop an unpleasant texture.
Some cooks prefer to marinate heavier proteins overnight so they really soak up the flavor. This works especially well with milder flavors like Sesame Ginger or creamy marinades like Ranch Dressing.
For bolder marinades like a vinaigrette dressing or BBQ sauce, marinating your food for 30 minutes to a few hours before cooking usually does the trick. The best marinade times for pork or beef are typically longer than with fish and veggies.
Marinating Tips for Grilling
- Don't Over-Marinate: Avoid marinating veggies or delicate fish for too long before grilling, as this can lead to mushy food that slides through the grate.
- Prep Before Grilling: Remove excess marinade from food before grilling to prevent flare-ups and promote even browning.
- Give It a Rest: Let cooked meats rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Should You Tenderize Before Marinating?
This step is optional, but it will help pork, beef, chicken, or game meats absorb flavors evenly and can improve the texture. Use a mallet or rolling pin to pound meat to an even thickness, breaking down the connective tissue and increasing surface area for marinating.
You can also try one of these more advanced techniques to ensure your meat is tender and flavorful:
Piercing: Use a fork or meat tenderizer to pierce meat, creating small holes that allow marinade to penetrate deeper.
Velveting: Coat meat with a blend of cornstarch, egg whites, and an acid such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to break down the proteins and tenderize steaks.
Enzyme-based tenderizers: Use products like papain or bromelain to break down proteins and tenderize meat.
3 Easy Marinade Recipes
Want to add a personalized touch to your marinated meals? Combine a bottled sauce or dressing with pantry staples you have on-hand. Here are a few of our favorite flavor combinations:
- Grilled Chicken Pita: Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of Primal Kitchen Greek Vinaigrette, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Grill and serve the marinated chicken in a pita with feta and mint-yogurt sauce.
- Spicy Korean-Style Beef: Marinate thinly sliced beef with Korean Style BBQ Sauce and a dash of gochujang or hot sauce. Grill or stir-fry. Serve with kimchi and steamed bok choy.
- Roasted Vegetable Medley: Marinate a colorful mix of vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes) in Primal Kitchen Balsamic Vinaigrette Marinade. Top with fresh herbs and roast in the oven until tender and caramelized. Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil before serving.
The Magic of Marinades
Marinating is a time-tested culinary technique that elevates the flavor and texture of meats and vegetables. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a kitchen novice, a good marinade can take your cooking to the next level.
Now that you've learned the basics, experiment with different marinade combinations and techniques to bring more flavor to every bite. Happy marinating!
