How to Marinate Meat

When it comes to grilling and BBQ, marinating meat is the secret ingredient that elevates the flavors and tenderness to a whole new level. Marination infuses meat with a burst of flavors, tenderizes it, and creates a juicy and succulent final product. In this article, we'll explore the art of marinating meat, covering everything from the basics to advanced techniques, to help you become a master of the grill!

Importance of Marinades

Marinades are flavor-packed mixtures consisting of acids, oils, herbs, spices, and other ingredients that tenderize and enhance the taste of meat. They also act as a protective barrier, preventing meat from drying out during cooking. The key components of a marinade include: 

1. Acid: Citrus juices and vinegar are common acidic ingredients. They help break down connective tissues, making the meat more tender.
2. Oil: Olive oil, vegetable oil, or sesame oil add moisture and prevent the meat from sticking to the grill.
3. Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings: Garlic, onion, black pepper, paprika, cumin, rosemary, and thyme are popular choices. Experiment with different combinations to suit your taste preferences.

Lane's BBQ seasonings and sauces offer a wide range of flavors to suit every taste. Experiment with different options like Lane's BBQ Signature Rub, One Legged Chicken Buffalo Sauce, or Kinda Sweet Sauce to find your favorite combinations. To create a basic marinade, combine Lane's BBQ rubs, sauces, and complementary ingredients like olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, or honey. Allow the flavors to meld together for at least 30 minutes before using.

Marinating Techniques

There are tons of great marinades, salad dressings, or combinations of ingredients to create a killer marinade. Whichever marinade or concoction you use here are some pretty basic rules to keep in mind. Shameless plug - We have a great Asian Inspired Pow Pow Marinade if you are looking for a new marinade to get you started. 

To achieve the best results, follow these marinating techniques:

1. Time: Marinating times can vary depending on the type and thickness of the meat. As a general guideline, marinate poultry and seafood for 1 to 2 hours, while red meat can benefit from 4 to 24 hours of marinating.
2. Temperature: Always marinate meat in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. Allow the meat to come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
3. Seal and Refrigerate: Place the meat and marinade in a zip-top bag or a covered container. Ensure the marinade fully coats the meat by massaging it gently. Refrigerate and let the magic happen.

While marinating meat, it is crucial to prioritize food safety. Always marinate in the refrigerator, ensuring the meat stays below 40°F (4°C). Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw and cooked meats. Discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw meat, as it may contain harmful bacteria.

Lane's Recipes using Marinades

We have an Asian-inspired Pow Pow marinade - great for Stir Fry, steak, chicken, seafood... you name it. Here are a couple recipes using Pow Pow.

• Teriyaki Steak Kabobs - See the Recipe
• Pow Pow Shrimp Fried Rice - See the Recipe

We also love using W sauce from Bear and Burton as a marinade, check out this awesome Shrimp and Grits recipe featuring W sauce.

• Lane's Shrimp and Grits - See the Recipe

Keep Experimenting with flavor

By mastering the art of meat marination, you unlock a world of incredible flavors and tender textures that will impress your guests at any grilling or BBQ gathering. There are all kinds of marinades out there or recipes for making your own. With these tips in mind, you are well on your way to creating delectable masterpieces that will leave everyone craving more. The best part of all this is to just get in the kitchen and have fun with flavors. Be sure to share a meal with friends and family. 

Happy Grilling!