Marinades Made Easy
October 31, 2011, By Todd Pheifer 0 comments
Grilling is all about taste and trying to maximize the juicy goodness of meat and vegetables. Simply putting a piece of meat or a skewer of vegetables on the grill with a bit of salt or pepper can certainly work, and many people do just fine with this approach. However, a marinade is a great way to enhance the grilling experience by introducing flavors that can complement side dishes or beverages. To some, marinating may seem a bit intimidating. Here are a few simple ways to overcome that apprehension.
Cheat (Just a Little)
For beginners, you can start with store-bought marinades. Companies like Lawry's have created easy 30-minute marinades in a variety of flavors for beef, chicken, pork, vegetables and seafood. The reality of life is that people are busy.
Using a bottled marinade may not be terribly creative, but it will get the job done. All you need is a container or plastic bag, the meat and a bottle of marinade. Before putting the meat in the container or bag, pierce the meat with a fork a few times and then smother with marinade.
Depending on the amount of meat, you may be able to get away with using only a portion of the bottle. Refrigerate the rest for another time.
Simple Ingredients
Other easy marinades can be created by simply opening your refrigerator and cupboards. For example, some salad dressings can make for easy marinades. Italian dressing, for example, goes great with chicken breasts. For extra flavor, you can throw in other seasonings such as lemon or lime juice, garlic, sage, lemon pepper or salt and pepper.
Over time, you can start to experiment with different spices, but make sure you do not overpower the marinade. Also, consider your spices carefully. Not every spice or herb will go with what is already in the mix.
NEXT: A Little Fancy
