4 tips to create your own BBQ marinades

The perfect BBQ marinade requires four key elements: Salt, Oil, Spices, and Acid.

  1. pexels-photo-106343Salt. Salt is probably the most significant ingredient, mainly cause it is a crucial component that can penetrate  the meat and add in other flavor components. We choose to use Himalayan salt as it is less processed than other salt alternatives and is naturally rich in iodine and 80+ other minerals and elements.  Anther option is tamari or soy sauce.
  2. Oil. Oil are often used in BBQ marinades as most herbs and spices can not be soluble in water. Oil is required to release their aromatics and flavors. Furthermore, all the oil rubs on the meet’s surface helps its browning and crisping. Do not use olive oil for the marinade because it freezes at refrigerator temperature and it can’t take the heat, instead try using an organic canola, sunflower or peanut oil. These are excellent for marinades since they do not have much flavor and actually help the herbs flavor to dominate.
  3. Seasoning. Typical flavors include herbs and spices such as oregano, thyme, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion powder, and even vegetables like onion and jalapeno. Adding a bit of honey helps to brown the surface, but go easy, too much will burn the surface.
  4. Acid. Acid role is to break the proteins. Typical acids are fruit juices and vinegar. But acids should be used wisely, not more than 1/8 of the mixture, and only for their flavor.

meat-vegetables-gemuesepiess-mushrooms-111131Other marinade tips

  1. Put it in the fridge – Marinades and meat must stay in cold conditions
  2. No alcohol – many people like to use wine, beer and liqueurs in thier marinades, but it is a very bad idea. Alcohol fires the meat and burns is – if you want to use wine – boil it before you put in the marinade so alcohol can evaporate
  3. Fresh pineapple, papaya, and ginger have enzymes that tenderize meat. It’s called Papain,  These enzyme works fast. Within 30 to 60 minutes the meat is ready for the grill.
  4. Try alternative to meat such as eggplant, mushrooms. corn etc. the list is endless.

Have fun and enjoy, BBQing is meant to be fun so get out there and make the marinade of your dreams.