It’s the day prior to the highly anticipated barbecue or tailgate you are hosting, the menu is set and it’s time to begin the pre-game ritual.Anyone can just go to the store, purchase prepackaged meat, dump it onto a grill and flip it every couple of minutes; that’s what the weak and inexperienced grillers settle for.
But those dedicated to the cause know meat deserves royal treatment prior to its charred-and-devoured destiny. Marinating meat properly prior to cooking will not only provide superior flavor, but will also allow the cook freedom to create a unique, distinctive taste.
When marinating any type of meat, time is always of the essence. If the cuts marinate longer than necessary, a mushy surface could result. Very rarely should meat marinate longer than two hours. (There are exceptions to the rule, naturally; dishes such as prime rib require being marinated for up to six hours before reaching the grill.) For the most part though, thirty minutes to two hours will be enough time to instill some flavor.
Marinades will vary in texture, flavor and in the way they tenderize the meat. When cooking with poultry, peel off the skin so the marinade has the opportunity to sink in. The marinade should consist of some type of acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice. This will give the meat an excellent texture and an even better flavor.
Similar methods can be used when marinating man’s best food, steak. However, I have my own thoughts on how to best treat a 16-ounce strip: my marinade consists of red wine vinegar, olive oil, crushed garlic and just a hint of ginger. The ingredients are blended in a large Ziplock bag by massaging the bag with your fingers. Once mixed, insert the steak into the Ziplock bag, place it into the refrigerator and let it soak for four to five hours. The result will be a memorable steak that will, without a doubt, leave your guests more than satisfied.
A big fan-favorite in Wisconsin is the beer-battered brat. This traditional tailgate treat provides such a better flavor compared to ordinary brats, but people don’t always want to take the effort to make them.
A package of bratwursts should be placed in a large pot, along with one fully chopped onion and a few teaspoons of butter. The pot should then be filled with beer until the ingredients are covered. The mixture should be boiled until the brats are cooked, upon which they should be placed on the grill to add color and flavor.
Marinating your meat takes more time, but it’s more than worth the effort.
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