Summer in Europe and barbecue go hand in hand. To prepare a flavorful barbecue, the process from marinades to dipping sauces matters. Today, let’s take a closer look.
Why do we need to marinate ingredients?
Marinating allows flavors to penetrate deeply into the food, enhancing the taste of fatty meats such as ribs and chicken wings. It also tenderizes tougher cuts of meat like beef steaks and lean muscles, especially when using acidic marinades such as lemon juice or vinegar, which break down proteins. A good marinade should balance sweetness, saltiness, and acidity, extracting the natural flavors of the meat.
To allow marinades to penetrate into meat: Place the marinated ingredients in a sealed bag and let them sit for at least 1 hour—especially if the weather is hot, store them in the refrigerator.
