Marinating meat for grilling is a culinary practice that enhances the flavor, tenderness, and juiciness of the meat. This process involves soaking the meat in a seasoned liquid mixture, known as a marinade, before cooking it on the grill.
To create an exceptional marinade, start by blending olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. Whisk until well combined, then add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar, ensuring the sugar completely dissolves. Incorporating minced garlic, black pepper, and salt heightens the savory profile, while optional dried rosemary and thyme infuse a deeper, aromatic complexity.
Once the marinade is prepared, transfer it to a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish with the meat. Ensuring the meat is thoroughly coated before sealing the bag or covering the dish is crucial, as it allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, with an overnight soak yielding the best results.
When ready to grill, preheat to medium-high heat and remove the meat from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. During grilling, turn the meat occasionally and brush with reserved marinade to maintain its moisture and enhance flavor. Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes post-grilling to ensure juices are evenly distributed, resulting in a perfectly marinated dish ready to serve.
Marinating not only elevates the taste but also serves to break down muscle fibers, making tougher cuts more tender. Utilizing a balanced mix of acids, like lemon juice and vinegar, oils, and herbs, creates layers of taste that make grilled meat a memorable eating experience.
Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp dried rosemary (optional)
1 tbsp dried thyme (optional)
Directions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, and 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce.
2. Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Continue whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt.
4. If desired, add 1 tablespoon dried rosemary and 1 tablespoon dried thyme for extra flavor. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Place the meat in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
6. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it is well-coated.
7. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
8. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
9. Remove the meat from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
10. Grill the meat according to your preference, turning occasionally and brushing with reserved marinade if desired.
11. Let the meat rest for a few minutes after grilling, then serve.