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The BlueSmoke Gazette--Marinades and Marinating
May 01, 2009



What's The Deal With Marinating?



It's May 1st. Yesterday I mowed my lawn for the first time this year, and I waited way too long. Parts of my yard were little wildlife preserves, with grass (or I should say weeds) almost one foot tall. That seems to happen every Spring...I just hate to get out there and mow the lawn for the first time, because I know that after that, I'm committed. I'll be mowing every week or two for months. Too bad my yard isn't a herb patch. I could use the clippings in my marinades.

And speaking of marinades... Do you ever marinate meats before plopping them into the smoker or on the grill? If not, you should give it a try sometimes. Marinades add flavor, make meat more moist (say that real fast three times!), and might just tenderize a little.

Making a marinade is similar to making a salad dressing or a vinaigrette. The water-based liquids and seasonings are mixed together, then oil is whisked in, creating an emulsion. In an emulsion the oil and the water-based liquids (vinegar, wine, beer, soy sauce, etc.), which don't normally mix, are forcefully blended together. Otherwise, the oil would be floating on top, which wouldn't make for very effective marinating.














Marinating For Fun and Flavor

Smoker-Cooking.com
 THE COMPLETE SMOKE COOKING REFERENCE


 Making BBQ Marinades
How marinades work, how to make them, and how to use 'em effectively. Also general guidelines for how long to marinate meats, poultry and seafood.



Beef Tri Tip Marinades
 A grilled or smoked tri tip roast is good eating. Try one, or try all three of the marinade recipes on this page.



 Brisket Marinades
 Here's a pair of brisket marinades for you. One is made with a base of good, German lager, whilst the other is citrusy, with the juice of lemons, lime and orange.



 Marinade for London Broil
This one can be used with great success on flank steaks, top round and tri tip. Ingredients include fresh lemon juice and a couple of sauces I bet you have in the fridge right now!



 Chardonnay Marinade for Salmon
Whether you're smoking or grilling salmon fillets, this interesting marinade adds fresh flavors to the table.
Side Dish Recipes


Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
One of my favorites, these cook nicely in the barbecue grill.



Smoky Baked Beans
Beans, beans the musical fruit,
The more you eat...
Here's another bake bean recipe with a tasty twist - they're smoked!




Other Stuff


My Favorite Smoker Thermometer

Taylor Remote Thermometer

How to Brine Chicken









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