Why marinate meat, and what should I watch out for?

Marinades serve two purposes. First, they tenderize food, especially meat, which needs it most. But they also serve another purpose: adding flavor.

Many meat recipes call for marinating the meat before cooking it.

Marinating may sound like a hassle, but sometimes it’s essential for the best possible flavor and results. During marinating, many reactions take place between the ingredients, and they all contribute to the finished dish. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid mistakes and eventual disappointment.

Why marinate meat?

Enhancing flavor and aroma: Anyone can make their own marinade. Marinades boost the flavor of food, and you can choose whether to give yours a spicier, sweeter, or smokier flavor.
Meat structure: The ingredients in a marinade help change the structure of the meat, making it more tender. Meat is tough because of its collagen and elastin fibers. The marinade’s main ingredient, whether an acid or an enzyme, acts on these proteins to change their structure.
Tenderness: How much a marinade tenderizes meat depends largely on the type and size of the cut. It’s still being assessed how effective marinades are at tenderizing meat. Their effect is mainly on the surface, and they cannot penetrate large cuts and loosen their proteins the way they can with smaller cuts.

What should I keep in mind when marinating?

There are a few things to keep in mind when marinating.

First, never use marinade that has been in contact with raw meat after cooking. There is a risk of contamination by microorganisms. So, if you want to boost the meat’s flavor further, it’s best to prepare extra marinade. Also, the meat should be kept in the refrigerator while it marinates to prevent bacteria from growing.

For safety reasons, do not marinate meat in metal containers, as the acids in the marinade can corrode them.

Finally, adjust the marinating time according to the type of meat. Marinating for too long will negatively affect the meat’s structure, making it tougher.