To Marinate or Not – That is the Question!

June 7th, 2012

This argument has caused family BBQ’s to tear at the seams for many a year.

In the blue corner, the For lot – they argue marinating adds flavour, depth and helps tenderise the meat before popping it on that fiery grill.

In the red corner, the Against peeps – they say meat should be allowed to talk for itself, maybe with a little salt and pepper to liven things up at bit but certainly no fancy sauces and bizarre herbs to steal the limelight.

Well, here at WG HQ we’re suitably divided.  So, after much deliberation we’ve decided to quash this BBQ fight once and for all – should we or shouldn’t we marinate our BBQ meats?

And what better time to sound that fightin’ bell than this weekend when the British BBQ Championships are being held on the 9^th and 10^th June.

After much lengthy research and reading, it actually turns out that.. wait for it.. marinating would win in the BBQ punch up and here’s why..

According to a recent study, marinating your fave BBQ meats before you grill them is actually healthier for you!

Apparently, marinating red meat, poultry, pork and fish can significantly decrease the amount of carcinogenic Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs) produced when the meat is cooked at a fiery hot temp.

The study found that marinated meats produced up to 71% less HCAs than those than those that weren’t.

It’s believed the marinade acts as a protective layer against the intensity of high heat causing less harmful chemicals to be produced.

But, if that doesn’t convince you, here are a few more reasons to marinate:

1. Mmm, Tender – that’s right it’s not a myth!  Marinating does, in fact, tenderise your meat.  Especially when made with naturally acidic ingredients like lemon or lime juice.
2. Juicy, Juicy, Juicy – marinades lock those all-important juices into the meat.  Although a mix that has too much vinegar will actually dry it out.  This is because acids in the food reduce the meats ability to retain moisture, so for extra juicy steak watch that vinegar!
3. Flavour it up baby – You can pretty much have anything you want in a marinade so if you’re looking for some spice with a little chilli or something a little mellow with a generous helping of rosemary and thyme you can create taste sensations that’ll blow your friends minds!

So, there you have it!  It’s scientifically proven that marinating your BBQ meat is better for you and the food, but let’s face it, meat is meat – and meat is awesome no matter what!

Are you for or against?  Tell us why on Facebook..

Posted in Articles, Featured | No Comments »