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How to use marinades properly

Sorry to disappoint you.

It's a myth that marinades tenderise beef. They don't, they just add flavour to the surface.

Acids and enzymes only tenderise the surface of the meat to a depth about 3mm – and that's only after 8 days – or thereabouts.  

So, yes, they might add some flavour in that time – but if you leave the meat in for that long marinades simply turn the top 3mm mushy – while the rest of it stays tough and unflavoured. 

Onion and garlic do penetrate the surface a bit further, because they’re water soluble – but they don't act as tenderisers. 

So, if you want to use acids or enzymes in a marinade – be aware that they're only there for the flavour and not for their “tenderising” qualities. For that reason marinade your meat for no longer than 1-3 hours if they contain acids or enzymes.

Or, alternatively, just use a dry rub. You'll get the flavour, without the mush.

Acids

Wine

Wine contains tartaric and malic acid, but the fruit in wine can add flavour to the meat. 

Lemon

Lemon contains citric acid which can add a citrus flavour.

Vinegar

Vinegar contains acetic acid.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains lactic acid, which can add a bit of flavour. 

Buttermilk

Buttermilk also contains lactic acid, which can add a bit of flavour.

Tea 

Tea contains tannic acid. Brew a strong cup of black tea and add to stews and casseroles.

Coffee 

Coffee adds flavour and is acidic. Brew a strong pot of coffee. Let it cool, then marinade the meat. Or you can add it to stews and casseroles.  

Enzymes

Pineapple juice

Contains an enzyme (bromelain).  

Papaya

Either green or ripe. Contains papain.  Add two tablespoons of mashed papaya per 500g and rub it in with your hands. 

Figs 

Contains an enzyme (ficin). Use in stews or casseroles. The flavour of figs does not transfer to the meat.

Kiwi fruit 

Contains an enzyme (actinidin). Either blitz a skinned Kiwi fruit and use it as a marinade. Or, scoop out the flesh, keep the skin and use the inside part of the skin to rub the meat.

Ginger 

Contains an enzyme (protease).  

Alkaline

Baking Soda

Popular in America. Rub the meat with baking soda, leave it in the fridge for 3-5 hours – take it out and rinse the baking soda off. Bring it up to room temperature, dry it well then cook it.

But it can leave a bitter taste on the meat and damage some of the nutrients, (vitamin C, vitamin D, riboflavin, thiamin, and an essential amino acid).