Quick Marinades for the Grill

By / Food / June 12th, 2009 / 1

Sometimes there just isn’t time to marinate meat and vegetables for very long. Brushing on barbecue sauce in the last few minutes of grilling is a quick way to add flavour. However, if you find yourself waiting for the coals or the propane to heat the grill to the right temperature, you have enough time to cover the meat and vegetables with a store-bought marinade. All you need is 15 to 30 minutes to infuse flavour.

Navigating the marinades aisle in the grocery store can be tricky. There are so many choices out there, which one will pack the biggest flavour punch without emptying your wallet?

First, if you’re not sure which marinade to try, stick to flavours you already like. If that’s a sun-dried tomato-based marinade, then go for it. If you’re looking for something new and different, then the gates are wide open. Choose something containing ingredients that you’ve never had before.

Second, read the label. Look for a brand that uses natural ingredients and few sugars and other fillers. These marinades will taste homemade and deliver a lot of lip-smacking flavour without the added fat, sodium or calories.

I had the opportunity to try some new marinades in McCormick’s Club House La Grille line. Although my preference is for homemade marinades and sauces, having a supply of prepared flavour boosters in the fridge comes in handy when I’m short on time. The Club House marinades contained more sugar than I like to use, but the flavours were pretty close to authentic. Here’s a breakdown of their new line:

• Smokehouse Mesquite has a mesquite wood flavour with garlic, onion and a twist of lime juice.

• Honey and Dijon combines Dijon mustard and honey with a squeeze of lemon juice. Sesame Ginger blends sesame, ginger, garlic and mandarin orange juice.

• Louisiana Red Pepper is based on an authentic Louisiana recipe with red pepper seasoning and lemon juice.

• Lemon and Black Pepper mixes lemon juice with spicy black pepper.

• Teriyaki unites soy sauce, sherry wine and ginger with pineapple juice.

• Herb and Garlic is a zesty blend of citrus juices, garlic and herbs.

• Southwest Chipotle joins smokey chipotle peppers with cumin, oregano and garlic with a splash of lime juice.

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