Brisket Marinade

Making the Best Brisket Marinade

Taking the time to marinate your brisket before cooking will ensure that it remains tender and juicy. Marinades usually contain something acidic like vinegar, wine or lemon juice. The theory is that the acid will help break down the toughness in the meat. Whether it does or not, it adds a dimension of flavor that your marinade would not have without it. Oils may be added to help coat the meat so it doesn't stick readily to the grill. It also helps hold the moisture in. Spices and herbs are added for seasoning. Even if the flavor only penetrates the meat a little bit, the flavors are there.

While some studies are showing that marinades don't really do what we think they do for our meats, other studies are showing that marinades may reduce potential cancer-causing agents by as much as 99% by using acidic ingredients. The acids keep the heterocyclic amines (HCAs) from forming during cooking.

Marinade is used on all kinds of different meats, but when you have something like brisket, it truly pays off. Brisket, like strip steak and other tougher cuts, can really benefit from the long soak before cooking. You generally want to make a half cup of marinade per pound of meat that you want to cook. Don't marinate your meats in metal bowls, as the ingredients in the marinade can react chemically with the metal. Ceramic may also not be safe. A glass or plastic bowl works well, as do ziplock bags, if you can find them large enough to suit your needs. Depending on what cut of meat you want to cook, you can marinate more quickly by cutting your meat into thin slices. This would work well for breakfast steaks, pork chops and other meat selections that you want to cook as separate pieces.

You can actually use almost anything in a marinade. Chicken is often marinated in buttermilk, for instance. Fish and other seafood also do well in dairy-based marinades. Beef does best in marinades featuring wine, lemon juice or other acidic ingredients. The best marinades are usually simple and use fresh herbs, high quality oil and a wine you wouldn't be embarrassed to drink. Lots of other ingredients can be used in a marinade, such as whole spices, ketchup or even marmalade.

Best Brisket Marinade

This is a simple, yet delicious marinade for a beef brisket. You won't be disappointed.

1 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

4 cloves of garlic, minced

2 Tablespoons paprika

1 Tablespoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons black pepper

Mix all the ingredients until the sugar is dissolved. Place the brisket in a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag and chill in the refrigerator. Flip the bag over occasionally to make sure all sides of the meat are coated evenly. Soak for two to six hours.

Remove the brisket from the marinade and grill slowly on a low fire. Discard the leftover marinade unless you bring it to a boil for two or three minutes; cooked marinade can be used as a basting sauce.