The key to great BBQ is sealing in flavor. Marinades are
ideal for flavoring and locking in moisture. In addition to herbs, spices,
condiments, and oils, marinades usually include an acid like vinegar, lemon
juice or wine. Adding sweet ingredients like brown sugar to the marinade helps
forma caramelized, crispy coating.

There are overnight marinades and 30 minute marinades.
Saturate up to 1 lb. of meat for 30 minutes before putting on the grill. Always
marinate in the refrigerator, and remember, if you’re basting with the same
liquid you used to marinate the meat don’t apply within the last few minutes of
grilling.

We’ve listed a few BBQ grill ideas below to get you
started in the right direction.

Top Marinades for the Best Results

Basic Marinade

½ c olive oilThis basic marinade is great on almost anything. It’s
perfect for beef. The ingredients are simple and require just a few minutes of
prep work. You can use the basic marinade to build on and with a few simple
adjustments you can enjoy a variety of flavors listed below.

• ½ c cider vinegar
• 1 lemon (juice only)
• 2 cloves chopped garlic
• ¼ tsp salt and pepper

Tex-Mex

Add a little kick to your dish! This Tex-Mex marinade has
the perfect amount of spice. Using the ingredients above simply add the
following using a lime instead of a lemon.

• ¼ c chopped cilantro
• 2 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp hot pepper sauce
• 1 lime (juice and zest)

Mediterranean

Use balsamic vinegar in place of the cider and add some Mediterranean spices for a quick change. This is great for kabobs.

• ½ c olive oil
• ½ c balsamic vinegar
• ½ c chopped mixed herbs like: parsley oregano or thyme
• A splash of Worcestershire sauce

Asian

Instead of cider vinegar, use rice vinegar and add the
following ingredients. Enjoy a little Asian flavoring, it’s a great twist.

• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• ½ tsp Chinese 5-spice
• ½ c finely chopped scallions

Using the basic marinade as a foundation, you can transform
basic BBQ into something special.

The Best Steak Marinade

• ¼ c olive oil
• ¼ c balsamic vinegar
• ¼ c Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ c soy sauce
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and add salt and pepper as
desired. Pour in to a shallow baking dish and marinade for at least 30 minutes.

The Best Chicken Marinade

• 1 ½ c vegetable oil
• ¾ c soy sauce
• ½ c Worcestershire sauce
• ½ c red wine vinegar
• 1/3 c lemon juice
• 2 tbsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 ½ tsp finely minced parsley

First, combine wet ingredients, then whisk in the dry
spices. When fully mixed, pour into a shallow baking dish. The longer you
marinade the chicken the better the flavor.

Mojito Marinade

If you love the Cuban Mojito cocktail then you’ll really like this marinade. It’s great for white meat or seafood dishes.

• 2 shallots peeled and trimmed
• ¼ c coarsely chopped fresh mint
• ¼ c rum
• 1 tbsp freshly grated lime zest
• ½ c lime juice
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp canola oil
• 1 tbsp kosher salt

Place shallots, mint, rum, lime zest, lime juice, honey,
oil and salt in a food processor. Pulse until shallots are finely chopped. Put
the marinade into a shallow baking dish or sealable plastic bag and let stand
for at least 30 minutes.

Try out these marinades over the course of the grilling
season and enjoy a variety of great tasting BBQ. Let us know your favorites and
any improvements you might have made. Share your ideas with us so we can try
them out at the next company BBQ!