18 marinated meats optionsWhen you’re dealing with certain cuts of meat such as steak tips, London broil, pork ribs, and chicken wings, marinade is the magic sauce that unlocks tenderness and flavor. Marinating works by combining three key ingredients: first, an acid such as vinegar or citrus to break down the meat’s fibers; second, flavorings like herbs, garlic, or spices, and, finally, oil that adds moisture and does the heavy lifting of ensuring the flavor penetrates deeply into the meat.

As great as marinade is for enhancing the flavor and tenderness of certain meats, there is a big “no-no” when it comes to marinating. If you’ve invested in a premium cut of steak, one that is naturally tender, well-marbled, and delicious, keep the marinade far away. It will only detract from what is already near perfection.

Ready to marinate? Here is how to get the most flavorful and tender result.

  1. Pick the right marinade. Steak can hold up to heartier, oil-forward marinades. You’ll want to think lighter for chicken. We can help you choose just the right marinade from one of our housemade options. 
  2. Use non-reactive containers. No aluminum or metal. Glass, food-safe containers, ceramic, and sealable plastic bags work well.
  3. Manage your timing. For beef cuts, 2 to 4 hours of marinating, and even overnight work well. Boneless chicken can absorb marinade in as little as 30 minutes or 4-12 hours for bone-in pieces. Marinate pork for 1 to 8 hours; thinner cuts need less time.
  4. Pay attention to your cooking heat and time. For steak tips and other beef cuts, high heat and shorter cooking times are ideal. Be sure to pat your meat dry before cooking for the best sear.
  5. Rest meat before and after cooking. For the best results, take your marinated meat out at least 30 minutes before cooking to get it to room temperature, and let it rest at least five minutes after cooking to allow the juices to reabsorb. Always slice against the grain for tender meat.

Here are some recipes to get you started:

One great shortcut to preparing delicious meals featuring marinated meat is to buy your meat already prepared and properly marinated. All you have to do is take it home and cook it. This is a great option for busy weeknights, filling a marinadecooler on the way to your vacation, or for bringing to a cookout. At Butcher Boy, we feature eighteen different marinated meat options(opens in new tab), including steak tips, London Broil, chicken, pork ribs, pork roast, and lamb. Check them out on our website here(opens in new tab) or stop in to the store.

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