What To Know
- Place the meat in a non-reactive container, such as a glass or ceramic bowl.
- For more tender results, use a marinade with an acidic component, such as vinegar or citrus juice.
- If you’re using a Traeger grill with a drip pan, place a sheet of aluminum foil over the pan to prevent flare-ups from the marinade.
Unlock the secrets of mouthwatering Traeger-grilled meats with our comprehensive guide to the best marinades. From classic flavors to bold and innovative concoctions, we’ve got you covered to elevate your grilling game to new heights.
Why Marinate?
Marinating meat before grilling not only enhances flavor but also tenderizes it, resulting in juicy and succulent dishes. Traeger grills, with their low and slow cooking process, are particularly well-suited for marinating, allowing the flavors to permeate deep into the meat.
Best Marinades for Traeger
1. Classic Barbecue Marinade
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
2. Honey Garlic Marinade
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
3. Italian Herb Marinade
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
4. Asian Teriyaki Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
5. Greek Lemon Marinade
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
6. Southwestern Chipotle Marinade
- 1/2 cup adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
7. Bourbon and Brown Sugar Marinade
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
How to Marinate
- Choose a suitable marinade for the type of meat you’re grilling.
- Place the meat in a non-reactive container, such as a glass or ceramic bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
- Remove the meat from the marinade and discard any remaining liquid.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible.
- Don’t over-marinate, as this can toughen the meat.
- For more tender results, use a marinade with an acidic component, such as vinegar or citrus juice.
- If you’re using a Traeger grill with a drip pan, place a sheet of aluminum foil over the pan to prevent flare-ups from the marinade.
Beyond the Best
In addition to the classic marinades above, here are some innovative options to try:
- Maple Bacon Marinade: Combine maple syrup, bacon fat, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Pineapple Habanero Marinade: Mix pineapple juice, chopped habanero peppers, honey, and soy sauce.
- Green Goddess Marinade: Blend together Greek yogurt, avocado, fresh herbs (such as cilantro, basil, and parsley), and lime juice.
The Perfect Finish
After grilling, let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
FAQ
1. How long should I marinate my meat?
For best results, marinate for at least 4 hours, but no longer than overnight.
2. Can I use the same marinade for different cuts of meat?
Yes, but marinating times may vary depending on the thickness and toughness of the cut.
3. Can I reuse marinade?
No, once marinade has come into contact with raw meat, it should be discarded to prevent the spread of bacteria.
