Sunday, July 21, 2013

Gourmet Marinades Save Time And Energy

By Chelsea Evans


Many people realize that cooking at home not only costs less than dining out, it allows for more comfort. Yet, it can be a task to season food in the same fashion as most restaurants. A person can take cooking lessons and buy spices by the dozens but there is another way. By using gourmet marinades and rubs in cooking meals, this can help the home cook save time and money.

For those who have been curious about marinades, it is basic. Rubs are of dry consistently and are strong with spices. Ideally, these are poured, or rubbed, directly on the flesh so that spices can penetrate quickly. Because the flavor can be intense, these should be used with caution, especially if letting the rub soak overnight.

Marinades are not always as intense in flavor but there are some that pack quite a punch. These are also preferred because it only requires pouring. Only because they come in liquid form, many will season the densest meat in a short period. However, some recommended soaking for at least two hours minimum using a sealable container.

Flavors available on the market range from Asian flavors to hearty, smoky flavors that can only be duplicated on a grill. There is also the choice of exotic flavors that used imported spices, dried fruits and other taste combinations. Normally manufacturers list the meats that are the most compatible with the flavor.

Seafood lovers may benefit most from mild flavors like garlic and herb. Spicy flavors like Cajun are good on large cuts of salmon. Because fish is usually light in texture, it usually does not require a long soak time like meat and poultry. When using these on shellfish, caution should be taken as they can easily overpower the natural flavor of the food.

The purpose of using these is to save time in the cooking process but some marinades may lend themselves to other uses in cooking. They work well in the seasoning of potatoes and other dense vegetables. This is good news for vegetarians or those who like to have a non meat entree sometimes.

The best way to choose a marinade or rub is to look at the ingredients. Many manufacturers may use terms like gourmet or premium but often they are mostly water and salt. A person can also look to see if the spices are visible or not. Even major brand names tend to skimp on ingredients so it is best to look carefully.

While many marinades and rubs are priced about the same, some experienced users feel it is worth it to spend a little extra. Chances are that these products have more real ingredients and less powders, extracts and salt. Products that have visible spices and good flavor would be considered gourmet marinades that can wake up a meal with little time and effort.




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