Marinades for Bison Meat

What is a marinade?

A marinade is a mixture of seasonings much like rubs, (See recipe) but use more liquid ingredients and are used for tougher cuts of meat to tenderize. Not only do marinades make meats taste better, but using citrus juices (lemons or limes for example) reduce chances of bacteria affecting the food.

What are good marinade ingredients:

Acidic ingredients (lemons, limes, pineapples) are all good marinade liquids for tenderizing cheaper cuts of meat. Oils such as sunflower seed, olive, canola alone or  infused with spices such as garlic, onion etc..

Why use a marinade?

Using herbs and spices in marinades for bison meat act also as antioxidants (mint, rosemary, sage, basil, thyme, oregano to name a few)  They lower the risk of the formation of free radicals from grilling meat. They reduce the formation of HCA in foods.[learn_more caption=”Learn more about HCAs”] Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals formed when muscle meat, including beef, pork, fish, and poultry, is cooked using high-temperature methods, such as pan frying or grilling directly over an open flame. [/learn_more] Marinades add flavour and tenderize tougher cuts of bison meat such as chuck, flank and skirt.(link to brochure inside)

Marinade meat by placing the marinade solution with the meat in a ziplock bag. Leave it in the fridge for at least 6 hours but not for more than a day. Shake the meat every once in a while to make sure the marinade covers all of it. If the meat is too large for a bag, place it in a pan with a lid or aluminum foil. Baste on occasion. Do not reuse the marinade, throw it out.

Easy marinade for bison meat:

• equal parts oil, vinegar
• your choice of herbs and spices
• mix and coat meat.
• Place in a ziplock bag
• Let marinade for up to 6 hours

Easier marinade:

• Italian salad dressing
• coat meat with Italian dressing
• Place in a ziplock bag
• Let marinade for up to 6 hours

More marinade ideas to come.