Marinating Tips

     There are many markers of summer, and outdoor grilling is an undeniable favorite.  Spiced up meats start calling our name.  Why are we so obsessed with Marinating!?  Whelp, not only does it tenderize meat, it adds a depth of flavor to your foods that can be found in no other way!  And don't just stop with meat, warm up to the idea of veggies, mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh.  Whole Foods knows my lazy tendencies and offers a variety of pre-cut vegtables that are ready to marinate and grill for a quick & easy summertime meal, not to mention all their great meats to choose from. (thank you Whole Foods)  Here are a set of need to know tips, followed by a simple Marinade Recipe~

Marinating Tips~
~Red meat and pork should be marinated for at least an hour and up to overnight.
~Poultry cuts on the bone should marinate for about an hour, but boneless cuts like a breast only need   30 minutes-too long and it gets mushy!
~Never marinate fish or shellfish longer than 20 to 30 minutes in a citrus or vinegar based mixture!       You can actually cook the fish from the acid in the marinade.
~Veggies such as bell peppers, onions, summer squash, etc. can be marinated for 30 minutes or             longer, but no more than an hour or two is necessary.
~Thick veggies like potatoes, sweet potatoes and thick cuts of carrots need to be parboiled first.
~Marinate pineapple, peaches, plums, and nectarines for about 30 minutes.


Marinade Recipe~
2 Tablespoons finely minced Shallots
1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
3/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper
Fresh or diced Herbs, such as Thyme, Oregano, Basil, Parsley, or Tarragon (optional)

     Whisk together Shallots, Vinegar and Mustard.  Whisk in EVOO until dressing slightly thickens.  Season with Salt, Pepper and Herbs.

Nutritional Info per 2 Tablespoons~200 calories (190 from fat), 21 total fat, 3g saturated fat, 180mg sodium, 2g carbohydrates.

     Get all your marinating needs at your local Whole Foods today!!!  :)

Disclaimer: I am a Whole Foods Market Blogger Ambassador and this post was inspired by their monthly themes and gift cards received to purchase ingredients for posts of my choosing. I am not compensated by Whole Foods Market for my blog posts and am free to post whatever I see fit to my own blog.