Whether you are backyard BBQing or elsewhere this summer, the secret weapon to leveling up your turkey game is with a delicious marinade. Not only does a good marinade bring moisture and juiciness, but can also intensify flavour. Intimidated by the marinade? Chef Shahir Massoud has shared his best marinating tips to set you and your family up for a summer of savour. Try them out for yourself with Chef Shahir’s “Double” Caesar Salad recipe featuring Butterball Easy Fresh Boneless Turkey Breast and this Spicy Caesar drink featuring Butterball Franks.
Marinades are about Flavour
Most people think that marinades are meant to tenderize (which they can to a small extent), but really, they’re about flavour! When it comes to keeping your turkey tender, it’s way more important to select a high-quality turkey like Butterball and manage your cook time and temperature. So, always have your thermometer ready!
Make Extra
If you’re going to the trouble of making a delicious marinade, make extra and set it aside, but be sure that the leftover marinade hasn’t touched any raw turkey! Serve that extra batch as a dipping sauce or brush it on your meat at the end of the cooking process!
Think Yogurt
Most marinades have some form of acidity—lemon juice, vinegar, etc. So, yogurt is a great way to introduce tang and offers superior colour and char on the grill!
Sugar, Sugar, Oh Honey Honey
Some marinades call for brown sugar, orange juice, etc. But, be careful with these amounts, high sugar marinades can burn easily on the grill! Also, you can try honey as a healthier alternative, especially if you’re choosing a healthier protein like turkey.
Plan Ahead
Marinating your turkey overnight is always best. But if you forget, try to get your turkey in your marinade at least a couple of hours before hitting the grill—the extra time makes a big difference in allowing the flavours to penetrate!
Inspired? Get started on your marinating journey by entering in our Instagram giveaway, and you could win the ultimate Butterball and Tabasco Prize Pack!