FOR CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD & GRILLED DISHES
Use this hearty souse on shrimp or meaty fish such as mahi-mahi, mackerel, swordfish, bluefish, or catfish. Marinades act pretty quickly on tender fish and shellfish, so don’t let them marinate for much more than an hour.
The Garlicky Beer Marinade is a flavorful and versatile marinade that combines the bold flavors of garlic, beer, and other complementary ingredients. It’s a fantastic choice for infusing a variety of proteins, such as chicken, pork, and seafood, with a rich and savory taste. The addition of beer not only imparts a unique depth of flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
The recipe calls for a combination of ingredients that work together to create a well-balanced marinade. The garlic adds a strong aromatic note and depth to the marinade, while the beer contributes a malty and slightly hoppy character. The pickled jalapeño liquid brings a tangy and mildly spicy element to the marinade, and a touch of vegetable or sunflower oil helps distribute the flavors and promotes even cooking.
Marinating with this mixture can be done relatively quickly, making it suitable for last-minute meal preparations. Allowing your chosen protein to marinate for at least 15 minutes, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator, gives it ample time to absorb the flavors of the marinade. This results in a more flavorful and succulent end product when cooked.
For those who enjoy a bolder taste, the addition of Tabasco sauce, either Original Red or green, offers an extra layer of spiciness that complements the other ingredients. The marinade is quite adaptable, allowing you to adjust the flavors to suit your preferences. It’s a versatile option that pairs well with a variety of cooking methods, from grilling to roasting to pan-frying.
Whether you’re grilling up a batch of chicken wings, preparing a juicy pork chop, or cooking a plate of succulent seafood, the Garlicky Beer Marinade can elevate your dishes and turn a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience. It’s a testament to how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious.
MAKES: ABOUT 2 CUPS
INGREDIENTS:
- 12-ounce bottle or can medium-bodied beer
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon liquid from a jar of pickled jalapeños
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or sunflower oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt
- Several splashes of Tabasco sauce, Original Red or green
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl or zipper-lock plastic bag, combine the medium-bodied beer, water, pickled jalapeño liquid, vegetable or sunflower oil, minced garlic cloves, kosher salt, and several splashes of Tabasco sauce.
- Mix and Marinate: Stir or shake the mixture well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Use the marinade within a couple of hours or refrigerate it in a covered container for use within a day or two.
- Marinating Seafood: For marinating seafood, place the seafood (such as fish or shrimp) in a bowl or bag and cover it with the marinade. Let the seafood sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. Alternatively, you can wrap or cover the marinating seafood and refrigerate it for up to 1 hour before cooking.
VARIATION:
- For a stronger Louisiana flavor, enhance the marinade by adding a tablespoon of Creole or Cajun seasoning. If your seasoning blend is already fairly salty, you can omit the kosher salt from the recipe.
