A Summer Day of Marinades

During the brief period of time, I lived with my father and his family, I learned a lot about cooking, specifically, Filipino which from my childhood observations, involves one pot, lots of protein, vegetables and braising for a peiod of time. It involved soy sauce, fish sauce and/or vinegar. Everything was cooked together and never left the liquid that is was cooked in, which of course was always a delicious broth to pout over the ubiquitious rice.

Then, as I started working in the world of food, first in the restaurant, then as a publicist, I learned more about marinating, the act of tenderizing meat in a liquid. (Supposedly, the word “marinate” comes from a French word but the act of marinating actually pre-dates that usage to Asia by almost 3,000 years….so who knows…damn scholars…don’t they know anything.)

Not many things in Filipino cooking are marinated. There is a lot of grilling with sauces, continously basting the meat or braising. (I’m digressing but there is also a traditional barbeque sauce for meat which uses, of all things….7-Up, Sprite or Sierra Mist…or a soda that has a lemon/lime citrus connection…unbelievably succulent, sweet and spicy.)

As I grew, up I learned simpler ways of doing marinade through many of the chefs with whom I have worked as a publicist. Something really quick and easy like the one below is easy to perfect. I use this particular and quick marinade for pretty much any meat or fish. So simple. If you decide to use this marinade, try prepping it the night before or prior to leaving for work. Then when you can get home, turn the grill on and …voila, dinner is served.

YOU WILL NEED:
2 cups soy sauce
1 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/4 cup oil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, jalapeno, serrano, Thai chili or habanero…(I think you get the picture.)
1/2 tsp ginger

LET’s FINISH THIS PUPPY UP:
1. Put everything into a gallon bag, bowl or Pyrex dish and cover meat/fish/poultry overnight or at least a couple of hours.
2. Grill/bake/ broil/ saute your meat/fish/poultry until desired temperature.
3. Easy-peasy.