Marinades are a game changer when it comes to adding bold flavor and tenderizing meat. But to make sure your marinated steak, chicken, or pork comes off the grill juicy and delicious, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Here are our top marinade grilling tips to help you grill with confidence:
1. Pick the Right Marinade for the Meat
Thin cuts like flank or skirt steak absorb flavor quickly and do well with bold, quick marinades. Thicker cuts like chicken thighs or pork shoulder need a longer soak in a more tenderizing blend. Our housemade marinade is a versatile favorite—perfectly balanced and ready to use on beef, pork, and chicken for flavorful, juicy results every time.
2. Pat Meat Dry Before Grilling
Right before grilling, gently blot off excess marinade. This helps reduce flare-ups and gives your meat a better sear.
3. Bring Meat to Room Temperature
Let your marinated meat sit out for about 10-20 minutes before grilling. Cold meat doesn’t cook evenly and may dry out on the edges before the center is done.
4. Oil the Grill, Not the Meat
Skip brushing your meat with extra marinade and oil the grill grates instead to prevent sticking and create better grill marks.
5. Use Direct & Indirect Heat Zones
Sear over high heat first, then move to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking. This technique keeps sugars in the marinade from burning too quickly.
6. Don’t Reuse Marinade
Used marinade should always be discarded after use. It’s not safe to reuse once the meat has been introduced. If you want to finish your grilled meats with some marinade once you’re done grilling, make sure to set aside some marinade before adding your meat.
7. Use a Meat Thermometer
Color can be misleading, especially with marinated meats. Always check the internal temp to avoid under or overcooking:
- Chicken: 165°F
- Pork: 145°F
- Beef (medium): 135°F
8. Let It Rest
After grilling, let your meat rest for 5–10 minutes to let the juices settle and keep things tender. Now is a good time to brush some additional marinade if you had set some aside!
Want ready-to-grill marinated meats? Stop by Gartner’s and check out our house-marinated options, perfectly prepped and packed with flavor for your next backyard barbecue.
Happy grilling!