Give Your BBQ A Major Flavor Boost And Better Texture When You Add One Juice
With so many barbecue marinade recipes out there, it's tricky to pick a favorite. Some are garlicky and smoky, while others are sweetened with ingredients like brown sugar and Coca-Cola. But few ingredients can also tenderize the meat at the same time.
Why pineapple juice? Well, apart from being delicious, it contains an enzyme called bromelain that helps break down tough meat fibers, resulting in a soft, tenderized texture. So, if you're hoping to tenderize meat quickly (other popular methods like salt brines can take quite a while), it's a fantastic option. It's also pretty well-absorbed, meaning the meat easily takes on the pineapple's sweetness. The final product is a tropical-style barbecue with notes of juicy fruit in each bite.
A little pineapple juice goes a long way here. Aim for about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of juice for every pound of beef. You can used canned or fresh juice, but fresh is typically more potent. And it works quickly: Depending on the cut, you only need to marinate it for 30 minutes to an hour. For a more complex flavor add other ingredients to the marinade, like garlic, soy sauce, or jalapeño slices. Or cover the meat in a dry rub first, then add to the juice. You'll be surprised at how well it works some barbecue magic.
Pineapple juice works well with most meat
Now that you know why pineapple makes a good meat tenderizer, you can experiment. This sweet juice doesn't just work with ribs. In fact, the marinade works with most cuts of steak, pork, or chicken. You could even marinate seafood like shrimp and fish in pineapple juice for a Mexican or Hawaiian-inspired meal. Both cuisines use the fruit for several dishes, including tacos al pastor (pork with pineapple), huli huli chicken, and pineapple-marinated grilled chicken.
You can even make sandwiches with pineapple-marinated meat. From pulled pork to ham sandwiches, the tangy fruit punches flavor upward. All you have to do is cook your marinated meat of choice, shred it up with a standing mixer or by hand with forks, and sandwich it between a fluffy bun. And don't forget toppings: Store-bought barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and pineapple rings all make for a sweet, savory flavor combination.
