Surprise Your Friends at the Barbecue: 5 Unthought-of Marinades and Chefs' Golden Tips
What more can you add to your barbecue meat aside from paprika, cumin, or maybe soy and teriyaki sauces? Prepare to be surprised (along with excellent tips from chefs both local and international).
Green Tahini with Herbs
Tahini with meat? You might be surprised, but the answer is definitely yes. Especially when combined with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, mint, lemon, and garlic, it elevates any skewer, patty, or steak. Try it and you won't be disappointed.
Spicy Mango Salsa
What's the connection between mango and meat? You might not believe it, but this sauce is one of the most delicious for barbecue, as it combines sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. If you love these flavors, this marinade is for you. So how do you make this salsa? Blend together fresh mango, spicy green pepper, a handful of chopped cilantro, chopped red onion, and a touch of lime.
Homemade Seasoned Salt
Mix coarse salt with dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and garlic and onion powder. Sprinkle it on the meat before grilling to infuse deep flavors and intoxicating aromas.
Honey Mustard with Confit Garlic
Mix whole grain mustard with natural honey, and add roasted and mashed garlic cloves. It’s perfect for brushing on chicken cuts near the end of grilling for a sweet and caramelized glaze.
Israeli Chimichurri Sauce
Mix a handful of chopped parsley with a handful of cilantro, fresh oregano, fresh za'atar, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. This sauce is excellent as a topping for entrecote, kebab, or veal sausages.
What Do Top Chefs Add to Their Barbecue to Elevate It?
1. Jamie Oliver
"Before placing meat on the grill, I always brush it with olive oil mixed with chopped herbs – rosemary, thyme, and mint – which imparts a deep flavor right from the first grilling."
2. Israel Aharoni
"What turns a simple barbecue into an excellent one isn’t just the meat – it's the extras. A small dish of homemade spicy sauce or green tahini can steal the show."
3. Gordon Ramsay
"Don’t be afraid to use a marinade. Even the best cut deserves a hug of flavors – lemon, garlic, chili, and olive oil work wonders before they meet the fire."
4. Haim Cohen
"I love adding grilled lemon wedges directly on the grill – they turn sweet and juicy, elevating any steak or skewer to new heights."
5. Bobby Flay
"Dry spices are my secret weapon – a mix of smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, and salt creates a perfect crust on any meat cut."
