How Long Should You Marinate Meat to Absorb Flavors?

Pork, Chicken: Over 30 minutes for larger pieces.

Beef, Lamb: 10 minutes for a whole piece.

Sliced or Minced Meat: Under 5 minutes or no marination. Season during cooking.

Fish: 15–20 minutes. Sea fish requires less salt than river fish.

Seafood:

• Shrimp with shell, thick squid: 15-30 minutes, not more than an hour.
• Shelled shrimp, squid: 5-10 minutes or no marination.
• Octopus should not be marinated for more than 15 minutes, or it will release water and lose its flavor.

3. Some Tips for Using Spices with Meat

Salt:

There are various types of salt used in cooking, categorized by grain size and salinity. Professional chefs often use kosher salt for meat marination and sea salt for fish and seafood.

Do not use iodized salt for long periods as its high salinity can draw out moisture and dry out the food.

Monosodium Glutamate:

Monosodium glutamate helps tenderize meat and balance saltiness. It is only harmful when cooked at temperatures above 300°C, so you can safely use it for marination.

Honey:

Honey enhances the flavor of meat. You can use it in the marinade or brush it on the meat while grilling.

However, honey is best suited for pork and chicken. For red meats like beef and lamb, sugar is a better option.

Ginger and White Wine:

To eliminate the fishy smell from seafood, use crushed ginger or a small amount of white wine.

Cooking Oil and Olive Oil:

Cooking oil is the better choice for marinating meat. Olive oil is more suitable for raw applications, like salads, or for quick stir-fries.

Certain foods, like sliced beef, salmon fillets, cod, lobster, and clams, are best enjoyed with minimal seasoning or just salt and pepper.

You may also like

The Ultimate Guide to Delicious, Tender, and Odorless Squid: Unlocking the Secrets to Perfectly Prepared Calamari

With the delicious braised squid recipe below, your dish will surely be a mouth-watering, delectable treat.

The Secret to Saving an Over-Salted Dish: A Magic Ingredient to the Rescue!

When it comes to cooking, we’ve all had those moments where we’ve accidentally added too much salt. Throwing away the dish seems wasteful, but it’s equally unappetizing to serve it as it is. So, what can be done? Fear not, as there are a few simple tricks to balance out the saltiness in your soup, stew, or stir-fry.

10 Skin-Brightening Ingredients Hiding in Your Kitchen

By implementing these simple yet effective measures, you can achieve a radiant and healthy complexion, all without relying on harsh chemicals.

Don’t Miss Out on This ‘Superfood’ Fish: Packed With Omega-3s, Heart-Healthy, and Easily Found in Vietnam

For years, salmon has been hailed as the ultimate “superfood” due to its high omega-3 content. However, what many people don’t realize is that right here in Vietnam, there are other types of fish that not only rival but surpass salmon in terms of nutritional value.

The Ultimate Guide to Preparing Ginger Honey Tea: A Warming and Healthy Beverage for Chilly Days

Here’s a simple ginger honey tea recipe that anyone can make.