Photos by Philippe Marquis.
Fall is here, but there’s still time to fire up the grill for some seriously unforgettable BBQ sessions. So let’s dive into the world of cannabis-infused BBQ sauces and marinades that’ll send one’s taste buds on a wild adventure. But first, let’s break down the differences between these two flavorful enhancers.
Sauces are typically thick and flavorful liquids used to top off or accompany meats, while marinades are seasoned liquids used to infuse flavor and tenderize meats before cooking. With the basics covered, it’s time to explore elevating the grill game with some seriously mouth-watering cannabis-infused creations.
Marvelous Marinating
First up, let’s talk about marinades. For juicy, tender meats that are packed with flavor, marinate them before grilling. The key to a kickass marinade is getting the basic components right. This means using an acid like vinegar or citrus juice to tenderize, an oil to moisturize, and a bunch of herbs and spices for flavor.
Classic Marinade Recipe
Serving size: Enough marinade for 2-4 servings of meat
Start-to-finish time: 10 minutes of prep, plus 30 minutes to 24 hours of marinating time
Ingredients:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
Place the meat of choice in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring even coverage.
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours.
Remove the meat from the marinade and discard any remaining liquid that has come into contact with raw meat.
Grill the marinated meat as desired, brushing with additional marinade (that hasn’t touched raw meat) during cooking, if desired.
Now, here’s the deal with marinating time. Let the meats marinate for at least 30 minutes, but don’t go overboard. Marinating for too long (more than 24 hours) can cause the acids to break down the proteins too much, leading to an unpleasant texture. And remember, don’t reuse marinade that’s been in contact with raw meat.
Kickin’ Cannabis BBQ Sauces
Next up, let’s talk about the backbone of any respectable BBQ: the sauce. We’re talking about rich, thick, and sticky cannabis-infused BBQ sauces that make every bite worth savoring. Start with a go-to sauce recipe, then infuse it with some potent cannabis oil or butter.
Cannabis-Infused BBQ Sauce
Serving size: Makes about 1 1/2 cups of sauce, enough for 6-8 servings
Start-to-finish time: 5 minutes of prep, plus 15-20 minutes of cooking time
Ingredients:
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons cannabis-infused olive oil or butter
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients and whisk until well combined.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened to the desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, or additional cayenne for heat.
Remove from heat and let cool before using or storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Here’s a pro tip: timing is everything. Slather on that sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling to prevent burning and ensure those sugars caramelize without turning bitter. To take the sauce game to the next level, try layering it on. Apply multiple thin layers, letting each one cook a bit before adding the next. This technique will create a depth of flavor that’ll have guests begging for the secret recipe.
Here’s a little-known secret: sauces can be turned into glazes by reducing them over heat to thicken and concentrate those flavors. Add a little something sweet to achieve that shiny, glossy finish that makes a glaze so irresistible. When it comes to applying, timing is crucial. Slather on that glaze during the final moments of cooking to prevent burning and achieve a caramelized crust that’ll have any dinner guests weak in the knees.
Remember to avoid over-salting any creations. Marinades and sauces can pack a lot of sodium, so taste and adjust accordingly. To really impress, layer on multiple coats of glaze, letting each one set before adding the next. It’s a surefire way to achieve a deep, robust flavor and a finish that’ll have guests talking about this BBQ for weeks to come.
It’s time to stop settling for average BBQ and start infusing the grilling game with the most flavorful cannabis-infused sauces, marinades, and glazes out there. Experiment with dosages, pair a favorite strains with some favorite flavors, and get ready to blaze up the summer heat with some seriously next-level BBQ. Stay lifted, grill responsibly, and enjoy the ride.
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