Going camping is exciting, especially when you factor in cooking food over a campfire. While some people believe that food cooked this way is typically bland, it is your job to give it as much flavor as possible. Creating a marinade will be the key to your problems, as long as you avoid these errors.
Marinating your food for too little time means that it will not absorb as much flavor as you had hoped for. As a result, your food may not taste much different from the hum-drum, boring camping cuisine you are used to. Ideally, your meat should sit in the mixture you made for at least two hours. This will help break down the meat and ensure a more powerful flavor.
Using lots of sugar is a big no-no. The more sweetener you use, the more likely your food will be to burn. If you insist on having a marinade that has a good amount of sugar, try grilling your meat until it is nearly done, brushing on the marinade and cooking for just a bit longer. You will have all of the flavor you have been looking for without too much char.
Avoid brushing cooked food with the leftover marinade you used for raw items. This is a great way to end up in the doctor’s office stricken with food poisoning. Reserve some of the marinade early on to avoid any cross contamination. The only way you can safely use this would be to bring it to a boil. This will kill off any bacteria lingering there.
Whether you are planning to use a simple marinade containing citrus and herbs or you want to go for something with a little more kick, using the advice here will help you create a better culinary experience. Keep all of this in mind the next time you embark on a camping trip.
