How to marinate your meat perfectly

If you've ever grilled a chicken breast or steak that ended up tough as a pair of old cowboy boots, we would like to introduce you to the art of marinating meat. Marinades are the secret factor that make Korean and Southern barbecue irresistible, they make Texas brisket taste knee-slapping good, and they're what make Spanish escabeche so aromatic.

Marinades can turn any meat into something completely delicious, unless you use too much acid or marinate the meat for too long. That's when you end up with meat as unappetizing as a prop department rubber chicken. If you follow a few simple tips, we can show you how to avoid sending people running from the table.