Liquid smoke is not just a cute name. Although manufacturing methods vary from brand to brand, the basic truth about liquid smoke seasoning is that it is water infused with the flavor of actual smoke. That strong flavor makes liquid smoke an excellent choice if you are looking for a smoky brisket marinade. All good brisket marinade recipes call for an acid, an oil and some herbs and spices or other flavoring, so don't think there's only one right way to mix one up. Experiment and have fun.
Step 1
Pour about a cup of oil into a bowl. Olive oil has the best flavor for marinades and also contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. If you want to be a little wild and mix oils, such as olive and sesame or canola and peanut, make sure you use the least healthy oils as flavorings only.
Step 2
Add about half a cup of an acid to the oil. Vinegar, wine, citrus juice -- whichever flavor appeals to you. The acid helps break down the muscle fibers in the brisket, making it more tender. Because you will discard the marinade, you don't have to worry about the alcohol content if you decide to use wine.
Step 3
Add any herbs and spices you might favor, as well as a few drops of liquid smoke. Herbs and spices that go well with brisket include pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, paprika and rosemary. The flavor of liquid smoke is intense and can be unpleasantly overpowering, so add a few drops, then taste the result before adding more.
Step 4
Whisk all of the ingredients together and taste it again. Correct the seasonings.
Step 5
Place the brisket in a plastic zipper bag large enough to close around it. Pour in the marinade and let it sit for at least eight hours.
Tips and Warnings
- Make tiny cuts in your brisket to allow the liquid smoke marinade to penetrate into the meat.
- Never set cooked meat on the same plate used to hold raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.
Things You'll Need
- Oil
- Vinegar, wine or citrus juice
- Herbs and spices
- Bowl
- Small whisk
- Plastic zipper bag
