No matter what your local Grilling Enthusiast Bro says, marinade mixology ain't rocket science. At a bare minimum, all you need is a good bit of salt, probably some fat, and a smidgen of acid for basic flavour enhancement and tenderising action. Sweet, spicy and/or funky elements are optional, but never unwelcome.
Most short rib recipes usually call for hours in the oven braising, but you can get super tasty and tender results by treating them like a steak: Season and throw them on the grill.
The more I use miso, the more I become convinced that other flavouring agents are simply not needed. Not only does it render soups, dips and desserts totally addictive, but it makes one heck of a delicious marinade.
Miso is a wonderfully salty paste made from fermented soybeans that packs a ton of savoury, umami flavour into a teaspoon. It's most commonly used in miso soup, but the funky seasoning can be used in a variety of delicious applications, from chip dips and sandwich spreads, to caramels and cake frostings.
True, made-from-scratch Caesar dressing is a terrible thing to waste, but even if you find yourself with an extra bit of that cheesy, creamy emulsion in a store-bought bottle (and don't feel like another salad), do not fret; it makes an excellent pan of roasted vegetables.
