Marinating is the process of soaking meat, seafood, or vegetables in a flavorful liquid before cooking. This technique infuses your food with delicious flavors while helping to tenderize tougher cuts of meat. Dad's Own Colorado Cooking Sauce combines the perfect balance of spices, acids, and oils to create restaurant-quality results at home.

Step 1: Choose Your Protein or Vegetables
Select fresh, quality ingredients. Pat meat dry with paper towels for better marinade absorption.

Step 2: Prepare Your Marinade
Pour Dad's Own Colorado Cooking Sauce into a bowl or resealable bag. Use approximately ¼ to ½ cup per pound of food.

Step 3: Combine and Coat
Add your protein or vegetables to the marinade, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Massage the marinade into the food for maximum flavor penetration.

Step 4: Refrigerate
Seal your container or bag and place it in the refrigerator. Never marinate at room temperature.

Step 5: Turn Occasionally
For even flavor distribution, flip or rotate your food halfway through the marinating time.

Step 6: Cook and Enjoy
Remove from marinade, discard the used marinade, and cook according to your recipe.

Note: Longer marinating times develop deeper flavors, but avoid over-marinating seafood as the acids can break down the delicate texture.

Always marinate in the refrigerator: Never leave marinating food at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.

Use separate containers: Don't reuse marinade that has touched raw meat unless you boil it first for at least 5 minutes.

Reserve some marinade: If you want to use marinade as a sauce, set aside a portion before adding raw meat.

Don't over-marinate: Follow the recommended times above. Over-marinating can make meat mushy, especially with seafood.

Use food-safe containers: Glass, stainless steel, or food-grade plastic bags work best. Avoid aluminum, which can react with acidic marinades.