What is important to remember when seasoning meats before grilling?

When seasoning meats before grilling, it is key to remember the importance of allowing time for the seasoning to penetrate and enhance the flavor of the meat. Seasoning well in advance gives salt and any other spices or herbs time to work their magic. Salt is particularly effective because it not only adds flavor but also helps to draw moisture into the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy texture. The process of brining or dry brining, for instance, relies on this principle where the salt draws out moisture, mixes with it, and is then reabsorbed back into the meat along with the seasonings.

In contrast, seasoning right before cooking may not give enough time for the flavors to infuse fully. Not seasoning at all would lead to bland results, and only using salt would limit the depth of flavor you can achieve with a variety of herbs and spices. Therefore, seasoning well in advance emerges as the best practice for maximizing flavor when grilling meats.