Juice for Maple Chicken N Ribs

Asked by HugoBacelar. Answered on 1st August 2014

Full question

I would like to make Nigella's Maple Chicken N Ribs but I find that the Apple Juice available at Brazilian stores isn't sharp at all, it's actually quite sweet. Which other juice would go well with the maple marinade? Best Regards.

Our answer

Nigella's Maple Chicken N Ribs includes a marinade made with maple syrup and apple juice. Nigella suggests that the apple juiuce should be as sharp as possible as the acidity will slightly offset the sweetness of the syrup. In the UK there are many types of apple juice for sale and you can get some that are single type apples and alsp unfiltered and these can be less sweet than a juice made with apple juice concentrate.

You could sharpen your apple juice by replacing 2 tablespoons of the apple juice with some lemon juice. Otherwise an unsweetened pineapple juice could be an alternative. However if you use pineapple juice then only marinate the chicken and ribs overnight (and no longer). Pineapples contain an enzyme that tenderizes meat but if you leave the meat to marinate for too long then the enzyme can cause the meat to become unappetizingly soft.