soaking a butt

[Guest]

I am smoking a butt tonight. Last night, I marinaded it in my vinegar mop sauce. I thought it would add to the flavor. It came out looking "pickled". Have I messed up?

 

[Doug D]

Not totally. It looks that way because the acidity of the vinegar sort of "cooked" the outside. Marinades usually don't benefit large muscle cuts of meat because so much of the meat never comes in contact with the marinade. A generous rub-- applied over a coating of mustard, or not-- would do as much or more to add flavor.