Marinating steak is an essential step for infusing rich flavors and ensuring tenderness. The best steak marinade combines savory, sweet, and acidic elements to create a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re grilling, broiling, or pan-searing, this marinade will take your steak from ordinary to extraordinary. Get ready to impress your guests or treat yourself to a delicious meal!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes enough marinade for 2 servings. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and marinating time should be at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for optimal flavor.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1/2 steak with marinade): Calories: 320, Protein: 28g, Fat: 22g, Carbohydrates: 12g, Sugar: 5g. This nutritional information is for one person and may vary depending on the steak cut.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
- Add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade, discarding the excess marinade.
- Cook the steak to your desired doneness, about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option or use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic for a different flavor profile. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly marinade.
Serving and Pairings
This steak pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a glass of red wine or a refreshing craft beer.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover marinated steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking. It’s not recommended to freeze the marinated steak as it may affect the texture.
Cooking Mistakes
- Marinating for too short a time leads to less flavor.
- Using too much acid can toughen the meat.
- Not patting the steak dry before cooking can cause steaming instead of searing.
- Skipping the resting period after cooking can make the steak less juicy.
- Using low-quality steak may result in a less enjoyable dish.
Helpful Tips
- Always taste the marinade before adding the steak.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- For extra tenderness, use a meat tenderizer before marinating.
- Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor.
- Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking for optimal juiciness.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the steak?
Marinating for at least 1 hour is essential, but overnight yields the best flavor. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can provide some benefit.
Can I reuse the marinade?
It’s not safe to reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw meat. However, you can save the marinade before adding the steak and use it as a sauce after boiling it.
What’s the best cut of steak for marinating?
Cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, and sirloin are ideal for marinating due to their lean nature and ability to absorb flavors well.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to a week in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.
What is the best way to cook marinated steak?
Grilling or pan-searing over high heat gives the best results, creating a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Conclusion
The best steak marinade recipe is your secret weapon for transforming any cut of steak into a culinary masterpiece. With its perfect balance of flavors, this marinade not only enhances taste but also ensures a tender texture. Whether for a special occasion or a weekday dinner, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
Best Steak Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
- Add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade, discarding the excess marinade.
- Cook the steak to your desired doneness, about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
