To marinate steak effectively, follow these steps:
-
Prepare the Marinade
Combine ingredients that both flavor and tenderize the meat. A well-balanced marinade typically includes:- Soy sauce (adds saltiness and umami)
- Olive oil (helps seal in juiciness)
- Acidic component such as lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce (tenderizes and adds brightness)
- Garlic (fresh minced for best flavor)
- Herbs and spices like Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, salt, and optionally red pepper flakes for heat
- Optional additions include Dijon mustard or honey for complexity and slight sweetness
- Mix the Marinade
Whisk all marinade ingredients together in a bowl or place them in a resealable plastic bag
- Add the Steak
Place the steak into the bowl or bag with the marinade, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl
- Marinate Time
- For good flavor and tenderization, marinate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- For tougher cuts or more intense flavor, marinate up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy
- Cook the Steak
Remove the steak from the marinade, discard the used marinade, and cook the steak to your desired doneness by grilling, broiling, or pan-searing
Additional Tips:
- Use a non-metal container or a plastic bag for marinating to avoid reactions with acidic ingredients
- Fresh garlic and herbs provide the best flavor.
- Low sodium soy sauce can be used to control saltiness
- Butter or herb butter can be added on top after cooking for extra richness
This method works well for most cuts of beef including ribeye, New York strip, flank, skirt, sirloin, and filet mignon
