Looking for ways to amp up your steak game? Check out these quick, easy, and delicious steak marinade recipes! Perfect for grilling season, these recipes are sure to add flavor and tenderness to your favorite cut of steak.
There’s nothing quite like a juicy and flavorful steak hot off the grill. But to take your steak to the next level and get steakhouse quality steak, consider using a marinade to infuse it with even more flavor and tenderness.
We’re sharing some great steak marinade recipes that use different herbs, spices, and liquids to create mouthwatering results.
Whether you prefer a tangy and acidic marinade or a creamy dairy-based one, there’s a recipe here that will elevate your steak game.
Why Use a Steak Marinade
A steak marinade is a flavorful mixture of ingredients, such as herbs, spices, oils, and acids, that is used to enhance the taste and texture of the meat.
By soaking the steak in the marinade for several hours or overnight, the acid in the marinade helps to break down the tough muscle fibers, making the steak more tender and juicy. In addition to tenderizing the meat, a marinade also infuses it with flavor, adding a delicious complexity that can’t be achieved with just salt and pepper.
Using a steak marinade is an easy and effective way to take your steak to the next level and impress your guests with a mouth-watering meal.
Types of Steak Marinades
Here are some examples of different types of marinades and what ingredients work well with them:
- Acidic marinades: These use acidic liquids like balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar, citrus juices like lemon juice, or wine to help break down the proteins in the meat, resulting in a more tender texture. Good herbs and spices to use include garlic, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper.
- Dairy-based marinades: These use dairy products like yogurt or buttermilk to tenderize the meat and add a tangy flavor. Herbs like oregano, basil, and mint work well in these marinades.
- Oil-based marinades: These use oil, such as olive oil, as the base and can include acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice in the marinade ingredients. Good herbs and spices for these marinades include cayenne pepper, italian seasoning, cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili powder.
- Asian-style marinades: These typically use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, along with some white or brown sugar and vinegar for sweetness and acidity. Sesame oil and rice vinegar also work well in these marinades.
- Herb-infused marinades: These use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley to add flavor and aroma to the steak. Garlic and onion are also commonly used in these marinades.
Remember that you can always experiment and try a different flavor combination of simple ingredients to find the perfect marinade for your taste preferences.
Tips for Best Results When Marinating Steak
Here are some tips on how to properly marinate steak:
- Choose the right container: Use a non-reactive container, such as a glass or plastic dish, to marinate your steak. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the acid in the marinade and affect the taste of the steak.
- Don’t over-marinate: Over-marinating can actually result in tough, mushy steak. As a general rule, marinate steak for no more than 24 hours. More delicate cuts like filet mignon or flank steak only need a few hours to take on flavor.
- Pierce the steak: Use a fork to pierce the surface of the steak before marinating. This will allow the marinade to penetrate the meat more deeply and evenly.
- Use enough marinade: Use enough marinade to fully coat the steak, but not so much that it’s swimming in liquid. Aim for about 1/2 cup of marinade for every pound of meat.
- Store properly: Once your steak is marinated, cover it with plastic wrap, in an airtight container or ziploc bag and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it.
- Pat dry: Before cooking the steak, use paper towels to pat it dry. This will help the steak to develop a nice sear and prevent steaming in the pan or on the grill.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your steak is properly marinated and has the best possible flavor and texture.
Best Steak Cuts for Marinating
When it comes to marinating steak, it’s important to choose the type of steak:
Leaner, tougher cuts of beef, such as a porterhouse steak, flank steak, skirt steak or sirloin steak, benefit greatly from a marinade to help tenderize the meat and add flavor.
On the other hand, more tender steak cuts like sirloin steaks, New York strip steaks, ribeye steak, flat iron steaks or filet mignon don’t necessarily need to be marinated, as their natural flavor and tenderness are already present. However, marinating these cuts can still enhance their flavor and add an extra layer of complexity to the dish.
Ultimately, the decision to marinate a steak comes down to personal preference and the desired outcome for the dish.
See Also: The Best Herbs for Steak | Sheet Pan Steak & Potatoes | Seasoned Potato Wedges Recipe | Slow Cooker Pepper Steak | Gifts for Steak Lovers
Homemade Steak Marinade Recipes
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Serving Suggestions to Pair with Marinated Steaks
Here are some side dish ideas for serving marinated steak:
- Grilled vegetables: Grill up some veggies, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, to serve alongside your marinated steak. The flavors will complement each other well.
- Fresh salad: Create a fresh salad using a variety of greens, such as spinach, arugula, and mixed greens, and top it with slices of marinated steak. You can also add in other ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and crumbled feta cheese.
- How to Make an Easy Herb Butter with Dried HerbsBaked potato: A classic pairing with steak, a baked potato can be a delicious and hearty side dish. Top your potato with butter, sour cream, and chives for a tasty addition to your meal.
- Rice or quinoa: Cook up some brown rice or quinoa to serve alongside your marinated steak. The grains will soak up the flavors of the marinade and make for a satisfying and filling side dish.
- Salsa or chimichurri sauce: Whip up a fresh salsa or chimichurri sauce to drizzle over your marinated steak. The acidity and herbs in these sauces will complement the flavors of the marinade and add a burst of freshness to your meal.
Using a marinade is a great way to take your steak to the next level of flavor and tenderness, so give some of the recipes and tips shared here a try and see for yourself!
What is your favorite steak marinade?
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