When it comes to savoring the juiciest, most flavorful steak possible, the marinade makes all the difference. The Best Steak Marinade in Existence combines a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors to elevate your steak to a new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or broiling, this marinade is your ticket to steak perfection. Let’s dive into creating this extraordinary marinade and unlocking the secrets to a steak that’s truly exceptional.
Ingredients
For the Steak Marinade:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Steak:
- 4 boneless steaks (such as ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip), about 1 inch thick
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Steak Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, freshly ground black pepper, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Whisk the ingredients together until the marinade is well combined. This will create a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Marinating the Steak:
- Place your boneless steaks in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish that’s large enough to hold all the steaks.
- Pour the marinade over the steaks, ensuring that they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the steaks and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. For the best results, marinate them for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Cooking the Steak:
- When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill, skillet, or broiler to high heat. You want it nice and hot for that perfect sear.
- Remove the steaks from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.
- Season both sides of the steaks with a pinch of salt.
- Cook the steaks to your preferred level of doneness, whether it’s rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done. Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and your cooking method. As a general guideline, for 1-inch thick steaks:
- Rare: 2-3 minutes per side
- Medium-Rare: 3-4 minutes per side
- Medium: 4-5 minutes per side
- Well-Done: 6-7 minutes per side
- Remember to let your cooked steaks rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps your steak juicy.
Serving:
- Slice the rested steaks against the grain, and serve them hot. The juicy, flavorful goodness will speak for itself.
Variations and Tips
- Citrus Twist: For a zesty variation, add the juice and zest of one lemon or orange to the marinade.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh rosemary and thyme on hand, they can be substituted for the dried herbs. Use 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs in place of each teaspoon of dried herbs.
- Marinating Time: While 2 hours is ideal, you can marinate your steaks for as little as 30 minutes if you’re short on time. The flavors will still infuse beautifully.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of spiciness. Omit them for a milder marinade.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on your steaks, as they can go from perfectly cooked to overdone quickly, especially if they are thin cuts.
- Sear for Flavor: High heat is crucial for creating that sought-after sear on your steak. It locks in the juices and imparts a mouthwatering caramelized crust.
The Best Steak Marinade in Existence is a game-changer for anyone who wants to take their steak from good to extraordinary. With a medley of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, this marinade transforms your steak into a succulent, flavorful masterpiece. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or pan-searing in the kitchen, this marinade is the secret to steak perfection. So, marinate, cook, and savor every bite of your perfectly seasoned and tender steak. Enjoy!
