Tenderizing steak can turn a good piece of meat into a great one. Here’s a savory steak tenderization method that ensures your steak is juicy, flavorful, and tender. This recipe uses a marinade to both tenderize and infuse the steak with rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 steaks (ribeye, sirloin, or your preferred cut)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Stir in minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme.
Marinating the Steak
- Prepare the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better to the meat.
- Marinate: Place the steaks in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steaks, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Cooking the Steak
- Remove from Fridge: Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
- Preheat Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill or a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat.
- Cook the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a good sear. Cook the steaks to your desired level of doneness:
- Rare: 120-130°F (49-54°C)
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C)
- Medium Well: 145-155°F (63-68°C)
- Well Done: 155°F+ (68°C+)
- Rest the Steaks: After cooking, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the steaks against the grain for the most tender bite. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Tips for Best Results
- Choose the Right Cut: Ribeye, sirloin, and flank steak are excellent choices for marinating.
- Don’t Over-Marinate: While longer marinating times help tenderize and flavor the meat, marinating for more than 24 hours can make the texture mushy.
- High Heat for Searing: Ensure your grill or pan is hot before adding the steaks to get a good sear and caramelization.
This savory steak tenderization method will elevate your steak dinners to new heights, making each bite succulent and full of flavor. Enjoy!
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