Simple Steak Marinade

Simple Steak Marinade

Marinades are one of the most popular ways to add interest and character to meat, especially meats that are to be grilled.

The base components of a marinade are acid, such as lemons, vinegar or wine, spices, fresh or dried and oil. The acid to break down the surface tissue to tenderize or soften the meat. The oil add moisture to the meat because acid ingredients will dry out the meat and the spices and herbs are to add flavor.

Delicate foods such as fish and boneless chicken breast only need to be marinated 1 to 2 hours max, after that the tissue will only break down so much and the texture will become mushy. Steaks and chops only require 1 to 4 hours of marinating and large and tougher cuts of meat such as flank steak, brisket and pork shoulder can be marinated 8 to 24 hours or more without the loss of texture quality.

This is a very basic, simple marinade that's quick and easy for a good steak marinade, however this marinade is very versatile and will also work well with pork, chicken, lamb and seafood.

Most household will already have the ingredients for this grilled steak marinade, however you can easily add more ingredients and experiment but this meat tenderizer marinade will make any tough steak tender and juicy.

Ingredients

¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions For
Simple Steak Marinade

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

Combine the marinade and meat in a resealable plastic food bag, press out as much air as possible.

Refrigerate beef marinade recipes 4 to 8 hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally to distribute marinade evenly.

Marinating Tips

Best to marinade in resealable plastic food bag, a bag will help to cut down on clean up and allow you to turn, to evenly distribute the marinade.
You can marinade in plastic, glass, or stainless steel containers, covered with lid.
Don't marinade in aluminum containers or foil, a chemical reaction could spoil the meat.
Don't reuse leftover recipe for steak marinade with other food.
Don't use marinade from raw meat unless its boiled first for several minutes.
Always marinade in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
Tenderizing marinade for steak penetrate about 1/4 inch into the surface of the meat.

More Great Marinade Recipes