ADVERTISEMENT
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Marinade Base**: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar and lemon juice. These two acidic ingredients will help tenderize the steak and infuse it with flavor.
2. **Add the Oil**: Whisk in the olive oil. The oil will act as the base of the marinade, helping to carry the other flavors and providing richness to the final steak.
3. **Season with Garlic and Herbs**: Add the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme. These fresh herbs will infuse the marinade with their aromatic oils, creating a fragrant and savory base.
4. **Incorporate the Soy Sauce**: Stir in the soy sauce. This will enhance the umami flavors and give the steak a deeper, savory taste.
5. **Sweeten the Marinade**: Add honey or brown sugar to the marinade. The sweetness will balance the acidity and help create a beautifully caramelized crust when the steak is cooked.
6. **Add Spices and Seasoning**: Stir in the smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. These spices and seasonings add warmth, depth, and a subtle smokiness to the marinade.
7. **Whisk and Combine**: Whisk everything together until well-combined. The marinade should be smooth and uniform in texture.
8. **Marinate the Steak**: Place your steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure that each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours for maximum flavor. For tougher cuts like flank steak, marinate for up to 6 hours, but avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as the acid can begin to break down the meat too much.
9. **Cook the Steak**: Once the steak has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps the steak cook evenly. Grill, pan-sear, or broil the steak to your desired level of doneness. The marinade will create a flavorful crust on the steak while keeping the interior juicy and tender.
10. **Serve and Enjoy**: Once cooked, remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the steak against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides.
### Tips for Perfect Steak Every Time
While the marinade does most of the work, a few additional tips can help you cook the perfect steak:
1. **Choose the Right Cut of Steak**: The best cuts of steak for marinating are those that are a bit tougher, like flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin. For more tender cuts like ribeye or filet mignon, marinating is optional but still enhances the flavor.
2. **Don’t Overcook the Steak**: The key to a juicy steak is not overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. For medium-rare, cook to 130°F (54°C), for medium, cook
to 140°F (60°C), and for well-done, cook to 160°F (71°C).
3. **Rest the Steak**: After cooking, always allow your steak to rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring a moist and flavorful steak.
### Customizing the Marinade
While the World’s Best Ever Steak Marinade is already packed with flavor, you can easily adjust it to suit your personal taste preferences:
1. **Add Heat**: If you like spicy food, try adding a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick.
2. **Use Different Herbs**: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, parsley, or basil for a different flavor profile.
3. **Change the Sweetener**: You can swap the honey or brown sugar for maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a little bit of fruit juice (such as orange or pineapple juice) for a different twist.
### Conclusion
Marinating steak is a simple yet powerful way to take your beef from ordinary to extraordinary. The **World’s Best Ever Steak Marinade** is a perfect blend of acid, oil, seasonings, and herbs that will transform your steak into a tender, flavorful masterpiece. Whether you’re cooking a weekday dinner or preparing for a special occasion, this marinade will ensure that your steak is juicy, savory, and bursting with flavor.
With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can create a steak that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you’re craving a perfectly marinated steak, remember this recipe—it’s the key to achieving the best steak you’ve ever tasted!
