How to marinade a steak (simply)?

Question

So, I'm not a chef, and I don't have very many seasonings. I have a lot of asian things (because I'm asian) but I wouldnt want a terriyaki steak. Haha. So what could i use to marinade some steak (lets say top sirloin or new york) with just a few ingredients?

Answer 1

There are two main reasons for marinading: to tenderise the meat, and/or to add flavour. Tenderising is done by something acid like wine or citrus fruit juice or fresh chopped tomato or even a little vinegar. Flavour is up to your mood each time, but if you are starting out, don't add too many different condiments in one go and try to think of things that harmonise together, be guided by combinations which characterise national cuisines, e.g. lemon and oregano for a Greek touch. Olive oil is optional depending on your waistline but it helps seal in juices and prevents meat from sticking to the grill or pan. You do not say how you are going to cook the steak, barbequeing requires more robust flavours than broiling. So decide on the acid medium you prefer, then add flavours to complement. Crushed garlic and a couple of fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme or bay leaf go well with red wine; basil and garlic or finely chopped onion with the tomato; five-spice powder or grated ginger and honey with orange juice.
Have fun experimenting!
May I add that I would disagree with one of the answers which advises pricking the meat all over, yes the flavours will go in deeper, but the meat will lose its juices and become dry as you cook it.

Answer 2

1. Select your meat -- sirloin, rib-eye, etc.
2. Wash your meat because, depending on piece of meat, sometimes bone fragments or other particles could be on the surface. A simple rinse and rub with your hand should be sufficient.
3. Rub your favorite spices into the meat. Not necessary, depends on your taste; salt and pepper should be sufficient.
4. Place your steaks in a container, such as a large zip lock bag, plastic container, or something similar.
5. Get your favorite Italian dressing; any cheap Italian dressing will work here. Pour 1/3 of the dressing in the bottle over steaks.
6. Add Worcestershire sauce. Add as much or as little as you think is appropriate. 6 or 7 splashes is sufficient, but 20 works for some peoople.
7. Get your hands in there and flip the steaks, toss them, get the marinade all over them. If using baggy, just shake a few times.
8. Stick the food in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours. Overnight is best.
9. Cook as desired; grilling on high heat until the outside is seared is the preferred method. A typical steak shouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes on the grill.


Tips [edit]

* 24 hour marinade makes steaks come out great
* Try a balsamic vinegar based salad dressing.
* Try variations on other meats. Pork chops, chicken, fish...


Warnings [edit]

* Meat is animal flesh. Be careful where you buy, and take all necessary precautions when handling, cooking and cleaning.


Things You'll Need [edit]

* Italian dressing
* Worcestershire sauce
* container

Answer 3

A marinade is usually used to tenderize meat. A sirloin or new york is tender enough without one but if a flavoring is what you want, the sky's the limit. Flavoring bases are usually an oil (canola, olive......) and then get creative...lemon juice, garlic, basil, even bourbon. A no work at all suggestion is to brush A-1 steak sauce on both sides and grill. I disagree that you wouldn't want a terriyaki steak. I do a lot of asian dishes and use soy and terriyaki sauces with ginger for my flavorings.

Answer 4

Best-Ever Steak Marinade

Makes 1-1/4 cups

* 2 medium shallots, minced
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
* 3 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Combine all ingredients and place in heavy-duty zip-top bag or plastic container with tight fitting lid. Add the steaks and seal the container. Place in the refrigerator and marinate overnight. (If using a plastic bag, turn it often to evenly distribute the marinade.)

Answer 5

Where are you people from? You should never mask the taste of a great steak by soaking it in flavorings of your choice. For a great steak experience, simply dust the choice of meat (I prefer a ribeye with little fat) with Lowry's season salt, sprinkle with garlic powder and a small amount of Montreal Steak season. Go light with the Montreal a few times until you figure out your desired amount. The trick is in the grilling. I use a gas grill turned up High. Grill on one side for seven to ten minutes then turn and repeat. The high heat seals in the juices and will make meat somewhat tender. Marinades for steak --- Please.

Answer 6

A super simple but great marinade for a steak is a regular old bottle of Italian salad dressing. Let it sit in the dressing in the refrigerator for at leat 2 hours before cooking. It is sooo good!

Answer 7

tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons red wine
2 tablespoons tomato sauce (ketchup) or barbecue sauce
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon dried herbs
good grinding black pepper (or crushed chilli to taste)
Combine all ingredients in a non-metallic bowl.
Add steak and spoon over marinade.
Cover and refrigerate several hours or preferably overnight (but even 1/2 hour will do).
When ready to cook remove meat from marinade, pat dry with paper towels and cook as usual.
(I usually fry or barbecue the steak.).

Answer 8

I'm making this for dinner tonight, and I always have the ingredients for it (well, except the meat)

2 TBS red wine vinegar
3 Tbs soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot (you could totally use a small onion) minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme

put it all in a big ziplock bag. Add meat. Get all the air out. Smoosh around. Refrig. for at least 4 hours to overnight. Grill. Yum!

Answer 9

you could just use bbq sauce! My dad does it all the time. Poke a few holes in the steak and then just put the whole steak in a ziplock with a bottle of bbq sauce and let it marinade for a few hours

Answer 10

Most grocery stores carry several ready-to-use marinades in all different flavors. I sometimes will use a simple Italian salad dressing for marinade.