How do you marinate a steak?

Marinating a Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide

Marinating a steak is a great way to add flavor and tenderness. Here's a simple guide to get you started:

Ingredients:

* Steak: Choose a cut suitable for marinating, like flank, skirt, or ribeye.

* Marinade: There are countless marinades, but here's a basic one:

* 1/4 cup olive oil

* 2 tablespoons lemon juice

* 1 tablespoon soy sauce

* 1 clove garlic, minced

* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

* Optional:

* Red wine vinegar

* Dijon mustard

* Honey

* Chili flakes

* Fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or parsley)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the marinade: Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined.

2. Marinate the steak: Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it's fully coated.

3. Refrigerate: Refrigerate the steak in the marinade for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion. For longer marinades, turn the steak halfway through.

4. Remove from marinade: Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling or cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade.

5. Cook the steak: Cook the steak according to your preferred method (grilling, pan-searing, etc.) until cooked to your desired doneness.

Tips for Successful Marinating:

* Consider the cut: Different cuts of steak benefit from different marinades. For example, tougher cuts like flank steak require a marinade with more acid to tenderize them.

* Use a marinade with acid: Marinades with acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or wine help break down the tough proteins in steak, making it more tender.

* Don't over-marinate: Over-marinating can make the steak tough and mushy.

* Keep it simple: You don't need a complicated marinade to make a flavorful steak. Start with a basic recipe and adjust it to your liking.

* Pat dry before cooking: Patting the steak dry before cooking will help it sear properly and develop a crispy crust.

Enjoy your delicious marinated steak!