How to Make a Quick and Easy Steak Marinade

A good marinade adds flavor and moisture to the steak.

Marinades serve two purposes: they add flavor and tenderize the meat. Acidic ingredients such as wine, vinegar, and citrus fruit juices break down the tendons, making the meat more tender. But you must be careful not to over marinate the steak as that could break down the meat fiber too much and turn a steak to mush.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 cup steak sauce
• 2 tbsp. wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp. ground pepper

Instructions

1. Mix together the steak sauce, wine vinegar, brown sugar and pepper in a self-sealing plastic bag.

2. Add the steak to the bag and turn it to coat the meat with the marinade.

3. Remove as much air as possible and seal the bag. Massage the meat through the bag briefly to help the marinade penetrate the meat.

4. Refrigerate the steak for two to 24 hours, turning the meat over occasionally.

5. Drain the steak and discard the marinade. Grill as usual.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not reuse the marinade without boiling it to kill bacteria. For best results make extra marinade to use as a sauce, if desired.

References

• Utah State University Cooperative Extension; Darlene Christensen; May 2009

Resources

• The Accidental Scientist: What Gives Meat its Flavor