Introduction
Cooking a delicious steak doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few key ingredients and a simple marinade, you can transform an economical cut of beef into a mouthwatering dish. This article outlines a straightforward recipe using must-have ingredients to create a flavorful steak that’s perfect for grilling.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 steaks, economical
– Marinade:
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1/2 tsp minced garlic (1 large garlic clove)
– 1/2 tsp onion powder (or substitute with garlic powder)
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp oil (olive oil or any preferred oil)
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– Black pepper to taste
Prep Time
Preparation time for this recipe is approximately 10 minutes, not including marinating time.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 4 minutes for medium-rare steaks. The total time, including marinating overnight and letting the steaks come to room temperature, is about 13-24 hours depending on the marination duration. This recipe yields two flavorful steaks ready to serve.
Enjoy your delicious, tender steaks, enhanced by a savory marinade that brings out the best flavors in economical cuts of beef!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Mix together 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder in a bowl. After combining these ingredients, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oil (such as olive oil), 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and some black pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly blended.
Step 2: Marinate the Steaks
Place the steaks in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring that the steaks are well coated in the marinade. Refrigerate and let them marinate overnight, ideally for 12 to 24 hours, to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Prepare for Cooking
Remove the marinated steaks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step is important as it helps achieve even cooking. After the steaks have reached room temperature, shake off any excess marinade.
Step 4: Heat the Grill or Skillet
Brush the BBQ grills with some oil. Preheat the grill on high heat until it becomes very hot and you can see wisps of smoke. Alternatively, if you are using a heavy-based skillet, heat it on high until it is extremely hot, then add a little oil, which should heat almost instantly.
Step 5: Cook the Steaks
Once the grill or skillet is adequately heated, place the steaks on it. For steaks that are approximately 2 cm (3/4 inch) thick, cook the first side for about 2 minutes. Afterward, flip the steaks and cook the other side for another 2 minutes for medium rare (internal temperature of 52°C/125°F). Refer to a cooking chart for temperatures for other levels of doneness.
Step 6: Rest the Steaks
After cooking, remove the steaks from the skillet or grill and transfer them to a warm plate. Cover the steaks loosely with foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Step 7: Serve
Finally, serve the steaks as is or with your preferred seasonings. For added flavor, consider using garlic butter.
Notes
Note 1: Choosing Steak
For this recipe, select any economical cut of steak. Good value cuts, typically found in supermarkets, work well for this marinade. Remember, the quality of steak is influenced by both the cut and the grading. Avoid marinating premium cuts.
Note 2: Soy Sauce
Use a standard all-purpose soy sauce like Kikkoman. Avoid using light soy sauce (as it’s too salty) or dark soy sauce (as it has a stronger flavor).
Note 3: Internal Temperature
The recommended doneness level is medium rare, though cooking times may vary significantly based on steak thickness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking.
Cook Techniques
Marinating
Combine Dijon mustard, minced garlic, onion powder, soy sauce, oil, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper in a bowl. Use this marinade to enhance the flavor and tenderness of the steak.
Bringing to Room Temperature
Before cooking, take the marinated steaks out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
Preheating the Cooking Surface
Preheat a grill or a heavy-based skillet on high heat until very hot. This step is crucial for a nice sear on the steak.
Cooking the Steaks
Cook the steaks for 2 minutes on one side and then flip them. Cook for an additional 2 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Adjust time based on thickness.
Resting the Steaks
Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a warm plate, cover loosely with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
FAQ
What type of steak should I use for this recipe?
Choose any good value cut suitable for grilling, not just prime cuts. Common supermarket steaks are typically good options.
Can I use different oils for the marinade?
Yes, any oil can be used for the marinade, but olive oil is recommended for its flavor.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
Use an all-purpose or normal soy sauce. Avoid light, tamari, or dark soy sauces as they may alter the flavor balance.
What is the best way to achieve a specific doneness?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the target is 52°C/125°F.
Why is resting the steak important?
Resting allows the juices to settle back into the steak, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful piece of meat.
Conclusion
Marinating your steak not only enhances its flavor but also helps in tenderizing the meat, making it more enjoyable to eat. This simple marinade combines the richness of soy sauce and Worcestershire with the tangy notes of balsamic vinegar and mustard to create a delicious meal that is easy to prepare. Perfectly grilled, economical steaks can be a delightful addition to any dinner.
Garlic Butter Sauce
Consider topping your cooked steaks with a garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Simply melt butter and mix in minced garlic, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Stir-Fry
Use the marinated steak in a stir-fry with vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. The marinade adds a robust flavor to the stir-fried dish.
Tacos
Slice the grilled steak thinly and use it as a filling for tacos. Add toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh and zesty meal.
Salad Bowl
Slice the steak and serve it over a bed of mixed greens with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Steak Sandwich
Serve the grilled steak in a sandwich with your favorite toppings like sautéed onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese on a toasted baguette.
Beef Skewers
Cut the marinated steak into cubes, skewer with vegetables like zucchini and cherry tomatoes, and grill for flavorful beef skewers perfect for a barbecue.
Steak and Eggs
Pair the grilled steak with eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Cook the eggs to your liking and serve alongside slices of perfectly cooked steak.
