Zesty Herb-Infused Steak Marinade

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 4
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Transform your steak nights with this Zesty Herb-Infused Steak Marinade. It's a flavor explosion that combines fresh herbs, tangy balsamic vinegar, and a hint of spice to elevate your steak to new culinary heights. Perfect for grilling season or any time you're craving something special.

Ingredients for Zesty Herb-Infused Steak Marinade

The key to this marinade is in the balance of flavors. The olive oil acts as the base, providing a rich, smooth texture that helps the marinade cling to the steak. Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness that tenderizes while enhancing the meat's natural flavors. Dijon mustard gives a subtle tang and helps to emulsify the marinade, ensuring a consistent coating.

Minced garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano bring a fragrant, earthy aroma that complements the meat beautifully. The sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning, while a touch of red pepper flakes introduces just the right amount of heat. Finally, lemon zest brightens the marinade, and Worcestershire sauce contributes depth and a slight umami kick.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh herbs if possible for the most vibrant flavor; dried herbs can work in a pinch but adjust the quantities.
  • Marinate in the fridge, not at room temperature, to ensure food safety.
  • If you're short on time, even a 30-minute marinade can enhance the flavor, but longer is better.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this zesty steak with a fresh arugula salad topped with cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan for a light, refreshing meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto. A glass of robust red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, will complement the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Absolutely! This marinade works well with chicken and pork, too. Adjust marinating times as needed.
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
You can substitute dried herbs, but use about one-third of the amount called for in fresh herbs.
Can I freeze the marinated steak?
Yes, you can freeze the steak in its marinade. Just make sure it's in a freezer-safe bag, and thaw it in the fridge before cooking.

Zesty Herb-Infused Steak Marinade Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl. Pour in the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these together until you have a smooth mixture. Next, add your minced garlic and the chopped fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Sprinkle in the sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk again to combine all the flavors.

Once everything is well mixed, stir in the lemon zest and Worcestershire sauce. Make sure everything is fully incorporated. Now, take your steak and place it in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it's completely covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then pop it into the fridge. Allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for a flavor-packed punch.

When you're ready to cook, remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade, as it's done its job. Cook your steak to your preferred doneness, and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines fresh herbs and spices for a dynamic flavor profile.
  • Easy to prepare with ingredients you probably already have.
  • Perfect for marinating overnight, making dinner prep a breeze.
  • Versatile enough to pair with a variety of side dishes.

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
2. Add minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the mixture and whisk again.
3. Stir in lemon zest and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Place steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
5. Pour marinade over the steak, covering it completely.
6. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
7. Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard used marinade. Cook steak as desired.

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