Steak Marinade – Budget Bytes

To create a flavorful homemade steak marinade, you'll need simple pantry ingredients like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and dried seasonings. This marinade is perfect for tougher, budget-friendly cuts of steak like flank steak, skirt steak, or round steaks. While prime cuts don't necessarily need a marinade, this recipe can transform cheaper cuts into juicy, tender steaks with a restaurant-quality taste.

The key to a good marinade is the balance of fat, acid, and flavor. In this recipe, olive oil provides the fat, balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce add acidity, and a mix of seasonings like garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor profile. Marinate your steaks for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor.

When marinating your steaks, use a plastic bag or glass dish to avoid any reaction with metal containers. Feel free to customize the seasonings or use the marinade on chicken or pork chops for a delicious meal. Store any unused marinade in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

For step-by-step instructions, gather your ingredients and whisk them together in a bowl. Place your steaks in a resealable plastic bag, pour in the marinade, and let them marinate in the fridge. Cook your steaks as desired and enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal. This marinade recipe is a cost-effective way to elevate your steak dinners and impress your guests at any occasion.