Savory Red Wine Steak Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful Savory Red Wine Steak Marinade, designed to infuse your steak with a rich, complex flavor profile. Perfectly balanced with the acidity of red wine and the sweetness of balsamic vinegar, this marinade will tenderize the meat while enhancing its natural flavors. The addition of fresh garlic and aromatic spices creates a delicious crust when grilled, ensuring each bite is a mouthwatering experience. Ideal for backyard barbecues or intimate dinners, this marinade is a must-try for steak lovers everywhere.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1/4 cup (none)
red wine
1/2 cup (none)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon (none)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a heavy-duty plastic food bag, combine the vegetable oil, red wine, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, oregano, ground cumin, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
2
Add your steak to the marinade bag, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Seal the bag tightly to prevent any leaks.
3
Place the marinating steak in the refrigerator and allow it to marinate for at least 4 hours. For best results, invert the bag every hour to distribute the marinade evenly.
4
After marinating, remove the steak from the bag, discarding the marinade. Grill to your desired doneness, using any remaining marinade to baste during cooking for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Red Wine Steak Marinade?
It is a rich blend of red wine, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and spices designed to tenderize steak and enhance its natural flavor.
What are the primary ingredients in this marinade?
The marinade consists of vegetable oil, red wine, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, oregano, ground cumin, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper.
How long should I marinate the steak?
For the best results, you should marinate the steak for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Can I marinate the steak overnight?
Yes, marinating the steak overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate even deeper and result in a more tender cut of meat.
What type of red wine is best for this recipe?
A dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec is ideal for this savory steak marinade.
Do I need to refrigerate the meat while it is marinating?
Yes, always marinate meat in the refrigerator to ensure food safety.
Why should I invert the bag while marinating?
Flipping or inverting the bag every hour helps distribute the marinade evenly over all surfaces of the steak.
Can I reuse the marinade after taking the steak out?
No, you should discard the marinade that has been in contact with raw meat. If you want to baste, set aside a portion before adding the meat.
What type of steak works best with this red wine marinade?
This marinade is versatile and works well with Ribeye, Sirloin, Flank steak, or New York Strip.
Does this marinade help tenderize the meat?
Yes, the acidity from the red wine, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar helps break down tough fibers to tenderize the steak.
Is this marinade spicy?
No, this marinade is savory and tangy rather than spicy, featuring aromatic cumin and oregano.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used as a substitute and will add its own unique flavor profile to the marinade.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the marinade?
The sugar helps balance the acidity of the wine and vinegar and aids in the caramelization process on the grill.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?
While fresh minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder if necessary.
How do I prevent the marinade bag from leaking?
Use a heavy-duty, zip-top freezer bag and place it in a bowl or on a plate while in the refrigerator as an extra precaution.
Should I salt the steak before putting it in the marinade?
The recipe already includes salt, so additional salting before marinating is generally not required.
Can I use this marinade for other meats like chicken?
Yes, this savory red wine mixture also works very well for marinating chicken or pork chops.
What if I don't have balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly less sweet.
Is the lemon juice necessary?
The lemon juice provides a bright acidity that balances the richness of the red wine and helps with tenderization.
Can I grill the steak on a stovetop pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Absolutely, the marinated steak can be seared in a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan with excellent results.
How much steak does this recipe cover?
This recipe yields enough marinade for approximately one large steak or about one pound of meat.
Can I freeze the steak in the marinade?
Yes, you can freeze the steak inside the marinade bag for up to 3 months; it will marinate as it thaws.
What aromatics are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses fresh minced garlic, dried oregano, and ground cumin to create its savory aroma.
Does the alcohol in the wine cook off?
Most of the alcohol content in the wine will evaporate during the high-heat grilling process.
How do I achieve a good crust on the steak?
The sugar and oil in the marinade combined with high grill heat will help create a delicious, flavorful crust.
Can I add soy sauce to this marinade?
Yes, adding a splash of soy sauce can add extra umami flavor, but you should reduce the added salt if you do so.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the labels on your balsamic vinegar and spices to be sure.
Should I pat the steak dry before grilling?
It is helpful to let excess marinade drip off, but you don't need to pat it completely dry as the oil helps with the sear.
Can I use this for kabobs?
Yes, this marinade is perfect for cubed steak and vegetable skewers.
How many servings does this marinade recipe make?
This specific recipe is scaled for one serving or one large steak.