Marinated Beef Delights

This marinated beef recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to elevate your meat dishes. Combining the rich umami of soy sauce with the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar, it creates a deep, succulent flavor profile. A touch of garlic powder adds aromatic depth, making it a crowd-pleaser at any meal. Perfect for both novice and experienced cooks, this recipe can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. It suits a variety of cuts, from tenderloin to flavorful skirt steak. The marinade is versatile, enhancing not just beef but also other proteins if desired. With a short preparation time and straightforward instructions, it takes the guesswork out of cooking. This dish pairs well with both casual and more formal dining occasions. Its rich flavors and ease of preparation promise to make it a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup Soy Sauce
• 1 cup Balsamic Vinegar
• Beef (your preferred cut)

Spices

• 30 grams Garlic Powder

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Marination Time: 1.5 hours to 1 day
• Total Time: Varies based on marination

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, pour equal parts soy sauce and balsamic vinegar.
2. Add Garlic: Add garlic powder to the mixture at approximately 30 grams per cup of the combined liquid.
3. Mix: Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly until the garlic powder is completely dissolved.
4. Prepare Beef: Trim your chosen beef cut of any excess fat and decide on whether you'll marinate it whole or sliced.
5. Marinate: Place the beef in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, and pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it is well covered.
6. Seal and Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow it to marinate for at least 1.5 hours, ideally overnight for optimal flavor.
7. Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill, oven, or pan to prepare for cooking.
8. Remove Beef: Take the beef out of the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
9. Cook Beef: Depending on the cut and thickness, grill, roast, or pan-sear the beef to your preferred level of doneness.
10. Use Marinade for Basting: If desired, reserve some of the marinade aside (before soaking the meat) to use as a basting sauce during cooking.
11. Rest Beef: Once cooked, let the beef rest for a few minutes to retain its juices before slicing.
12. Slice and Serve: Slice the beef against the grain for tender bites and serve immediately.
13. Optional Sauce: Drizzle extra marinade, reduced into a thick sauce, over the cooked beef for added flavor.
14. Visual Appeal: For presentation, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
15. Temperature Control: If grilling, ensure the grill is at medium-high heat to properly caramelize the marinade's sugars.
16. Check Thickness: Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the cut; thinner cuts will cook more quickly.
17. Avoid Over-Marinating: Be mindful not to marinate the beef too long, as the acid in the balsamic can break down the meat excessively.
18. Taste Test: Check the seasoning by cooking a small piece first, adjusting for salt if necessary.
19. Use as All-Purpose Marinade: This marinade can be a go-to for chicken or pork for variation.
20. Enjoy: Relish in the tender, flavorful beef alongside your choice of sides.

Tips

• Substitutes: Use apple cider vinegar if balsamic is unavailable.
• Sweetness Addition: Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a sweeter marinade.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Nutritions

• Calories: 200 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 5g

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for a spicy marinade.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Pineapple Twist: Substitute half the soy sauce for pineapple juice for a tropical flair.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
• Serve over a bed of steamed white or brown rice.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for color.

Best Places

1. Beef & Liberty - Known for their delicious beef dishes with a modern twist. Location: Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong.
2. Peter Luger Steak House - Renowned for their classic preparation of steak. Location: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
3. Hawksmoor - A favorite for their top-quality beef selections. Location: 11 Langley St, London, UK.
4. Aragawa - Offers a premium beef dining experience. Location: 3-23-11 Nishishinbashi, Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
5. CUT by Wolfgang Puck - Modern steakhouse vibe with precision-cooked beef. Location: 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, California, USA.
6. La Cabrera - Known for its Argentine beef specialties. Location: José Antonio Cabrera 5099, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
7. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Offers classic and hearty beef fare. Location: 1028 N Rush St, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
8. Nosso - Brazilian dining with rich beef options. Location: 43 Rue de Ponthieu, Paris, France.
9. Parilla Don Julio - Famed for their authentic Argentine beef. Location: Guatemala 4699, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
10. Keens Steakhouse - Features vintage New York steak favorites. Location: 72 W 36th St, New York, USA.