Easy Tenderising Marinade for Beef?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores various methods for tenderizing beef, particularly focusing on marinades and cooking techniques for a specific cut of steak. Participants share personal experiences and suggestions regarding marinades and preparation methods for grilling.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about cooking beef and seeks advice on marinating a Beef Loin Bottom Sirloin Steak for grilling.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using a mixture of soy sauce and Italian dressing as a marinade, noting it results in juicy and well-seasoned meat.
  • One participant mentions that using coke as a marinade can tenderize meat without leaving a noticeable flavor.
  • Another participant notes that they frequently use AllRecipes.com but struggles to find specific recipes for tenderizing beef.
  • One participant references an article from Cooks Illustrated, stating that most marinades do not tenderize meat effectively and suggests using a salt rub instead.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using a salt rub and notes a significant difference in tenderness compared to using a bottled marinade.
  • One participant mentions that they were taught not to salt steak before grilling to avoid inhibiting browning and suggests allowing the meat to reach room temperature before cooking.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various tenderizing methods, with some participants advocating for marinades while others emphasize the importance of salt rubs and cooking techniques. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal cooking experiences and preferences, reflecting a range of methods and opinions on beef preparation without implying any authoritative guidance.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for diverse perspectives on beef cooking techniques and marinades may find the shared experiences helpful.

AnnieBee
AnnieBee
Gold Member
Messages
1,341
OK folks,

I am totally hopeless with cooking beef. I do ground beef stuff, very occasionally some decent steak, and I pot-roast alot of cheaper cuts, but I really don't know much about them.

Right now I have some...

Beef Loin Bottom Sirloin Steak (according to the package!)

So, I am wondering if I have any hope of marinading this well enough to cook it on the grill, or will I just have to throw it in the crock pot?

Any ideas? DH (who bought it) was talking about the recipes that include coke to tenderise the meat. Always sounds yucky to me, but I'd be willing to try it!

TIA...
 
I usually mix 1/2 soy sauce with 1/2 italian dressing and soak for a few hours - makes it good and juicy and well-seasoned.So, if you have a lot of meat, use 3/4 cup of each...or whatever covers the meat to soak it.
 
The coke is supposed to tenderize it very well, but you don't taste "coke" in the end!

Try a search on AllRecipes.com it's my favorite non-PC recipe site! Just don't try anything unless it has LOTS of good reviews!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Hey Kelly, I go to allrecipes ALOT too!!

Not finding mant recipes that talk about tenderising though...

Any more ideas from anyone out there? And Am I crazy for thinking about grilling this cut? (I could just braise it on the stove-top...).
 
AnnieBee said:
Hey Kelly, I go to allrecipes ALOT too!!

Not finding mant recipes that talk about tenderising though...

Any more ideas from anyone out there? And Am I crazy for thinking about grilling this cut? (I could just braise it on the stove-top...).
Click to expand...

No, it is a good cut to grill.

Try my soy sauce/italian dressing combo - I really think you'll like it!
 
I just read about marinating meats in Cooks Illustrated.

According to that publication (it's a good one!) most marinades don't tenderize the meat, they just make it mushy.

To tenderize the meat, you need to let it rest with a salt rub on it. That is probably why our spice mixes don't have salt in them, but our rubs do!

I tried this while on vacation - I put a rub on our steaks and let them sit for about an hour in the cooler.....our friends who were camping with us had the same steaks, but didn't do the rub - they did some sort of bottled 30 minute marinade. Ours were so tender....and they were sawing through theirs!

Of course, we were using PC knives, and they weren't - so that may have made some of the difference too!
 
That's interesting Becky. I was always taught for good grilled steak, don't salt it before grilling. Salting will inhibit the surface browning.You should also take it out of the fridge and allow to cool to room temperature before grilling.The best way to make them tender is INJECT them with saltwater...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Uh-oh, are you telling me I have to pick sides!! :eek:

Thanks for all the info! :)
 
AnnieBee said:
Uh-oh, are you telling me I have to pick sides!! :eek:

Thanks for all the info! :)
Click to expand...

Nope, not at all! Becky and I are on the same side. :D
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an easy tenderising marinade for beef?

An easy tenderising marinade for beef typically includes acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or yogurt, combined with oil, herbs, and spices. These ingredients help break down tough muscle fibers and enhance the flavor of the meat.

How long should I marinate beef for optimal tenderness?

Can I use a store-bought marinade for tenderising beef?

Yes, store-bought marinades can be effective for tenderising beef. Look for marinades that contain acidic ingredients, such as vinegar or citrus, as these will help break down the meat fibers.

What are some common ingredients in a homemade tenderising marinade?

Common ingredients in a homemade tenderising marinade include olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar (like balsamic or apple cider), lemon juice, garlic, onion, and various herbs and spices. Combining these ingredients can create a flavorful and effective marinade.

Is it necessary to rinse the beef after marinating?

It is not necessary to rinse the beef after marinating, but you can pat it dry with paper towels if you want to achieve a better sear when cooking. Rinsing may wash away some of the flavors, so it's a matter of personal preference.

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