Tender steak with sweet balsamic marinade, garlic, rosemary, and a golden crust. Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak is a delightful dish that brings together bold flavors and a tender texture. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, ensuring you impress your guests with minimal effort. The marinade enhances the steak’s natural flavors, making it a standout choice for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of sweet balsamic vinegar, garlic, and rosemary creates a unique taste that elevates the steak to new heights.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with various sides such as vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal suitable for any occasion.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
- Perfectly Tender Steak: The marinade ensures your steak comes out juicy and tender every time.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak, having the right tools on hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Zip-lock bag
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A heavy skillet helps achieve a perfect sear on the steak, creating that desirable golden crust.
- Zip-lock bag: Ideal for marinating meat, it ensures even coating of the marinade and saves space in your refrigerator.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 12 ounces steak
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs rosemary, minced
- 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 teaspoon red pepper
How to Make Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, and olive oil. Add minced garlic and minced rosemary along with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper. Mix everything well until combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Pour the marinade into a zip-lock bag. Add the steak to the bag and seal it tightly. Shake gently until the steak is evenly coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours to allow flavors to penetrate.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry using paper towels. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the steak in the skillet. Cook until browned on both sides and reach your preferred doneness level.
Enjoy your delicious Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak! This dish pairs beautifully with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal.
How to Serve Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak
Serving Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak can elevate your dining experience. This flavorful dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes to enhance its taste.
With Fresh Salad
- A crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the steak.
On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that soaks up the delicious marinade flavors from the steak.
Topped with Caramelized Onions
- Sweet caramelized onions add depth and sweetness, making each bite more indulgent.
Accompanied by Grilled Vegetables
- Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus make for a colorful, healthy side that brings out the steak’s savory notes.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve slices of warm, crusty bread on the side for soaking up any leftover marinade or juices from the steak.
How to Perfect Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak
To achieve the perfect Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak, consider these helpful tips:
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the steak overnight instead of just 6 hours.
- Room Temperature: Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking; this helps it cook evenly.
- High Heat: Use high heat when searing to create a delicious golden crust while keeping the inside tender.
- Rest After Cooking: Allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain juices for a moister bite.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure you achieve your preferred level of cooking.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or oregano to diversify flavors in your marinade.
Best Side Dishes for Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak
Pairing side dishes with Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak enhances your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent accompaniment.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, complementing the balsamic flavors beautifully.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds a nutritious touch and balances the meal perfectly.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that soaks up flavors and adds texture without overpowering the steak.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn provides sweetness and crunch that pairs well with steak.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli brings color and nutrition without heavy flavors that could compete with the steak.
- French Fries: Classic fries offer a crispy contrast that’s always a favorite at dinner tables.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness to balance out the richness of the steak.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.
- Skipping the Marinade Time: Many rush the marinating process. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 6 hours to enhance flavor.
- Not Patting the Steak Dry: Failing to dry the steak can prevent a good crust from forming. Always pat it dry before cooking.
- Ignoring Doneness Levels: Cooking without checking doneness can lead to overcooked or undercooked steak. Use a meat thermometer for accurate results.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap balsamic vinegar or oil can affect taste. Choose high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Placing too many pieces of meat in the pan can lower the temperature and create steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak
- Wrap the cooked steak tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
- It will maintain quality for up to 3 months when frozen.
Reheating Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the steak on a baking sheet and cover with foil to retain moisture, reheating for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Sear each side of the steak for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak?
Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak is a flavorful dish made by marinating steak in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and herbs.
Can I use other cuts of meat?
Yes, while this recipe is great for steaks, you can also use chicken or pork with similar marinade methods.
How long should I marinate the steak?
For optimal flavor, marinate your steak for at least 6 hours or overnight if possible.
What side dishes pair well with Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak?
Popular sides include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad that complements the sweetness of the marinade.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize this recipe by adding different herbs or spices based on your preference. Give it a try, and enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!
Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Sweet Balsamic Marinated Steak is a culinary delight that combines tender steak with a rich, sweet marinade featuring balsamic vinegar, garlic, and rosemary. This dish not only elevates your dinner experience but also ensures a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort. With its mouthwatering flavors and juicy texture, this recipe is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces steak
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs rosemary, minced
- 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 teaspoon red pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by mixing balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, olive oil, minced garlic, minced rosemary, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper in a bowl.
- Place the steak in a zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until it reaches desired doneness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (113g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
