A marinade is a liquid in which food is soaked before cooking, typically to enhance its flavor and tenderness. A steak marinade is a type of marinade specifically designed for beef steaks. Steak marinades typically contain a combination of acidic ingredients (such as vinegar, wine, or citrus juice), which help to break down the tough fibers in the steak and make it more tender; flavorful ingredients (such as herbs, spices, and garlic), which infuse the steak with additional flavor; and some type of oil (such as olive oil or canola oil), which helps to keep the steak moist during cooking.
Marinating steak can be done for as little as 30 minutes or as long as overnight. The longer the steak marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become. However, it is important not to marinate steak for too long, as the acids in the marinade can start to “cook” the steak, making it tough.
