The Texas Roadhouse Steak Marinade is a flavorful blend designed to enhance the natural taste of steaks while tenderizing the meat for that perfect, juicy bite. This marinade typically includes a combination of ingredients like soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. The soy sauce adds umami depth, while the lemon juice helps to tenderize the steak, ensuring it remains moist and flavorful when cooked. Garlic and spices add aromatic notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Texas Roadhouse Steak Marinade Recipe
Here’s a detailed guide to making a Texas Roadhouse-inspired steak marinade that enhances the flavor and tenderness of the steak, perfect for grilling or pan-searing.
Texas Roadhouse Steak Marinade Recipe
Marinating steak is a popular technique that enhances the flavor, tenderness, and juiciness of the meat. The marinade usually consists of an acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice, which helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat, along with oil and a blend of spices and herbs for flavor. This steak marinade recipe is versatile and can be used for various cuts of beef, providing a delicious, savory taste that's perfect for grilling, broiling, or pan-searing.
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Ziplock bag or shallow dish
- Grill or skillet
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar.
- Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Add the minced garlic, black pepper, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme. Whisk again to incorporate the spices and herbs.
Marinate the Steak
- Place the steak in a ziplock bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for a stronger flavor.
Cook the Steak
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature (about 30 minutes) before cooking.
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Grill or sear the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the time based on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium.
- Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Serve
- Slice the steak against the grain and serve with your favorite sides
Notes
Ingredients:
- Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Adds umami and saltiness, enhancing the beefy flavor of the steak.
- Lemon Juice (1/4 cup): Provides acidity that helps tenderize the meat and adds a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1/4 cup): A savory sauce with a complex mix of tangy, umami, and slightly sweet notes.
- Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced): Adds a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the meat.
- Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the saltiness with a hint of sweetness, also aiding in caramelization during cooking.
- Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the marinade.
- Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the savory flavor with mild, sweet onion notes.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of smokiness and color.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the marinade adhere to the meat and aids in keeping the steak moist while cooking.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, brown sugar, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir the ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the spices are well mixed.
- Add Olive Oil: Whisk in the olive oil until the mixture is emulsified. The olive oil helps coat the steak, keeping it juicy and aiding in even cooking.
- Marinate the Steak: Place your steaks in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steaks, ensuring they are fully submerged and coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Marination Time: Let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. Turn the steaks occasionally to ensure even marination.
- Prepare for Cooking: Remove the steaks from the marinade and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the steak cook more evenly.
- Cook the Steak: Grill or pan-sear the steaks to your desired level of doneness. The marinade will create a beautiful crust due to the caramelization of the brown sugar and the rich, savory flavors of the Worcestershire sauce and spices.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the steaks to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute. Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful, tender result.
Tips:
- Adjust Salt: The soy sauce is quite salty, so taste the marinade before adding additional salt.
- Marination Time: For thicker cuts, marinate longer for better flavor infusion, but avoid exceeding 24 hours as the acid can start to break down the meat too much.
- Leftover Marinade: Discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw meat, or boil it if you wish to use it as a sauce.
This Texas Roadhouse-inspired steak marinade adds a burst of flavor and tenderness, making your homemade steaks taste like they’re fresh off the grill at the restaurant.