There is nothing quite like the sizzle and aroma of a perfectly marinated steak fresh off the grill, and that’s exactly what you get with Charley’s Steak Marinade Recipe. This recipe is a fantastic blend of tangy mustard, savory soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, perfectly balanced by garlic and seasoning. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard cookout or a special dinner, this marinade infuses your NY Strip steaks with incredible flavor while keeping them tender and juicy. It’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to become your go-to for impressing friends and family with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple pantry staples, but each one plays a vital role in building the delicious flavor profile of Charley’s Steak Marinade Recipe. They bring together layers of savoriness, a whisper of sweetness, and a pleasant tang to ensure your steaks are bursting with flavor and perfectly balanced.
- 3 Tbsp yellow mustard: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the steak while enhancing flavor absorption.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a robust, aromatic depth that complements beef perfectly.
- ½ cup soy sauce: Provides saltiness and umami, making the meat juicy and rich.
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar: Offers a mellow sweetness that balances acidity and helps create a caramelized crust on grilling.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- 4 NY Strip steaks: The perfect cut for grilling, with just the right marbling for flavor and tenderness.
How to Make Charley’s Steak Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
Start by combining the yellow mustard, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. This blend is where all those bold flavors start to come to life, creating a marinade that’s both tangy and savory with a hint of sweetness.
Step 2: Marinate the Steaks
Place your NY Strip steaks in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each steak is fully coated. Pop them into the refrigerator and let them soak up those flavors for at least 45 minutes. Don’t forget to turn the steaks every 15 minutes for an even marinade soak. This step is key—it allows the meat to become tender and absorb the incredible taste of Charley’s Steak Marinade Recipe deeply.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Once marinated, remove the steaks from the marinade and grill them to your preferred level of doneness. Whether you like them rare or well-done, the marinade locks in moisture while creating a beautifully caramelized crust. This final grilling step brings the whole dish together, producing a steak that’s juicy on the inside and flavor-packed throughout.
How to Serve Charley’s Steak Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt add a lovely fresh pop and texture contrast to the rich, savory steak. A wedge of lemon can also brighten the whole dish with a final squeeze, complementing the marinade’s tanginess wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This marinade pairs beautifully with classic grilled vegetables, like asparagus or bell peppers, which add color and a crisp texture to your plate. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad make fantastic sides that soak up the juices and balance the bold flavors of the steak.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more creative presentation, slice the grilled steaks thinly and serve them atop a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of extra marinade mixed with olive oil as a dressing. Alternatively, use the steak slices for steak sandwiches with caramelized onions and a smear of horseradish mayo; either way, your guests will be thrilled.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover marinated steaks or extra marinade, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep steak leftovers wrapped tightly to preserve moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked marinated steaks by placing them in a freezer-safe bag with the marinade. This makes for easy future meals — just thaw overnight and grill as usual. Avoid freezing cooked steak for best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat leftover steak, gently warm it up in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at a low temperature, making sure not to overcook. This helps retain moisture and the flavors from Charley’s Steak Marinade Recipe without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use this marinade with other types of steak?
Absolutely! While NY Strip steaks are wonderful with Charley’s Steak Marinade Recipe, cuts like ribeye, flank steak, or sirloin also soak up the flavors beautifully. Just adjust marinating times based on the cut’s thickness and toughness.
How long should I marinate the steaks for the best flavor?
At least 45 minutes is ideal, turning the steaks occasionally for even flavor absorption. You can marinate for up to a few hours if you have extra time, but avoid marinating too long to prevent the mustard from overwhelming the meat’s natural taste.
Is this marinade suitable for grilling indoors?
Yes, you can easily cook the steaks using a grill pan or broiler indoors. Just keep an eye on the heat to achieve a nice crust without burning the marinade’s sugars.
Can I make the marinade in advance?
Definitely! The marinade mixture can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Just give it a quick whisk before using to redistribute any ingredients that have settled.
What if I don’t have yellow mustard? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute yellow mustard with Dijon mustard for a slightly different flavor profile, though the classic tang of yellow mustard is a highlight of Charley’s Steak Marinade Recipe and worth trying when possible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a marinade that’s straightforward to make but packs a punch in flavor, Charley’s Steak Marinade Recipe is the perfect choice. From the moment you mix the ingredients to the first bite of juicy, tender steak, every step is a delicious celebration of flavor. Give it a try at your next meal and watch everyone ask for seconds — it’s that good!
Print
Charley’s Steak Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Charley’s Steak Marinade is a flavorful and simple marinade that combines yellow mustard, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar to create a savory and slightly sweet coating for NY Strip steaks. Perfect for grilling, this marinade enhances the natural taste of the beef while tenderizing it, making for a juicy and delicious steak dinner.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Main Ingredient
- 4 NY Strip steaks
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together the yellow mustard, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Steaks: Pour the prepared marinade over the 4 NY Strip steaks. Place the steaks in the refrigerator and allow them to marinate for at least 45 minutes. During this time, turn the steaks approximately every 15 minutes to ensure even flavor coverage and absorption.
- Grill the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the steaks over medium-high heat until they reach your desired level of doneness, typically about 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Notes
- Allowing the steaks to turn in the marinade helps the flavors penetrate evenly.
- Do not reuse the marinade as it has been in contact with raw meat.
- Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute.
- This marinade is suitable for beef cuts such as NY Strip but can also be used on other steak cuts.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference.
