Marinating beef gives it more flavor.
Lean beef is low in fat and suitable for a low fat diet for those who still want to enjoy red meats. Several cooking methods are available for lean beef, including the use of marinades. Marinades add flavor and tenderize the meat. Add marinades to beef several hours before cooking so the flavor can settle on the beef.
Basic Beef Marinade
A basic beef marinade is made with burgundy wine. Mix two cups of wine with 1 bay leaf, two to three tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of coriander and 10 to 12 peppercorns. Marinate the beef overnight, and the wine and spices will add a slightly dry and tart flavor to the beef. The basic marinade is appropriate for any type of beef, including the lean cuts. The best way to cook beef with a basic marinade is on the grill.
Teriyaki Marinade
Teriyaki is a sweet sauce used in Japanese recipes. It is an appropriate marinade for lean beef to add a sugary and a little salty flavor to the beef. Either buy a pre-made teriyaki marinade or make one at home. To make the marinade, mix ½ cup of soy sauce, 1 clove of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Soak the beef in the marinade overnight. Cut up the beef into small pieces and cook on the stove top and serve with rice, or grill the beef as you prefer.
Vinegar Marinade
For something tart and tangy, choose a vinegar marinade for lean beef. Mix 2 cups of Italian vinaigrette with 2 tablespoons of salt and ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar. Soak the beef in the marinade from several hours to overnight and then cook it on the grill. The flavor will have something zesty and tart for an interesting beef.
Southwest Semi-Spicy Marinade
For something with a little more bite and a hint of spice, make a southwest marinade. Mix ¼ cup of salsa, 2 tablespoons of fresh finely chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 minced clove of garlic and ¼ teaspoon of cumin. For a mild marinade, use a mild salsa; for a spicy marinade, use spicy salsa and add 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper powder. Marinate the beef overnight and braise when you are ready to cook.
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