Lone Star Steak Marinade

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A bold marinade featuring smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that infuses steaks with depth and heat, perfect for grilling or broiling for a flavorful meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1 oz liquid smoke
  • 4 oz Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 jalapeno peppers

Instructions

  1. Grate the jalapeno peppers, with or without seeds, and blend them with the liquids.
  2. Pour the marinade over the steak in a marinating bowl.
  3. Let the steak soak in the marinade for 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on thickness.
  4. Cook the steak as usual.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier marinade, keep the seeds from the jalapeno peppers. If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds before grating. You can substitute the molasses with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you're out of balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a good alternative. Allow the steak to marinate longer for deeper flavor, especially if it’s thicker cut.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the steak with a side of Roasted Broccoli(Delicious!) for a nutritious meal. It also pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or rice pilaf. A light chimichurri sauce on top can enhance the flavors even further. For a complete feast, consider serving it alongside Bread Twists for a delightful touch.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover marinade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you have leftover marinated steak, it can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, grill or pan-sear the steak on medium heat until warmed through, ensuring it doesn’t overcook.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lone Star Steak Marinade contains roughly 84 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2254mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).

84 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 0.3g
Carbs 17.2g 6% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 12.2g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2254.2mg 98% DV
Potassium 464mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 25.4mg 28% DV
Calcium 47.8mg 4% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this marinade for chicken or pork?

Absolutely! This marinade works well with chicken and pork, offering a deep, smoky flavor. Adjust marinating time according to the type of meat; chicken typically requires 30 minutes to 2 hours, while pork can soak for similar times as steak.

How can I make this marinade vegetarian or vegan?

To adapt this marinade for a vegan diet, substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan version, which is available at many grocery stores. You can also use tofu or tempeh instead of steak for a hearty plant-based dish.

What is liquid smoke, and can I omit it?

Liquid smoke adds a distinctive smoky flavor to dishes. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but the marinade will lack some depth. Alternatively, you can try smoked paprika or a dash of smoked sea salt for a similar effect.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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