The Most Succulent Steak Is Marinated In Cola
People have tried countless combinations of flavor-boosting marinades over the years, from buttermilk to Kentucky bourbon to simple Salmoriglio marinade, all to try to enhance the flavor and texture of their steak a touch further. But there's one surprising ingredient that you might not have considered: Cola.
Yes, you read that right — plain old Coca-Cola! While it may sound strange or even unappetizing to some, there are actually several good reasons why cola could be a great fit for your next steak marinade. One of the more well-known proponents of this method is James Beard Award-winning chef Ken Oringer, and he made the case for this quirky marinade when he explained to America's Test Kitchen that cola is packed with flavors that perfectly complement a steak, from citrus and caramel to spices like cinnamon.
But the benefits don't stop there. As you'll discover, a simple can of Coke might just be the secret ingredient you've been searching for to take your steak to the next level of succulence and flavor. So, why not give it a try and see for yourself how this unexpected marinade can transform your steak-cooking game?
Cola is actually the perfect marinade
Most people wouldn't even think of reaching for a can of Coke while pan-searing or grilling their steak. However, Ken Oringer sees things differently. As he told America's Test Kitchen, cola's acidity, sugar, and unique combination of flavors can make it an excellent marinade.
The sweetness of cola makes it an ideal choice if you enjoy steak with sweet-tasting marinades, such as honey or brown sugar. However, if you prefer your steak on the spicier or more savory side, a cola marinade might not be the best fit for your taste buds. But the real magic of cola lies in its acidity, which can help break down proteins in the meat, making it much more tender and easier to chew. This property is especially useful when working with tougher cuts of beef, like flank or chuck steak.
To take your cola marinade to the next level, try experimenting with the caramel and vanilla notes by combining it with other ingredients like onion, garlic, and soy sauce. With a little creativity, you might just discover a new favorite way to prepare your steak that will impress your taste buds and your dinner guests alike.
How does cola marinade fare against other seasonings?
A cola marinade isn't necessarily faster to prepare than other kinds of marinades, but it's most definitely cheaper and more convenient. Unlike other tenderizing steak marinades that require expensive and sometimes hard-to-find ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar, a cola marinade only needs a cheap can of Coke from your nearest convenience store to get started.
However, it's worth noting that a cola marinade does have its own set of considerations. Some people may be worried about the high sugar content in a can of cola, which can affect how the steak cooks on the pan. The sugar can cause increased caramelization and charring during cooking. This is desirable to some since it forms a nice crust, but this news probably won't be received well by those who don't like their steak too charred or burnt.
Although the concerns are there, marinating your steak in cola remains a legitimate choice to bring something new to your cooking routine. And who knows, with a bit of experimentation, you might even find a new go-to technique for preparing your meat.