Marilyn's Photos - July 24 2026 - Marinating Steaks

 

What would you marinade a steak in?  Most of us would know about things like soy, beer, citrus, pineapple, pesto, and then?  There's Coca-cola.  Here's what happens: "A Coke marinade for steak is an excellent way to tenderize beef and build a sweet, caramelized crust. The phosphoric acid and carbonation break down tough fibers, while the sugar creates a gorgeous char on the grill. Marinate the meat for 2 to 6 hours in the fridge to let the flavors soak in without turning mushy."  The reference is Bon Apetit Magazine.  What else is in the recipe? The recipe has soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika and black pepper. All these ingredients make up a marinade themselves, so the coca cola is adding something or other - acidity.  So instead of vinegar or citrus, add coke. What about upping the challenge.  Marinading the steak in whiskey and coke. One site called these Jack and Coke steaks. And branch out a bit as chicken, pork chops and ribs are candidates for a Coke marinade.  There are hundreds of sites offering these recipes.  In the Southern US this is a tradition and has been used for decades.  Coca-Cola is used as a traditional braise in place of red wine. Sweet Onions simmered in Coke will have an extra depth of flavour.  Create a glaze by simmering Coke and then put on chicken wings.  And pecan pie recipes call for a substantially reduced Coke so that it functions as corn syrup.  The advice on what not to put coke in - baking such as brownies or doughnuts. Do put it into Coca-Cola cake.  If you want to cook with all flavours of pop, use orange soda in your baking recipes - think creamsicle cakes. You could have a daily dose of Coca-Cola or some sort of pop in every meal.   Here's a long-ago truck.  Makes me think of boiled-down Coca-Cola. Read past POTD's at my Blog: http://blog.marilyncornwell.com Purchase at: FAA - marilyncornwell.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.com