Cola Marinated Steak

Name: Cola Marinated Steak
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 1 bottle cola ((500ml / 16.9oz)); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 garlic cloves ((finely chopped)); 1 tablespoon oil; 2 sirloin steaks ((or other thick cut)); 1 tablespoon salted butter; 1 tablespoon oil

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Add some flavor to your steak dinner with this easy recipe that guarantees tasty and juicy steak every single time. Marinated in cola, the steak is reverse seared for one delicious, but effortless, bite.

Two reverse seared cola marinated steaks in a skillet with one cut into slices and garnished with parsley.

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There really is nothing comparable with a perfectly cooked steak, and this cola marinated steak recipe ticks all the right boxes!

Cooked using the reverse seared method, it's easy to cook to exactly your tastes, from medium rare to well done, and best of all it's so so easy!

The cola marinade tenderizes the steaks and adds a slightly sweet flavor, and the sugars caramelize beautifully in the pan to create a delicious crust.

Be sure to try my Red Wine Marinated Steak and Coffee Marinated Steak too!

Why you will love this recipe!

So easy: Cooking the perfect steak has never been easier than with this method. There's nothing complicated and it's made with just a few simple ingredients.
Perfect for occasions: This simple steak recipe is great for a quick and tasty weeknight meal, but it's impressive enough to serve for a special occasion too.
Quick: You need to marinate the steak for at least a couple of hours, but the actual cook time is around 20 minutes, and most of that is hands off.

Strips of cooked steak on a chopping board.

Ingredients

Steak: This recipe uses sirloin steaks. They are marinated for at least two hours, then cooked low and slow in the oven before searing in a hot pan to lock in those flavors.
Coca-Cola: Or any non-banded coke! The acid in the soda helps to break down the fibers so that you have a nice tender steak. It adds a little sweetness, but not overly so.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper and paprika.
Worcestershire sauce: This adds a nice umami flavor and helps to balance out the sweetness.
Garlic: Finely chopped.
Oil: It's important to add. little oil to marinades. It helps the flavors to penetrate the meat, as well as evenly distributing the heat when you cook it. I use olive oil, but vegetable or canola will do the job.
Butter and oil: For searing.

How to make cola marinated steak

Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!

Marinate the steak in the coca-cola mix (photo 1).
Bake the steaks in the oven on a low heat (photo 2).
Pan fry on a high heat til browned (photo 3).

Three step by step photos to show how to marinate and cook the steaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best steak to use?

Because this cola marinated steak recipe uses the reverse sear method, you want to use a fairly thick piece of steak to get the best results. I made this with sirloin, and I've also used ribeyes and rib caps.

If you have a thinner piece of steak, like flank or skirt, it's best just to sear it quickly in the pan and skip the oven. The marinade will still work great!

When do you take the steak out of the oven?

The key to cooking the best steak at home is to use an instant read thermometer. The steak is first cooked low and slow in the oven before quickly pan searing it, and it's so easy to work out exactly when you take it out of the oven.

Take the steak out of the oven when it hits these temperatures:
Medium Rare: 90-95F (32-35c)
Medium: 100-105F (38-41c)
Medium Well: 120-125F (49-52c)
Well Done: 155 (68c) and up

How long do you marinate steak?

Ideally you want to leave the steak to marinate for at least two hours. This will help the flavors develop, but it will also allow time for the cola to start tenderizing the meat. If you are in a hurry, you could do it in about 30 minutes, and you'll still get that flavor. You can marinade meats for too long, especially when there is acid in it, I wouldn't leave these for more than 6 hours.

Overhead shot of a cola marinated steak sliced into strips.

Serving Suggestions

This cola marinated steak is great to serve with all of your favorite veggie and potato sides, and it works great with my red onion gravy. Try it with:

Recipe Notes and Tips

Use a thick steak for the best results. Thinner steaks can quickly be cooked on the stovetop without needing to go in the oven first.
Marinate the steak for between 2 and 6 hours for the best flavor. You can marinate it for less time if you are in a rush, but the flavors won't be as pronounced.
Make sure that the steak is fully covered in the marinade. You may need slightly more or slightly less cola depending on the thickness of your steaks and what you are marinading it in.
Let the steak come up to room temperature before placing it in the oven. Take it out of the fridge around 30 minutes before you want to cook it.
Use an instant read thermometer to know exactly when to take it out of the oven.
When you sear the steak, have the pan as hot as you can to get those perfect crispy bits. Start heating the pan just before you take the steak out of the oven so it's hot when you are ready to sear. The butter should be bubbling when you add in the steaks.
Let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Remove it from the hot pan, place on a cutting board and loosely cover with foil so that it stays warm.

Close up of a sliced marinated steak garnished with parsley.

More Steak Recipes

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