Coffee Balsamic Marinade

This is a marinade I turn to again and again when I’m short on time but want to pack a ton of savory flavor into meat. Most likely you’ve got everything in your pantry already: coffee, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic.

Ideally I’d use a two-pound flank steak but the marinade works well with most beef. Be sure to allow the meat to marinade two to four hours; I’ve been known to prep this after breakfast for grilling that night. Use zippered freezer bags for convenience if you like.

Coffee Balsamic Marinade

2 teaspoons decaf coffee, ground (you can use regular if you prefer)
½ cup hot tap water
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together.
2. Pour into a zippered freezer bag or covered bowl large enough to hold the meat.
3. Marinade at least two hours, preferable longer.
4. Grill or broil meat according to your tastes, discarding excess marinade.

Adapted from an old recipe from Tavolo.