Uncle Greg's Super Delish Steak Marinade

We grilled filet mignon steaks tonight. They were to-die-for. My Uncle Greg has this recipe for a marinade that would be great with any meat - especially steaks, tri-tips, and pork chops. It's not salty and not sweet - it's right in the middle - more or less ....umami.  You know, that fifth taste, a sort of pleasant savory taste that rightly deserves it's own category.  

If you use this marinade make sure to let your steaks sit in it for at least 2 hours. I like to put my steaks in a large zip-loc bag as the marinade seems to better disperse itself that way. Right before you put the steaks on the grill, blot them dry with a paper towel (this step is crucial or you won't get a solid sear on your meat). After you dry them off sprinkle both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper before placing them on the grill. Sear both sides for a few minutes until the steak is a perfect medium-rare or more if you prefer your steak more well-done. 

Uncle Greg's Super Delish Steak Marinade 

[enough for 5 filet mignon steaks]

Ingredients

3 T soy sauce

3 T [grade A] maple syrup

3 T balsamic vinegar

4 cloves garlic 

Method

1. blend all ingredients together until garlic is pureed. [If you don't have a blender, whisk together the liquid ingredients and mince up the garlic gloves before mixing them in]