This pantry staple could be the secret to tender steak.
Can You Tenderize Steak with Baking Soda?
The aroma of a steak being seared in a cast-iron skillet means that dinner is just about ready. No matter what type of steak is on the menu, it should be caramelized on the outside yet tender and juicy on the inside. No one likes a steak that’s tough.
For some cuts, it’s important to tenderize steak before cooking. The term is as straightforward as it sounds—making meat more tender. There are a variety of not-so-secret kitchen secrets about the best way to tenderize steak, including one surprising household item: baking soda. Read on to learn how to tenderize steak with baking soda!
Does baking soda tenderize steak?
Yes, beyond its clever cleaning uses and role as a staple baking ingredient, baking soda can also be used to tenderize steak. Or any meat, really. According to professional chef and Taste of Home food writer Lindsay Mattison, it’s a surprisingly effective method.
Mattison explains that when baking soda comes into contact with a steak’s surface, it alkalizes the steak, or raises the steak’s pH levels. This helps the meat fibers be less tight. She clarifies that it’s similar to the salt in a brine solution, which makes the steak more tender (and tasty). It also helps the steak retain more water.
Just look at this TikTok from @CheffreyEats, who compares the outcome of cooking two steaks—one tenderized with baking soda and one without. The result is noticeable. As one user comments, “it makes a world of difference in tenderness.” Genius!
@cheffreyeats Perfect Steak! #steak #bussin #cook #cooking #chef #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #velveting #viral #trending #homecooking #dinner #chefathome #recipe ♬ original sound – CheffreyEats
How to Make Steak Extra Tender
Take a look at the most unusual methods you can use to make steak more tender:
Baking soda
Add baking soda to the steak’s surface by delicately sprinkling it on. Mattison emphasizes to make sure not to overdo the amount of baking soda you use because it can easily over-tenderize the meat. Carefully rub the baking soda into the meat’s surface before moving it to a zip-top bag or glass bowl.
From there, leave it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. Then take the meat out of the container and rinse it ensuring that all—or most—of the baking soda is off the steak. Then grill the steak and see if you notice the difference!
Yogurt
Another surprising yet efficient tenderizing agent that Mattison suggests is plain Greek yogurt. Use it to create a marinade, and not only does it tenderize steak, but it creates a dynamic flavor, too.
Coffee grounds
Coffee lovers, this tenderizer is for you. It may not be the most common choice, but its acidic properties are somewhat similar to yogurt in enhancing the flavor and making the meat more tender. Try out this coffee marinated steak to see the process for yourself.
Our Best Steak Recipes
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Tenderloin Steak DianeTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tenderloin steaks, butter, mushrooms, steak sauce
Level: Beginner
For this classic skillet steak dinner, just sear the steaks in butter and top with a gorgeously silky mushroom cream sauce. It’s elegant and effortless all at once.
"Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak." —Recipe contributor Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Filet MignonTotal Time: 25 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Filet mignon steaks, butter, garlic, rosemary
Level: Beginner
Using just a few simple ingredients and the heat of a seasoned cast-iron skillet, this filet mignon recipe will have you cooking one of the best steaks you’ve ever eaten in your life.
"It only takes a little to make a filet mignon taste better than it already is. This recipe keeps it simple with only a handful of seasonings to create a buttery, herby and garlic flavor. Pair it with the classic sides of vegetables and mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal." —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Cast-Iron SteakTotal Time: 10 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: New York strip steak, kosher salt
Level: Beginner
You definitely don’t have to keep steak for special occasions. One of the easiest ways to cook it is seared in a cast-iron skillet with or without butter. All you need after that is a nice leafy salad to complete the meal.
"If you've never cooked steak at home before, it can be a little intimidating. That's why I came up with this simple steak recipe that's so easy, you could make it any day of the week." —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Chimichurri SteakTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Beef flat iron steaks, cilantro, chipotle peppers, garlic
Level: Intermediate
Chimichurri is a piquant herb sauce that complements steak perfectly. Once you learn how to make the sauce, you'll want to serve it all summer long. And if you love steak, you need this custom branding iron for grilled meats.
"Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish." —Recipe contributor Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Grilled SteakTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Garlic, lemon, strip steaks
Level: Beginner
Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice act as the base for the seasoning rub on these grilled steaks. Because it's an acid-based rub, it will help to tenderize the meat. Pair the strips with your favorite grilled corn recipes.
"Take steak to new flavor heights by basting your choice of cuts with an amazing garlicky blend that requires only a few minutes to fix. It will be a mouthwatering change of taste at your next outdoor gathering." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Steak FritesTotal Time: 35 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Russet potatoes, ribeye steaks, garlic, butter
Level: Intermediate
This steak frites recipe features perfectly cooked steak and homemade fries for a classic French bistro dish that's bound to impress.
"Have a tasty and indulgent meal in just mere minutes with this steak frites recipe. Russet potatoes are thinly sliced for a crispy side dish. Then ribeye steak is lightly seasoned with butter, garlic and thyme and cooked on the stove until perfectly pink in the center, creating delicious, tender bites." —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Grilled Flank SteakTotal Time: 30 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Flank steak, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice
Level: Beginner
Once you learn a great steak marinade recipe, you’ll be able to turn even the toughest cut of meat into a delicious dinner. This four-ingredient marinade transforms flank steak into a tender flavorful cut.
"How to cook flank steak? Easy! Marinate it and grill or broil it! This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef." —Recipe contributor Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Garlic Butter Steak BitesTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Top sirloin steak, garlic, butter
Level: Beginner
Steak bites basted in garlic butter with parsley are an appetizer answer to a full steakhouse supper. Make it as a casual starter or a light dinner for four.
"It takes only a few minutes to enhance a simple sirloin steak. This recipe uses not one but two forms of garlic to really make those flavors shine." —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Teriyaki Shish KabobsTotal Time: 35 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Top sirloin steak, zucchini, peppers, mushrooms
Level: Intermediate
These teriyaki skewers will be the hit of your next backyard barbecue. The aroma alone will get everyone’s attention, but once they taste the sweet and savory marinade, they’ll be hooked. You can easily double or triple this recipe for a crowd.
"When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well." —Recipe contributor Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
Pepper SteakTotal Time: 65 minutes
Main Ingredients: Top round steak, paprika, peppers, tomato
Level: Beginner
With a simple sweet and savory sauce, sliced sirloin and fresh bell peppers, this skillet supper comes together in a flash. Serve it with steamed white, brown or cauliflower rice for a fuller meal.
"We live on the eastern edge of the Sand Hills here in Nebraska, where most folks are ranchers. This popular pepper steak recipe is tasty as well as colorful." —Recipe contributor Carolyn Butterfield, Atkinson, Nebraska
Grilled Ribeye with Garlic Blue Cheese Mustard SauceTotal Time: 30 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Ribeye steaks, Dijon mustard, blue cheese
Level: Intermediate
Grill these steaks to get a nice caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the meat tender inside. The size of the steaks and the amount of blue cheese topping can easily be cut in half for smaller portion sizes.
"This simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year!" —Recipe contributor Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Zesty Steak SaladTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Steak, peppers, onion, tomato
Level: Beginner
Cook marinated top sirloin steak for this zesty salad, or feel free to use leftover steak from another meal. While the base is leafy romaine lettuce, add anything else you love to the bowl, from cucumbers and mushrooms to cheese.
"Stir-fried steak and veggies give this hearty salad a cozy kick. Add any of your favorite salad ingredients like shredded cheese, croutons, mushrooms or cucumber." —Recipe contributor Leah Carrell, Quitman, Texas
Air-Fryer Steak FajitasTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flank steak, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice
Level: Beginner
Of course you can make steak in the air fryer! This marinated flank steak takes less than 10 minutes. While you let it rest, slice avocado, onion and lime wedges for serving.
"Zesty salsa and tender strips of meat make these air-fryer steak fajitas extra special." —Recipe contributor Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Steak PinwheelsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flank steak, spinach, Parmesan, sour cream
Level: Intermediate
Butterfly and flatten a flank steak so there’s a large surface area for this savory spinach stuffing. Roll it up, slice it, and cook for about seven minutes.
"I wow family and friends with this impressive-looking dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious. Even those who don't like spinach seem to like this dish!" —Recipe contributor Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Key West Flank SteakTotal Time: 35 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Flank steak, Key lime juice, cilantro
Level: Intermediate
Flank steak is great for the grill, especially with this lime and garlic marinade, and it cooks quickly, just a few minutes per side. After letting it rest, slice against the grain. Need more ideas for this economical cut of beef? Check out some of our other flank steak recipes.
"My husband, Jason, is the cook in our family. This is his recipe, inspired by his Colombian roots and our visits to Key West. Sometimes we grill extra lime and onion slices alongside. Serve with sides of rice and fried plantains." —Recipe contributor Gretchen Ospina, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Mushroom Steak Salad with Walnut VinaigretteTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Steak, mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, walnuts
Level: Beginner
This steak salad is a great date night steak recipe because it’s impressive but easy to throw together for any night of the week. Serve with some crusty bread and a great bottle of wine.
"When I want to serve a romantic dinner for my husband and me, I fix this elegant yet easy salad. I just add crusty French bread and a glass of wine." —Recipe contributor Candace McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
Grilled Onion and Skirt Steak TacosTotal Time: 20 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Steak, beer, lime juice, green onions
Level: Beginner
Skirt steak is usually a pretty tough cut with lots of connective tissue. That’s why you want to use something like this beer and lime marinade to tenderize it and add flavor. Like other grilled steak recipes, a quick sear over the fire is all it takes.
"My grandparents came from Mexico, and I grew up watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. This steak marinated in beer and lime juice honors their passion for cooking." —Recipe contributor Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Beef Filets with Portobello SauceTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tenderloin steaks, mushrooms, red wine, beef broth
Level: Beginner
These steaks with a rich and savory portobello mushroom sauce are a perfect meal for two. Complete the meal with zesty potatoes, a leafy salad and a hunk of great bread.
"These tasty steaks seem special, but they are fast enough for an everyday dinner. We enjoy the mushroom-topped filets with crusty French bread, a mixed salad and a light lemon dessert." —Recipe contributor Christel Stein, Tampa, Florida
Citrus Steak SaladTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cooked sirloin steak, romaine, strawberries, oranges, pecans
Level: Beginner
There are so many wonderful flavors in this salad, thanks to fresh greens, mandarin oranges, strawberries and a citrusy vinaigrette. The only thing you need to cook is the steak, and dinner is on the table in no time.
"Your family will think you spent hours on this beautiful main dish salad with its from-scratch dressing, but it's an absolute cinch!" —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream CheeseTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tenderloin steaks, Parmesan, horseradish, cream cheese
Level: Beginner
The sharp peppery flavor of horseradish has always been a great foil for a rich, juicy steak. Blend it with cream cheese, parmesan and parsley for a delicious steak topper, and serve with a classic baked potato.
"My husband and I both love the classic combination of beef and horseradish. He asks me to make this for dinner often, and I'm always happy to. Try serving with baked potatoes as a side."—Recipe contributor Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
Southwest Steak and PotatoesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Steak, potatoes, brown sugar, cumin
Level: Beginner
Make this whole meal on the grill for your next cookout. The steak gets a brush of vinegar and Worcestershire before a rub of zesty spices, and the potatoes taste great with a little char from the fire.
"Bold seasonings give meat and potatoes a Southwest twist. Feel free to adjust the heat factor by using more or less chili powder." —Recipe contributor Kenny Fisher, Lancaster, Ohio
Maple and Blue Cheese SteakTotal Time: 30 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Top sirloin steak, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, blue cheese
Level: Intermediate
A marinade of balsamic vinegar, maple syrup and Dijon adds a ton of flavor to this steak, and it complements the sharp blue cheese topping. Any cut that you’d grill works here, including sirloin, strip or ribeye.
"This is a wonderful, cheesy recipe that melts in your mouth. I love this traditional Canadian meal. It certainly has a special feel; the sauce is a fantastic complement to steak." —Recipe contributor Susan Jerrott, Bedford, Nova Scotia
Smoky Espresso SteakTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Steak, espresso powder, cocoa, pumpkin pie spice
Level: Beginner
With espresso, cocoa and pumpkin pie spice, it may sound like you’re making dessert, but it’s actually a delicious rub that transforms broiled or grilled flat iron steak into a flavor bomb.
"This juicy steak rubbed with espresso, cocoa and pumpkin pie spice is one of my husband's favorites. Broiling is a good year-round method, but we love making it on the grill, too." —Recipe contributor Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
Grilled Steaks with Marinated TomatoesTotal Time: 45 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Top sirloin steaks, raspberry vinaigrette, Montreal steak seasoning, tomatoes
Level: Intermediate
Talk about peak summer. Sometimes all you need for a perfectly grilled steak is a side of fresh garden tomatoes marinated in raspberry vinaigrette and fresh herbs and spices. A side of cheesy potatoes or sauteed green beans work, too!
"The flavor of the tomatoes improves after they marinate overnight. I could eat them all by themselves! Our family likes these steaks best served with cheesy potatoes or glazed green beans." —Recipe contributor Anna Davis, Half Way, Missouri
Garlic-Rubbed T-Bones with Burgundy MushroomsTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: T-Bone steak, garlic, mushrooms
Level: Beginner
Porterhouse or T-bone steaks are great on the grill, especially when rubbed with garlic and served with wine-soaked mushrooms. Take dinner to another level with creamy twice-baked potatoes and a Caesar salad.
"T-bone steak is a fairly tender cut, so there's no need to marinate. Punch up the flavor using loads of garlic." —Recipe contributor Kevin Black, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread SaladTotal Time: 50 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Steak, bread, ranch dressing, grated horseradish
Level: Intermediate
The chili-rubbed grilled steak and fresh vegetables make this panzanella-like salad a one-bowl meal. Use thick-cut bread for the cubes so they can soak up all the flavors.
"We love skirt steak in our house. To make it a meal, I created a ranch-inspired bread salad with the best flavor combinations - creamy, tangy, sweet and fresh." — Recipe contributor Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Chipotle-Honey Grilled T-BonesTotal Time: 30 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: T-bone steak, cilantro, honey, chipotle peppers
Level: Intermediate
For all the heat lovers out there, these T-bones have a spicy kick. Great on the grill or seared indoors, make these the centerpiece of a Tex Mex-inspired dinner.
"If you like to kick things up on the grill, this is the steak for you. My husband even makes this in a Dutch oven, and the meat just sizzles." —Recipe contributor Donna Goutermont, Sequim, Washington
Bacon-Wrapped Filets with Scotched MushroomsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tenderloin steak, bacon, mushrooms, Scotch
Level: Intermediate
You’ve seen the bacon-wrapped filet mignon at the grocery store, but it’s just as easy to make at home. This recipe is perfect for two (yay, date night!), but it can easily be doubled or tripled for a dinner party.
"I got the idea for bacon-wrapped filet mignon when I saw some on sale in the grocery store. The rest was inspired by my husband, because he once made a Scotch and ginger ale sauce. This elegant recipe is for two, but it can easily be doubled." —Recipe contributor Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida
Merlot Filet MignonTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tenderloin steak, butter, merlot
Level: Beginner
Remember: when you’re cooking with wine, don’t use the cheap stuff; cook with one you’d like to drink. It makes all the difference in a buttery wine sauce like this.
"Although this is such a simple recipe, you can feel confident serving it to any guests. The rich sauce adds a touch of elegance. Just add a salad and rolls." —Recipe contributor Jauneen Hosking, Waterford, Wisconsin
Chocolate-Chipotle Sirloin SteakTotal Time: 30 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Top sirloin steak, cocoa, chipotle peppers
Level: Beginner
Cocoa powder won’t make your steak sweet. Unsweetened chocolate adds depth and color to steak. It’s also a perfect complement to smoky chipotle peppers. Here are some other surprising ingredients that take your steak from good to great.
"Looking to do something a little different with grilled sirloin? Add smoky heat and chocolaty rich color with this easy five-ingredient rub." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Steak with Citrus SalsaTotal Time: 30 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Steak, soy sauce, oranges, cilantro
Level: Beginner
In the summer, this lime marinade perks up grilled steaks. In the winter, broiled or pan-seared steaks get a blast of sunshine from citrus salsa.
"A lime juice marinade really perks up these grilled steaks, and the snappy, light citrus salsa is a super change from the usual heavy steak sauce. I brighten up winter meals by broiling the meat and serving it this way." —Recipe contributor Kathleen Smith, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Ginger Steak Fried RiceTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Steak, soy sauce, fresh gingerroot
Level: Beginner
Turn leftover rice and steak into a quick fried rice. Broccoli slaw mix and frozen peas make it an easy-peasy weeknight meal.
"Perfect for an end-of-the-week meal, this sensational dish comes together quickly with leftover rice. I learned a great tip for the steak recently: Partially freeze it, and it will be easy to cut into thin slices." —Recipe contributor Simone Garza, Evansville, Indiana
Steak Recipes FAQ
How do I keep my steaks juicy and tender?
Three simple tips can keep your steak as tender as the ones you order at a steakhouse, no matter how you like them cooked. Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking. Rest your steaks for five to 15 minutes after cooking (tented with foil) to help the meat reabsorb the moisture emitted during cooking. And always slice steak against the grain, so that your knife is doing the tougher cutting rather than your teeth.
What's the best way to cook a steak?
Grilling results in excellent home-cooked steaks. Whether you use charcoal or gas grills, the steak will yield a beautiful charred exterior and juicy meat inside. If your grill is put away for the winter, cooking steaks on well-seasoned cast-iron skillets gives them a restaurant-quality crust, and you can use the melted butter in the skillet to baste your steaks as they cook.
What should I serve with a steak dinner?
Add Brussels sprouts to the grill or serve your steak with crisp-tender green beans. Some seasons and occasions call for hearty sides like baked potatoes (try Hasselback potatoes for a pretty way to serve them) or buttery homemade rolls. Balance it out with a light, seasonal green salad. And don't forget a glass of red wine!
