Zaher's Test Kitchen

This is my go-to BBQ marinade that works well with various cuts of beef, but my favorite use for this recipe is for beef ribs or kebabs! Due to the level of acidity and abundance of flavour in this marinade, you will only need 40 minutes for this dish to marinate properly. The longer you marinate, the more it breaks it down everything holding the muscle intact, so don't overdo it or the meat may become too tender and fall apart.

As this marinade can serve several various cuts of beef, this recipe is strictly to help get you to the grill. Different cuts require different methods so I'm keeping this one simple. I created this recipe 20 years ago and it still satisfies the “WOW factor” I am looking for when I’m serving guests or catering. It gets them every time and is an absolute must try!

Method: BBQ
Prep time: 45 mins

2-3lbs Beef (your favorite choice of cut)
2oz EVOO
2oz Lime juice
2oz Balsamic Vinegar
2oz Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon Chili Flakes
Sea Salt
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper or Montreal Steak Spice

Step 1: Season the beef with the sea salt and cracked black pepper. Alternatively, you may use a small amount of Montreal Steak Spice. Rub it into the meat and then put it aside for a couple of minutes while you make the marinade.

Step 2: In a bowl, combine all liquids (EVOO, Balsamic, Lime and Worcestershire).

Step 3: Add the garlic powder and chili flakes into the liquid mix and stir well. The garlic powder acts as a thickener which will help the marinade coat and stick to the meat better.

Step 4: Transfer the seasoned meat into a large zip-up bag or baking dish, pour in the marinade and mix the meat into it, covering everything (if using a baking dish, be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap).

Once everything is tightly sealed, put the marinated beef into the refrigerator for 20 minutes. At this point, take the bag or baking dish out so that you can stir and flip the pieces of marinated beef, and then put it back into the fridge for another 20 minutes (for a grand total of 40 minutes).

Step 5: There you go, BBQ masters! The beef is now ready to grill to your liking.

I hope you love it and good luck. Don't forget to check out and follow @ZahersTestKitchen on Instagram for exclusive content!

Yours truly,

Chef Deke Zaher / Zaher's Test Kitchen