Soy-and-Cola-Marinated Steak

By Leslie Blythe Beef Grilling, Marinating

July 28, 2025

Coca-Cola is the secret weapon for incredibly tender and flavorful grilled steak. The magic lies in Coca-Cola's high acidity and sugar content. The acidity works to tenderize the meat, breaking down tough fibers, while the sugar promotes rapid caramelization on the grill, creating that perfect, sought-after char.

This recipe harnesses this technique, using a savory-sweet marinade of Coca-Cola, soy sauce, garlic, and white miso for skirt steak. Remember to use regular Coca-Cola, not diet.

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

Ingredients

6 garlic cloves, finely grated

12-ounce can or 1½ cups cola, (not Diet Coke!)

½ cup white miso

⅓ cup soy sauce

2 pounds skirt steak, cut into 6"-long sections

Vegetable oil (for grill)

3 scallions, pale and dark green parts only

1 medium Fresno chile, thinly sliced

Directions

1Mix together garlic, cola, miso, and soy sauce in a 1-gallon, resealable plastic bag or large baking dish. Add steak to marinade and turn to coat. Seal or cover, chill, turning occasionally, at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours. you can.) (Marinate at least 4 hours if you can.)

2Prepare a grill for medium-high heat, oil grate. letting excess drip back into Remove steak from marinade, bag or dish, discard marinade. Grill steak, turning every 2 minutes or so, until medium- rare (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should register 125°), 5-7 minutes. Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes.

3Meanwhile, cut scallions crosswise into 2"-3" cut each piece in ha lengthwise, then in ha again to create matchsticks. Combine scallions a in a medium bowl of ice water and let sit 5 minutes. Drain, transfer to a kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry.

4Thinly slice steak against the grain. Arrange on a rimmed platter and drizzle juices from the cutting board over. Top with scallions and chile.

Recipe from Bon Appétit.

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