The Best Steak Marinade

Recipe By:
jesseca
Posted:
Updated:

Steak lovers know that a great marinade can elevate an ordinary cut of meat into a savory masterpiece. If you’ve ever bitten into a perfectly grilled steak, you understand the joy of those tender, juicy flavors bursting in your mouth. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you The Best Steak Marinade Recipe. This marinade effortlessly blends pantry staples into a flavorful concoction that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re preparing for a backyard barbecue or a cozy weeknight dinner, this marinade is both simple and versatile.

Jump to:

Imagine a marinade that not only enhances flavor but also tenderizes your steak, ensuring each bite is as delicious as the last. With a few basic ingredients, you’ll have the perfect blend to make your steaks taste gourmet. Follow along as I guide you through the steps of crafting and enjoying this mouthwatering steak marinade—a process that’s as enjoyable as the meal itself! So, let’s get into the details and prepare for the ultimate steak experience.

Why This Recipe Works

Steak marinades are magic. They not only enhance the flavor of the meat but also tenderize it, making each bite juicy and succulent. The combination of acidic ingredients, like balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, breaks down those tough fibers. This leads to a deliciously tender steak you’ll crave time and again. The marinade infuses the meat with flavors that penetrate deeply, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This The Best Steak Marinade Recipe

This best steak marinade recipe is quick and easy, made with ingredients you probably have in your pantry. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual weeknight meal, this marinade suits every palate. You’ll get a burst of flavor that won’t overpower the natural taste of your steak. It’s all about enhancing what’s already there, giving you a perfect touch of deliciousness. Cooking doesn’t get much better than that!

The Best Steak Marinade

Ingredients

To create this fantastic marinade, gather the following:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Mixing the Marinade

The Best Steak Marinade

Let’s jump into mixing your marinade! Start by getting a mixing bowl. Then, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Just be sure to whisk it thoroughly until everything is well combined. You should see a beautiful blend of colors and a fragrant aroma filling the air. This step is where the magic begins, as those flavors start mingling.

Marinating the Steak

Next up, take your steaks and get ready for some flavor action. Grab a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade inside. Now, it’s time for the steaks to join the party! Add the steaks to the bag, seal it up tight, and give it a little massage to ensure the marinade is all over the meat. This is a fun, hands-on step! Place the bag on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips or leaks, just in case. Then, pop it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows those flavors to infuse deeply into the meat, creating a memorable eating experience.

Preparing to Grill

When you’re ready to grill, pull those beautiful marinated steaks out of the refrigerator. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This important step ensures even cooking. You don’t want to throw cold steaks onto a hot grill; it can lead to uneven temperatures and less juicy results. Plus, the anticipation will only heighten your excitement for that delicious steak to come!

Grilling the Steak

Now we get to the fun part—grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, making sure it’s hot enough to give those steaks a beautiful sear. Place the marinated steaks on the grill, and cook them until they reach your desired level of doneness. Be sure to flip them halfway through for that even grilling magic. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle, which always gets my mouth watering. Cooking times might depend on how thick your steaks are and your preferred doneness, so keep an eye on them!

Resting the Steak

Once those steaks are perfectly grilled, remove them from the grill and don’t rush! Let them rest for about 7-10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak. It might feel tempting to slice in right away, but be patient. Resting results in a tender and juicy steak that’s absolutely worth the wait.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes time to serve, your perfectly grilled steak deserves some delicious company. Consider pairing it with roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or creamy garlic mashed potatoes. The rich flavors from the marinade will complement any side dish, ensuring a well-rounded meal. You could also throw on a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs for extra flair, if you’re feeling fancy!

Tips for Success

  • Choose high-quality steak cuts like ribeye or sirloin for the best results.
  • Remember, don’t skip the resting period after grilling; it’s essential for flavor and tenderness.
  • For an extra zing, think about adding some citrus zest to the marinade.

Variations

Feel free to get creative! Here are some easy variations:

  • Swap out the balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade if you like a kick.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.

Storage Tips

If you have marinated steaks left over, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. Any leftover marinade that hasn’t touched raw meat can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure not to reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw steak, as it’s not safe.

Pairing Ideas

To elevate your meal even further, pair your steak with a robust red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. These wines beautifully complement the deep flavors of the marinade, rounding out your dining experience.

The Best Steak Marinade

FAQs

What cut of steak is best for marinating?
Ribeye, sirloin, and flank steak are great options. They have the right balance of flavor and texture.

How long should I marinate steak?
For optimal flavor, aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better.

Can I freeze marinated steak?
Absolutely! You can freeze marinated steak. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months.

What if I don’t have soy sauce?
No worries! You can swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version or use coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative.

Can I reuse the marinade?
It’s unsafe to reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw meat. Instead, set aside a portion before adding the steak if you want to use it later.

Cooking up a fantastic steak with The Best Steak Marinade Recipe doesn’t have to feel intimidating. It’s all about enjoying the process and creating an experience that you and your loved ones will cherish at the dinner table. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that grill, and savor every juicy bite of your delicious creation! Enjoy all the compliments you’ll get, and happy grilling!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
The Best Steak Marinade

The Best Steak Marinade

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This steak marinade is quick and easy, using common pantry ingredients to enhance the natural flavor of your steak. Ideal for any dining occasion.

  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper in a bowl.
  • Transfer marinade to a resealable plastic bag, add steaks, seal, and massage to coat.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Bring steaks to room temperature before grilling for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat, cook steaks to desired doneness, flipping halfway.
  • Let grilled steaks rest for 7-10 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve with your choice of sides.

Notes

Use high-quality cuts like ribeye or sirloin for best results.
Resting the steaks after grilling is essential for juiciness.
Consider adding citrus zest for extra flavor.

  • Author: jesseca
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star