The Best Steak Marinade In Existence is a bold, savory blend that tenderizes and infuses steak with deep, mouthwatering flavor. This marinade transforms even the simplest cuts into juicy, restaurant-worthy bites. It’s easy to prepare, full of rich ingredients, and always delivers perfect results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this marinade because it strikes the perfect balance of salty, tangy, sweet, and umami. It enhances the meat without overpowering it, and the longer I let it marinate, the more flavorful and tender the steak becomes. It works on all types of steak—ribeye, sirloin, flank, or skirt—and it’s my go-to for grilling, broiling, or pan-searing.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Soy sauce
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Olive oil
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Worcestershire sauce
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Balsamic vinegar
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Dijon mustard
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Brown sugar
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Garlic (minced)
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Onion powder
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Freshly ground black pepper
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Dried rosemary (optional)
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Lemon juice (or red wine vinegar for variation)
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Steak of choice (ribeye, sirloin, flank, etc.)
Directions
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I whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a bowl until fully combined.
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I place the steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure it’s fully coated.
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I seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though I prefer letting it marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
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When ready to cook, I remove the steak from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
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I grill, pan-sear, or broil the steak to my desired doneness, letting it rest before slicing.
Servings and timing
This marinade is enough for 2–3 pounds of steak. Prep takes just 10 minutes, with a marinating time of 2 to 24 hours depending on how intense I want the flavor. Cooking time varies depending on the steak cut and thickness.
Variations
I sometimes add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or swap Dijon mustard for spicy brown mustard. If I’m going for a sweeter finish, I add a little honey or maple syrup. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also elevate the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
The marinade can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Once used with raw meat, it should be discarded or boiled thoroughly before reusing as a sauce. Cooked steak can be stored for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes, I’ve used it on chicken, pork chops, and even portobello mushrooms. It’s especially good for grilling.
How long should I marinate the steak?
I marinate for at least 2 hours, but 8–24 hours gives the best flavor and tenderness.
Can I reuse the marinade?
Not without boiling it first. Once it’s touched raw meat, it needs to be cooked to be safe for reuse.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
I substitute with soy sauce plus a splash of vinegar and a pinch of sugar—it’s not identical, but it works in a pinch.
Do I need to pierce the steak before marinating?
Not necessarily. I don’t usually pierce it, especially if the marinade is well-balanced and I let it sit long enough.
Conclusion
The Best Steak Marinade In Existence lives up to its name every time I use it. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and turns any cut of steak into a memorable, mouthwatering meal. Whether I’m grilling for guests or treating myself to a steak night, this marinade is always my secret weapon.
PrintBest Steak Marinade In Existence
The Best Steak Marinade In Existence is a bold, savory blend that tenderizes and flavors steak to perfection. Made with a mix of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and garlic, it transforms any cut into a juicy, mouthwatering meal ideal for grilling, broiling, or pan-searing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies
- Total Time: 2–24 hours (with marinating)
- Yield: 2–3 lbs steak
- Category: Marinade
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- 2–3 lbs steak (ribeye, sirloin, flank, etc.)
Instructions
- Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a bowl until fully combined.
- Place steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over, ensuring full coverage.
- Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Remove steak from marinade and let sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before cooking.
- Grill, pan-sear, or broil steak to desired doneness. Let rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or honey/maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Swap Dijon mustard with spicy brown mustard for variation.
- Fresh thyme or oregano can enhance the herb flavor profile.
- Do not reuse marinade unless it is boiled first to ensure food safety.
- Marinade also works well with chicken, pork, or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp marinade (before use on meat)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg