Here’s a marinade that many people consider the “best steak marinade in existence”—it’s rich, savory, slightly sweet, and locks in amazing flavor 🥩🔥
Ultimate Steak Marinade
Ingredients (enough for 2–4 steaks)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
- Optional: fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
Instructions
- Mix marinade
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Whisk well to dissolve sugar.
- Marinate the steak
- Place steaks in the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4–8 hours. Avoid marinating more than 24 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat too much.
- Cook the steak
- Remove steaks from marinade and pat dry.
- Grill, broil, or pan-sear to desired doneness.
- Rest & serve
- Let the steak rest 5–10 minutes after cooking for juicier results.
Tips & Variations
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of bourbon or soy sauce with ginger for an Asian twist.
- Smoky taste: Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
- Tenderizing: Pineapple juice or a little vinegar helps tenderize but don’t overdo it.
- Quick version: Marinate 30–60 minutes if short on time—still flavorful.
If you want, I can also give a super-secret steakhouse-style marinade that makes steaks taste like they came from a premium grill. Do you want that version?
