Here’s a simple, flavorful steak marinade that tenderizes the meat and infuses it with savory, slightly tangy goodness. Perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or broiling.
Simple Steak Marinade Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar or honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Mix the Marinade:
- In a bowl or resealable plastic bag, whisk together all ingredients until well combined.
- Marinate the Steak:
- Add your steak (ribeye, sirloin, flank, or skirt steak all work great) to the marinade.
- Make sure the steak is fully coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, ideally 4–6 hours. For thicker cuts, you can marinate overnight.
- Cook the Steak:
- Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
- Grill, pan-sear, or broil to your desired doneness.
- Let the steak rest 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Tips:
- Acid balance: The vinegar and soy sauce help tenderize the meat but don’t over-marinate thin cuts, or they can become mushy.
- Optional herbs: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano for extra aroma.
- Quick marinade: If short on time, even 30 minutes imparts good flavor.
If you want, I can give you a 15-minute “super tender” steak marinade that’s perfect for last-minute grilling—it really makes the steak melt in your mouth. Do you want me to share that version too?
