Description
This Ultimate Steak Marinade recipe creates a flavorful and tenderizing blend that enhances the natural taste of your steak. Combining soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a mix of aromatic herbs and spices, the marinade ensures a juicy, savory steak perfect for grilling or pan-searing. Ideal for adding depth to beef cuts, this marinade is easy to prepare and elevates your steak experience for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 to 1.5 pounds steak of choice
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, brown sugar or honey, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes if using, fresh rosemary, and thyme leaves, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Marinate the Steak: Place your steak, approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds, into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure the meat is evenly coated on all sides.
- Refrigerate: Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish, and refrigerate the steak for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate. For the best results, marinate overnight to maximize tenderness and flavor infusion.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the steak from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the steak cook more evenly.
- Cook the Steak: Grill or pan-sear your steak to your preferred doneness. Typically, cook for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting cooking time based on steak thickness and desired doneness.
- Rest the Steak: Allow the cooked steak to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy, flavorful bite.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for more intense flavor and tenderness.
- Remove steak from marinade before cooking to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
- Discard used marinade or boil it thoroughly if planning to use as a sauce.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on desired heat level.
- Bring steak to room temperature before cooking for uniform doneness.
- Allow steak to rest after cooking for juicy results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American