Name: Steak Marinade
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 clove garlic, minced

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When it’s time to cook a delicious steak, the right marinade can make all the difference. This steak marinade recipe is a delightful blend of olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and herbs that tenderizes and flavors your meat beautifully. With each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of savory flavors that bring your steak to life. Not only does it elevate the taste, but it also creates a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Steak Marinade
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Steak Marinade

I remember the first time I marinated steak for a summer barbecue. The excitement of grilling day mixed with the aroma of the marinade had my friends and family eagerly awaiting dinner. Since then, this recipe has become my go-to method for ensuring flavorful steaks every time. It’s simple to whip up and adds an impressive layer of taste that rivals anything you’d find at a fancy steakhouse. Trust me, once you try this, you won’t want to go back to plain steaks!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This steak marinade is so easy to prepare; it takes only about 10 minutes to put together.
Irresistible Flavor: The mix of tangy, savory, and herby notes creates a depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Picture beautiful grill marks on juicy steak; it’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends; this recipe fits any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: The ingredients are all gluten-free, making it suitable for guests with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

¼ cup olive oil or light flavored oil: This adds richness and helps the marinade penetrate the steak. Extra virgin olive oil is great, but any light oil will work.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: This brings umami depth and helps tenderize the meat. Opt for low-sodium if desired.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory flavor and enhances the overall taste. You can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Offers a sweet acidity that balances the saltiness of the soy and Worcestershire sauces.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides a sharp kick and thickens the marinade, helping it stick to the steak.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (1 teaspoon dried): Fresh herbs add a touch of brightness; dried can be used if fresh isn’t available.
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (1 teaspoon dried): Rosemary’s woodsy flavor complements beef beautifully and amplifies the marinades’ richness.
1 teaspoon black pepper: A must-have for seasoning that enhances flavor and adds warmth.
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves): Thyme adds a hint of earthiness, boosting the overall aroma.
1 clove garlic, minced (or more to taste): Garlic is crucial for layering flavor; feel free to add more if you adore garlic!

How to Make Steak Marinade

Combine Ingredients: In a glass bowl or a large freezer bag, mix together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Stir or seal the bag and shake until well combined.
Add the Herbs: Next, add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Mix everything well to ensure each ingredient is evenly distributed.
Marinate the Steak: Place up to 2 pounds of steak into the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour but no more than 4 hours for optimal flavor absorption.
Prepare for Cooking: Once the marination time is up, remove the steaks from the marinade and discard the remaining liquid. This step is crucial to prevent over-salting and ensure a perfect sear on your grill or in the oven.
Cook as Desired: Grill or broil your steaks to your preferred doneness. Remember, cooking times will vary based on thickness, so keep an eye on them. A meat thermometer will help you achieve that perfect medium-rare at 135°F.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover marinades or cooked steak, first, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you have extra marinade that hasn’t touched raw meat, it can be stored in the fridge for a week or frozen for up to 3 months. When it comes to reheating, warm the steak gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, keeping in mind that it may lose some tenderness. A quick flash on a hot skillet can help revitalize it, bringing back some of that juicy flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid marinating for too long; it could lead to mushy texture due to the acidic ingredients. Aim for 1 to 4 hours.
Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, especially if you’re impractically grilling for a group—different steaks can cook unevenly.
Let your steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender bite.
Try experimenting with different herbs! Tarragon or sage can offer a unique twist on your steak marinade.
If you want to infuse a slightly smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade.

There’s nothing quite like a well-marinated steak that’s grilled to perfection. This recipe not only simplifies the process but opens up a world of flavors that your friends and family will love. You can play around with various herbs and spices to make it your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use this marinade for other meats?

Absolutely! This marinade is versatile and works well with chicken, pork, or even vegetables for grilling. Just adjust marinating times according to the protein.

How long should I marinate my steak?

For the best results, marinate your steak for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours. If you’re marinating tougher cuts, consider up to 8 hours, but avoid going longer to prevent a mushy texture.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the marinade in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to give it a good shake before using it.

What’s the best way to grill the marinated steak?

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot before adding the steak. Grill for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches your desired doneness. Enjoy!

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Steak Marinade

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-4 1x
Category: Marinade
Method: Grilling or Broiling
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Steak Marinade brings out irresistible flavors with simple ingredients like olive oil and fresh herbs, making it perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend cookout.

Ingredients

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¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 clove garlic, minced

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Instructions

Combine olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, parsley, rosemary, pepper, thyme, and garlic in a glass bowl or freezer bag.
Add up to 2 pounds of steak and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
Remove steak from marinade and discard the marinade.
Grill or broil steak to desired doneness.

Notes

This marinade can be made a day in advance for added flavor.
Experiment with different herbs for a unique taste.
Ensure the steak is well-coated for the best flavor.