Name: Grilled Steak Marinade
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; Optional: 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme; Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

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This Grilled Steak Marinade is my go-to when I want juicy, flavorful steak with minimal effort. It’s a bold mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet ingredients that soak deep into the meat and give it that irresistible grilled crust. Whether I’m firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or just craving a perfectly marinated steak, this recipe never fails me.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this marinade because it transforms even an inexpensive cut of steak into something incredibly tender and delicious. It only takes a few minutes to mix together, and the flavor payoff is huge. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of acidity helps tenderize the meat while adding deep umami richness. Plus, it works on a variety of cuts, so it’s super versatile. Grilled Steak Marinade

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Soy sauce
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic, minced
Dijon mustard
Brown sugar or honey
Freshly ground black pepper
Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme, red pepper flakes

Directions

I whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a bowl or shake them in a resealable bag.
I add the steak to the marinade and make sure it’s fully coated.
I cover and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour—though 4 to 8 hours gives the best flavor.
I remove the steak from the fridge 30 minutes before grilling so it can come to room temperature.
I grill the steak over medium-high heat, flipping once, until it reaches my desired doneness.
I let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.

Servings and timing

This marinade is enough for 2 to 4 steaks. The prep takes 5 minutes, and marinating time ranges from 1 to 8 hours. Grilling takes about 8–12 minutes, depending on the thickness and doneness.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the vinegar for lemon juice or lime for a citrusy kick. For a smoky version, I add a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder. When I want something sweeter, I increase the honey or add a splash of pineapple juice. It also works great with chicken when I’m not in the mood for beef.

Storage/Reheating

I don’t store used marinade, but I sometimes double the batch and keep extra (unused) marinade in the fridge for up to a week. Cooked steak leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. I reheat gently in a skillet or enjoy cold in salads or sandwiches. Grilled Steak Marinade

FAQs

Can I marinate steak overnight?

Yes, but I usually don’t go longer than 8 hours, especially with more acidic marinades. Longer can sometimes make the texture mushy.

What cuts of steak work best with this marinade?

I use it on ribeye, sirloin, flank, or skirt steak. It adds flavor to all of them, especially leaner or tougher cuts.

Can I use this marinade for other meats?

Absolutely. It’s great on chicken, or even tofu. I just adjust marinating time accordingly.

Can I grill the steak on a grill pan?

Yes. When I can’t use my outdoor grill, I use a grill pan on the stove. It still gives great flavor and nice sear marks.

Should I salt the steak separately?

No, the soy sauce provides plenty of salt. I skip any additional salting until after it’s cooked, if needed.

Conclusion

This Grilled Steak Marinade is a simple but powerful way to elevate any steak. It’s rich, savory, and totally foolproof. Whether I’m cooking for a crowd or just treating myself to a good steak, this marinade brings out the best in every bite.

Grilled Steak Marinade

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This Grilled Steak Marinade is a bold, savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and spices that transforms any cut of steak into a juicy, flavorful masterpiece with minimal effort.

Author: Lizaa
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 2 to 4 steaks
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Optional: 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme
Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a bowl or shake in a resealable bag.
Add steak to the marinade, ensuring it is fully coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4–8 hours for best flavor.
Remove steak from fridge 30 minutes before grilling to come to room temperature.
Grill steak over medium-high heat, flipping once, until desired doneness (about 4–6 minutes per side).
Let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.