Easy Steak Marinade

This Easy Steak Marinade is the perfect solution for elevating your steak dishes. In just a few minutes, you can create a vibrant marinade that infuses flavor and tenderness into your meat. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or hosting friends, this marinade suits any occasion. Its unique combination of ingredients ensures juicy and flavorful steaks every time, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This marinade takes only 10 minutes to prepare, making it easy to whip up on busy days.
• Flavorful Ingredients: A blend of olive oil, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice creates a zesty flavor profile that enhances any cut of steak.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for various types of steaks, this marinade works well with beef cuts like chuck steak or NY strip.
• Budget-Friendly: Transform inexpensive cuts into gourmet meals without breaking the bank.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to your taste; add more garlic or herbs for extra flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Grill or grill pan
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the marinade ingredients evenly.
• Whisk: Helps to thoroughly mix liquids and dry ingredients, ensuring a smooth marinade.
• Grill or grill pan: Provides the high heat needed for perfect steak searing.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping steaks without piercing them, preserving juices.

Ingredients

This easy steak marinade comes together in minutes and transforms a budget-friendly steak from good to amazing!

For the Marinade

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 large lemons
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons dried basil
• 1-1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1-1/2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• Coarse salt (optional)
• Steaks (of your choice)
• Canola oil (for grill grates)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Easy Steak Marinade

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Zest and juice lemons to get 1/2 teaspoon zest and 1/4 cup juice. In a medium bowl, add:
– Olive oil
– Soy sauce
– Lemon juice
– Lemon zest
– Minced garlic
– Worcestershire sauce
– Dried basil
– Garlic powder
– Dried parsley
– Dried oregano
– White pepper

Whisk until all ingredients are combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Steaks

Pour the marinade over your steaks (the pictures show a NY Strip Steak; read the post for the “best grilling steaks”). Cover or seal in a bag. Place in the fridge for up to 6 hours, but not longer as acidity can start cooking the meat.

Step 3: Prepare to Grill

About 20 minutes before grilling, remove steaks from the fridge. Allow them to sit at room temperature while you prepare your grill.

Step 4: Heat Your Grill

Heat grill to high heat. Once it’s hot, clean it with a wire brush. Roll up a few paper towels soaked in canola oil using tongs. Rub this along the grill grates generously.

Step 5: Season and Cook Steaks

Remove steaks from marinade and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired. Place on grill and cook about 4–5 minutes, rotating every 2–1/2 minutes for diamond grill marks.

Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking

Using tongs, flip steaks over. Continue grilling for another 3–5 minutes for medium-rare doneness (aim for an internal temperature of 135°F).

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

After cooking to your desired doneness, remove steaks from the grill. Tent loosely with foil on a plate or cutting board for about 5–10 minutes so juices redistribute. Enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Steak Marinade

Serving your marinated steak can elevate any meal. Here are some delicious ways to present your perfectly grilled steak.

Classic Steak Dinner

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair well with the rich flavors of the steak.
• Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus adds a fresh crunch to your plate.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad offers a refreshing contrast to the savory steak.

Steak Sandwich

• Sourdough Bread: Use toasted sourdough for a hearty sandwich that holds all the juices.
• Caramelized Onions: Sweet, caramelized onions enhance the flavor of the steak in every bite.
• Horseradish Sauce: A dollop of horseradish sauce adds a spicy kick to your sandwich.

Tacos or Fajitas

• Corn Tortillas: Warm corn tortillas are perfect for wrapping up tender steak slices.
• Salsa Verde: A zesty green salsa complements the marinade’s flavors beautifully.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the dish.

How to Perfect Easy Steak Marinade

To ensure you get the best results from your easy steak marinade, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to dried ones.
• Let it Marinate Properly: Allowing the steaks to marinate for at least 2 hours, but no more than 6, maximizes flavor without compromising texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give each steak enough space on the grill for even cooking and those perfect grill marks.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness; aim for 135°F for medium-rare.
• Rest Your Steaks: Letting them rest after grilling allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Steak Marinade

Pairing sides with your easy steak marinade can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Baked Potatoes: Classic baked potatoes are always a hit and can be topped with butter or sour cream.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of grilled steak.
3. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms brings color and nutrition to your plate.
4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs is an excellent way to soak up any juices from the steak.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob can be grilled alongside your steaks for extra flavor.
6. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for sopping up delicious marinade drippings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your easy steak marinade, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can ruin your dish.

• Over-marinating the steak – Leaving the steak in the marinade for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Stick to marinating for up to 6 hours for the best results.
• Not measuring ingredients – Eyeballing ingredients can throw off the balance of flavors. Always measure your olive oil, soy sauce, and other components carefully.
• Skipping the resting time – Cooking steaks immediately after marinating can prevent juices from redistributing. Let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling.
• Ignoring grill temperature – Cooking on a grill that isn’t hot enough can result in uneven cooking. Preheat your grill to high heat for perfect searing.
• Neglecting to clean the grill – A dirty grill can affect the flavor and presentation of your steaks. Always clean it thoroughly before using it.
• Not using a meat thermometer – Guessing doneness can lead to overcooked or undercooked steaks. Use a meat thermometer for precise results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover marinade in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• If you have leftover marinated steak, consume it within 2 days for best quality.

Freezing Easy Steak Marinade

• Freeze unused marinade in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Ensure all air is removed from bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Easy Steak Marinade

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F and reheat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe container and heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring frequently.
• Stovetop – Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate steak with easy steak marinade?

Marinate your steak for up to 6 hours. This time frame allows flavors to penetrate without compromising texture.

Can I use this easy steak marinade on other meats?

Yes! This marinade works well with chicken, beef, or even vegetables. Feel free to experiment with different proteins.

What’s the best way to store leftover easy steak marinade?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Can I make my own variations of this easy steak marinade?

Absolutely! You can customize this marinade by adding herbs, spices, or adjusting acidity levels according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This easy steak marinade is not just quick; it’s versatile! It transforms any cut of meat into something special and flavorful. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or adjusting the acidity from lemons. Try this recipe today and elevate your grilling game!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Easy Steak Marinade

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Elevate your steak game with this Easy Steak Marinade, designed to infuse flavor and tenderness into any cut of meat. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant marinade that combines the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice with savory soy sauce, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this marinade transforms budget-friendly steaks into gourmet meals. Whether you’re grilling a NY Strip or chuck steak, this versatile recipe ensures juicy, flavorful results every time.

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Ingredients

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• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 lemons (juice and zest)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons dried basil
• 1–1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1–1/2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• Coarse salt (optional)
• Steaks (of your choice)
• Canola oil (for grill grates)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, and white pepper. Whisk until well combined.
2. Pour the marinade over your steaks in a resealable bag or covered dish. Let marinate in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours.
3. Preheat your grill to high heat.
4. Remove steaks from the marinade and season as desired before placing them on the grill.
5. Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness (aim for an internal temperature of 135°F).
6. Let the steaks rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 steak (approx. 200g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 120mg