A good Steak Marinade is a lifesaver when you are cooking tougher cuts of steak. It not only tenderizes the steak but it also infuses it with so much flavor. This easy steak marinade recipe is one that I use often and is made with simple pantry ingredients and spices. Who needs a fancy steakhouse when you can make juicy, tender steaks at home?!
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Expensive, prime cuts of steak don’t really need a marinade, but budget-friendly steaks that are a little tougher can benefit greatly from a simple marinade. I’m talking about cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, and round steaks. They may not be as tender as a rib-eye steak, but they can become just as delicious with the right marinade.
So, while some steaks are a major splurge, this steak marinade recipe can help stretch your dollar AND give you that delicious steakhouse taste, even when you use it on a cheaper cut. It’s made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and dried seasonings. Your next date night, BBQ cookout, or dinner party just got a whole lot better, I promise!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful homemade steak marinade:
- Olive Oil: All great steak marinades need fat to carry the flavor from the seasonings and help with the browning process during cooking (the Maillard reaction). Olive oil is my go-to because it’s readily available, doesn’t have too strong of a flavor, and is heart-healthy!
- Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor and helps form a nice crust on the steak when cooked. But the main reason I use it in this marinade is because it’s acidic. The acid in the vinegar helps break down the muscle fibers in the meat to make it more tender and juicy.
- Worcestershire Sauce & Soy Sauce: These sauces add a punch of savory, umami flavor to the marinade while also helping to tenderize the meat.
- Seasonings: I use freshly minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to infuse the meat with flavor. These seasonings are also super versatile and pair with almost any sides or sauces you may serve with your steak.
How Long Do You Marinate Steak?
I personally only marinate my steaks for 30 minutes, and they always turn out perfect! You can also let it marinate for up to 24 hours if you like. I wouldn’t do any longer than that, though, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the meat too much and make it mushy.
What’s the Secret to a good steak marinade?
In my opinion, it’s the careful balance of three main components—fat, acid, and flavor—that makes a good marinade. I use olive oil for the fat, balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for the acid, and a combination of seasonings for flavor. But the real secret is in the ratios and proportions of these ingredients. Too much acid can break down the meat too quickly, while not enough fat can affect the flavor.
I’ve tested this marinade many times, so I can confidently say my recipe for steak marinade has the perfect balance of ingredients to create tender, moist, and flavorful steaks every time!
Tips and Suggestions!
- This steak marinade recipe makes enough for 1-2lbs of steak. It’s super easy to scale up or down, depending on how much meat you’re marinating.
- Marinate your meat in a plastic bag, ceramic bowl, or a glass dish in the fridge. Don’t use a metal container, as the acid in the marinade can react with the metal and affect the flavor of your steak!
- Feel free to switch out the seasonings. I love the mix I’ve used in this recipe; it really is perfect for steak. But if you have a favorite seasoning blend or spice, feel free to try that instead! Fajita seasoning, Montreal steak seasoning, and Cajun seasoning are all great options. Don’t forget to adjust the amount of salt used if your seasoning blend already contains it.
- This marinade isn’t just for steak! I’d use it on grilled chicken or pork chops, too. It adds such great flavor and keeps the meat juicy and tender.
How to Store
You can use your marinade for steak immediately or store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure you only store unused marinade that hasn’t touched any meat.
Steak Marinade Recipe
Servings 1 recipeIngredients
- ⅓ cup olive oil ($1.10)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce ($0.10)
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ($0.15)
- 1 garlic clove, minced ($0.04)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary ($0.10)
- 1 tsp dried thyme ($0.10)
- ½ tsp salt ($0.02)
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.08)
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar ($0.30)
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until evenly combined. Use immediately or store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you are using it immediately, place your steaks in a large plastic storage bag and pour the marinade directly on top. Seal the bag, then rub the marinade all around the steaks.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Make sure to always discard any excess used marinade.
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Equipment
- Small Bowl
- Large Resealable Plastic Bag
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?Mention @budgetbytes or tag #budgetbytes on Instagram!how to make Steak Marinade – step by step photos
Gather all of your ingredients.
Add ⅓ cup olive oil, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and 2 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar to a small bowl.
Whisk everything together until evenly combined. You can use it right away or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to use it, place your steaks into a large, resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Close the bag securely and rub the steaks to distribute the marinade.
Let the steaks marinade in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or for up to 24 hours. Cook your steaks as desired and discard any leftover marinade.
