Description
This Ultimate Steak Marinade recipe is a flavorful blend of soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and aromatic herbs and spices designed to tenderize and enhance the taste of your steak. Perfect for marinating steaks from 1 to 1.5 pounds, this marinade infuses a rich, savory, and slightly smoky flavor, making your grilled or pan-seared steak juicy and delicious. Ideal for a quick marinade or an overnight soak for maximum depth of flavor.
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
- Add Spices and Herbs. Incorporate minced garlic, brown sugar (or honey), black pepper, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes if using, rosemary, and thyme into the marinade mix. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Marinate the Steak. Place 1 to 1.5 pounds of steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring the steak is fully coated on all sides.
- Refrigerate. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though marinating overnight is recommended to develop maximum flavor and tenderness.
- 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 the steak over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, adjusting time depending on steak thickness and preferred doneness.
- Rest the Steak. Let the cooked steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite.
Notes
- Marinate steak overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Bring steak to room temperature before cooking to ensure even doneness.
- Adjust cooking time based on steak thickness and preferred doneness level.
- Use a grill or a hot skillet for best searing results.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Brown sugar or honey can be used interchangeably as a sweetener.
