Here’s a tried-and-true steak marinade that works beautifully for flank, skirt, sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. It adds flavor, tenderness, and a perfect caramelized crust.
🥩 The Best Steak Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (helps caramelization)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Place steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
- Pour marinade over steak, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Marinate:
- Thin cuts (skirt, flank): 2–6 hours
- Thicker steaks: 4–12 hours
- Avoid more than 24 hours (can affect texture)
- Remove steak from marinade and pat dry before cooking for better searing.
- Grill or pan-sear over high heat to desired doneness.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
🔥 Pro Tips
- For extra tenderness, add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar.
- For smoky flavor, add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Always discard used marinade (or boil it for several minutes if using as sauce).
- Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
If you’d like, tell me what cut you’re using and how you’re cooking it (grill, cast iron, oven), and I’ll tailor it perfectly.
