Dinner | Recipes
Are you a steak lover looking for a fail-proof marinade? Look no further. This Worlds Best Steak marinade recipe takes only a few minutes to whip up, but it packs a powerful flavor punch. With just a few easily accessible ingredients, you can create an easy steak marinade that is guaranteed to make your steaks tender, juicy, and unbelievably delicious. Best of all, this marinade can be used over and over again, so you can have restaurant-quality steaks at home any time you want. In this article, you’ll learn the secrets behind making the world’s best steak marinade, as well as valuable tips for getting the most out of this recipe.
This steak marinade only requires a handful of ingredients, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, honey, and more. These ingredients marry nicely and the longer you let your steak marinate, the more flavor will work in, and offer an even juicier and flavorful steak.
You can use this on all cuts of red meats; prime rib, t-bone, filet mignon, sirloin, flank steak, flat iron, skirt steaks, etc. You name it, this marinade works. It makes the meat so flavorful and tender and melts in your mouth. I also have a delicious pork marinade that will knock your socks off.
Table of contents
The Only Steak Marinade You Will Ever Need
This steak marinade is genuinely the only steak marinade you will ever need. I have tested a ton of marinade recipes over the years, and we always come back to this recipe. We have been using this recipe for years, and it never disappoints us. A mix of savory and a hint of sweetness helps give your steaks that perfect crust when you grill them up.
When serving up delicious marinaded steaks, I like to keep my sides simple but sometimes love a good surf and turf. For those nights I pair my steak with this incredible Shrimp Scampi. It is the perfect pairing and will impress everyone.
How Long To Marinate Steak
You can marinate as little as 30 minutes, but I like to do at least 3-6 hours for the maximum flavor. But let’s be honest I don’t always have things planned ahead, so a quick marinade is what I have to do. Regardless this steak marinade is one delicious pairing for your steaks.
How Do You Soak Your Marinading Steak
You can place your steak in a bag with the marinade. Then every little bit you can go and grab the bag and massage the meat to really help infuse the marinade into the steak more to give your steak the best chance of those rich flavors soaking in. Or if you want you can use an airtight container.
If I have a lot of time to marinate my steak, I will massage my steak about once an hour when I am marinating it.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
- 3 TBSP minced garlic
- 2 TBSP honey
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 2 TSP ground black pepper
- 1 TSP Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 TSP Onion Powder
Instructions
- Mix all of your ingredients together. Set aside some marinade to use for dipping after the meat is cooked.
- Place meat into the marinade and give it as much time as possible to marinade.
Tips For Grilling Steak
While this marinade is full of vibrant and savory flavors, you must also remember grilling your steak correctly is equally important. The reason being is if you overcook your steak it will end up dry and chewy.
- Preheat Grill | Always preheat your grill, this will help get the grates hot and when you put the steak on the grill it will offer that sear sound which means success.
- Steak Tip | I always sit my steaks out for at least 15-20 minutes before I plan to place them on the grill. I watched this tip on the Food Network channel years ago, and have done it ever since. This always sets you up for the success of a juicy steak that is cooked nicely.
- Don’t Cut Steak | When checking the done-ness of your steak don’t slice into the steak to see how red or done it is. Use a meat thermometer and check it that way. If you cut the steak it will leak the juice and dry out.
- Rest the Steak | Once your steak is done, lay it on a plate and put aluminum foil over the top. Let it sit for five minutes to allow it to soak in all those juices for a juicy and flavorful steak.
Photo by Skitterphoto from Pexels
How To Know How Done Your Steak Is With Meat Thermometer
Let me share some temperatures to keep in mind and know when your steak is done.
- Rare Steak – 130 degrees
- Medium Rare Steak – 135 degrees
- Medium Steak – 140-143 degrees
- Medium Well Steak – 150 degrees
- Well Done – 160 degree
Double and triple the recipe when necessary depending on the amount of meat.
Tips & Tricks for Making the World’s Best Steak Marinade
Balance the Flavors: Taste your marinade before adding it to the steak. Adjust the ingredients as needed to achieve a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. You can add more honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or balsamic vinegar for acidity.
Pierce the Steak: Before marinating, use a fork to pierce the steak on both sides. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in more flavor throughout.
Marinate Overnight: For the best results, marinate your steak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and tenderize the meat.
Use a Ziplock Bag: Place the steak and marinade in a large Ziplock bag rather than a bowl. This ensures that the steak is evenly coated with the marinade and takes up less space in the fridge.
Massage the Marinade: Once the steak is in the bag with the marinade, massage it gently to ensure the marinade coats the steak thoroughly. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat more effectively.
Bring to Room Temperature: Before grilling, take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows for more even cooking.
Pat Dry Before Grilling: Before grilling the steak, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade. This prevents flare-ups on the grill and ensures a nice sear on the steak.
Don’t Overcook: Depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness, grill the steak for the appropriate amount of time. Overcooking can make the steak tough and dry, so keep an eye on it as it cooks.
Rest Before Slicing: After grilling, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier steak.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make a flavorful and tender steak using your delicious marinade. Enjoy!
FAQ’s For Making the World’s Best Steak Marinade
Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar?
- While balsamic vinegar provides a rich and slightly sweet flavor, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar if preferred. However, keep in mind that this substitution may alter the taste of the marinade slightly.
Can I use minced garlic from a jar instead of fresh garlic?
- Yes, you can use minced garlic from a jar instead of fresh garlic. However, fresh garlic typically offers a more robust flavor. If using jarred minced garlic, adjust the quantity to taste as it may have a milder flavor compared to fresh garlic.
What if I don’t have honey? Can I use another sweetener?
- If you don’t have honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave nectar. Adjust the quantity to taste, as different sweeteners may vary in sweetness.
Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?
- Yes, you can use another type of oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil if you prefer. Each oil may impart a slightly different flavor to the marinade, so choose one that complements the other ingredients well.
Do I need to use Worcestershire sauce in the marinade?
- Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor and a subtle tanginess to the marinade, but if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, you can omit it. The marinade will still be delicious without it.
Can I adjust the amount of black pepper and onion powder in the marinade?
- Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper and onion powder according to your taste preferences. Start with the specified quantities and adjust as needed to suit your palate.
How long can I store the marinade?
- You can store the marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to give it a good shake before using it to recombine the ingredients.
Can I use this marinade for other types of meat?
- Yes, this marinade works well with other types of meat such as chicken, pork, or even tofu. Adjust the marinating time accordingly based on the type and thickness of the meat.
Can I freeze the marinated steak for later use?
- Yes, you can freeze the marinated steak for later use. Place the steak and marinade in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw the steak in the refrigerator before grilling.
Here are some great sides to pair with your steak:
Instant Pot Packaged Saffron Yellow Rice
Air Fryer Asparagus
Yield: 4 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
You can whip up this world's best steak marinade in minutes, and let me tell you first hand it is the best steak marinade we have ever used.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
- 3 TBSP minced garlic
- 2 TBSP honey
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 2 TSP ground black pepper
- 1 TSP Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 TSP Onion Powder
Instructions
- Mix all of your ingredients together. Set aside some marinade to use for dipping after the meat is cooked.
- Place meat into the marinade and give it as much time as possible to marinade.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 96Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 599mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g
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