Description
This ultimate steak marinade recipe infuses your steak with a rich blend of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Combining soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and aromatic herbs and spices, this marinade not only tenderizes the meat but enhances its natural taste, making it perfect for grilling or pan-searing to juicy perfection.
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
- 1 to 1.5 pounds steak (not included in marinade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Seasonings: Incorporate the minced garlic, brown sugar (or honey), freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, optional crushed red pepper flakes, chopped rosemary, and thyme leaves into the marinade. Stir thoroughly to evenly blend all the flavors.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the steak, weighing about 1 to 1.5 pounds, into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is fully coated on all sides.
- Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. For best results, marinate the steak overnight to allow maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the steak from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before cooking to promote even cooking.
- Cook the Steak: Grill or pan-sear the steak over medium-high heat. Cook about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, adjusting time according to thickness and preference.
- Rest the Steak: After cooking, allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps retain the juices for a succulent bite.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the steak overnight if possible.
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for the best aroma and taste.
- If you prefer a sweeter marinade, opt for honey over brown sugar.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder taste.
- Always let steak rest after cooking to preserve juices and tenderness.
- Bring steak to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- This marinade works well with various cuts such as ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak.
