Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade Recipe – Juicy, Bold & Flavorful
I recently tried Gordon Ramsay’s steak marinade recipe, and I have to say, it completely transformed my cooking game. The balance of flavors was spot-on, making the steak tender, flavorful, and rich.
I loved how the marinade infused depth and complexity into the meat without being overpowering. It gave me restaurant-quality results right at home, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you.
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Ingredients for Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade Recipe
Here’s what you need to recreate Gordon Ramsay’s steak marinade:
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, minced
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Note: This recipe serves 2 people. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed for larger servings.
Variations to Try
This marinade is a great foundation to customize. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Sugar-free: Replace the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or skip it entirely for a less sweet profile.
- Herbal twist: Incorporate thyme, oregano, or tarragon along with or instead of rosemary for a unique touch.
- Heat lovers: Increase cayenne pepper or add some red chili flakes for more spice.
- Soy-free: Use coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce while retaining the savory taste.
- Citrus flair: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice for a burst of brightness.
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Cooking Time
This simple marinade requires just a little planning ahead of time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Marinating time: 6 hours
- Cooking time (for steak): 10 minutes
- Total time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Equipment You Need
Here’s a quick rundown of the tools you’ll need:
- Large ziplock bag: Ideal for mixing and marinating the steak.
- Pitcher or bowl: Helps keep the plastic bag upright while adding ingredients.
- Whisk: To combine the marinade ingredients evenly.
- Skillet or grill pan: For searing the steak to perfection.
- Tongs: To handle the steak while cooking without piercing the meat.
How to Make Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade?
This recipe has straightforward steps that deliver incredible results. Here’s how to whip it up.
Step 1: Create the Marinade
Start by placing a large ziplock bag inside a bowl or pitcher to hold it upright. Add the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into the bag.
Close the bag and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed. The combination of the balsamic vinegar’s tang and the brown sugar’s sweetness creates a balanced flavor profile.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Add your choice of steak to the marinade. A tender cut like ribeye or sirloin works wonderfully for this recipe. Seal the bag and massage it gently to ensure the steak is fully coated.
Place the bag in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours to allow the flavors to seep into the meat. Longer marination (up to 24 hours) delivers even more robust taste.
Step 3: Prepare to Sear
Once the steak has marinated, remove it from the bag and pat it dry with a paper towel. This step ensures a good sear in the skillet. Allow the steak to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking, ensuring even heat distribution.
Step 4: Cooking the Steak
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the steak in the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on your preference for doneness.
The marinade caramelizes beautifully, creating a rich, crispy crust that’s packed with flavor.

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the steak from the pan and allow it to rest on a plate for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps lock in the juices, ensuring every bite is tender and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This steak marinade is a game-changer for many reasons:
- Bursting with flavor: The blend of balsamic, sugar, and herbs elevates the steak beautifully.
- Simple ingredients: Most of these items are likely in your pantry already.
- Versatile uses: This marinade works for chicken, pork, or even vegetables.
- Beginner-friendly: Perfect for impressing guests without requiring advanced skills.
How to Serve Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade?
Enhance your steak meal with these serving ideas:
- Pair the grilled steak with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of flaked sea salt for a finishing touch.
- Serve with a sauce like garlic herb butter, chimichurri, or a dollop of horseradish cream.
- Slice the steak thinly and use it for sandwiches, wraps, or steak tacos.
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Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 299
- Protein: 6.9g
- Carbohydrates: 58.6g
- Fat: 5.7g
Make Ahead and Storage
This steak marinade is perfect for prepping in advance. Mix the marinade and refrigerate it for up to two days before use. For meal prep, you can marinate the steak up to 24 hours ahead of cooking.
If you have leftover steak, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid freezing the cooked steak, as it can compromise texture and flavor. Instead, freeze the uncooked marinated steak for up to three months, letting it thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Tips for Making the Recipe
From my experience, here are some ideas to perfect this recipe:
- Don’t skip drying the steak: This ensures a perfect sear when cooking.
- Use fresh rosemary: Fresh herbs provide a fragrant and rich flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet marinade, reduce the brown sugar.
- Invest in a thermometer: This helps achieve the perfect doneness for your steak.
- Deglaze the pan: After cooking, add a splash of wine or broth to the skillet to make a quick sauce.
What Oil Does Gordon Ramsay Use for Steak?
Gordon Ramsay typically uses olive oil when searing steak. He prefers extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and slight smokiness, which enhances the crust of the meat. Its high smoke point also makes it perfect for achieving a well-seared steak.
What is Gordon Ramsay’s Speciality?
Gordon Ramsay is renowned for his mastery of classic British and French dishes with a modern twist. His signature recipes include Beef Wellington, where tender beef is wrapped in crispy puff pastry, and his famous scrambled eggs, which are creamy, velvety, and cooked with gentle precision. These dishes showcase his expertise in balancing flavors and textures.
Now that you have all the know-how, it’s time to try this irresistible steak marinade. The creation is all about letting simple yet bold ingredients do the magic. Fire up the skillet or grill and delight your guests with a dish they won’t stop talking about!

Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by placing a large ziplock bag inside a bowl or pitcher to hold it upright. Add the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into the bag. Close the bag and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed. The combination of the balsamic vinegar’s tang and the brown sugar’s sweetness creates a balanced flavor profile.
- Add your choice of steak to the marinade. A tender cut like ribeye or sirloin works wonderfully for this recipe. Seal the bag and massage it gently to ensure the steak is fully coated. Place the bag in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours to allow the flavors to seep into the meat. Longer marination (up to 24 hours) delivers even more robust taste.
- Once the steak has marinated, remove it from the bag and pat it dry with a paper towel. This step ensures a good sear in the skillet. Allow the steak to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the steak in the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on your preference for doneness. The marinade caramelizes beautifully, creating a rich, crispy crust that’s packed with flavor.
- Remove the steak from the pan and allow it to rest on a plate for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps lock in the juices, ensuring every bite is tender and satisfying.