Do Share Recipe

Garlic Herb Steak Marinade Recipe – Juicy & Flavor-Packed Steak

When I first made this garlic herb steak marinade, I knew it was a game-changer! The aroma alone was enough to make me excited about dinner. Once the steak hit the sizzling pan, the buttery garlic and fresh herbs infused every bite with amazing flavor.

The best part is how incredibly simple it is to prepare. I felt like a culinary expert serving juicy, perfectly marinated steak at home. Try our flavorful Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade Recipe to upgrade your meals.

Ingredients for Garlic Herb Steak Marinade Recipe

Here’s everything you need to create this flavorful, garlic-packed marinade:

2 strip steaks
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the garlic herb butter marinade:

¼ cup butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 garlic clove, minced
1 pinch red pepper flakes

Note: These quantities yield enough for 2 servings. Adjust accordingly for more guests.

Variations to Try

This recipe provides flexibility to suit different tastes, diets, or even a creative twist. Here are a few variations:

Dairy-free: Swap butter with plant-based butter or olive oil.
Extra spice: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for deeper heat.
Lemon kick: Include the zest of one lemon and a splash of its juice for a bright, citrusy touch.
Rosemary infusion: Replace basil and thyme with fresh or dried rosemary for a more earthy flavor.
Low-sodium: Use unsalted butter and reduce the salt by half for a healthier option.

Looking for family-friendly options? See our dinner recipes here.

Cooking Time

You’ll be amazed at how quickly this mouthwatering meal comes together.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

These basic kitchen tools will help you prepare this recipe effortlessly:

Cast iron or heavy skillet: For an even, beautiful sear on your steak.
Tongs: To handle and flip the steak without losing its juices.
Small bowl: To mix your garlic herb butter.
Brush: For spreading herb butter evenly onto the hot steak.
Meat thermometer: To ensure the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness.

How to Make Garlic Herb Steak Marinade?

This is an easy yet impressive recipe that pairs buttery richness with bold, savory herbs.

Step 1: Season the Steaks

Generously season both sides of the steaks with salt and black pepper. This step locks in flavor and enhances the beef’s natural taste. Set the steaks aside while you prepare the herb butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

Combine softened butter, parsley, dried basil, thyme, kosher salt, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until the herbs and spices are evenly distributed. If time permits, refrigerate the butter for 15 minutes to help the flavors meld.

Step 3: Sear the Steaks

Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Carefully lay the steaks in the pan and listen for the sizzle—that’s the sound of proper caramelization! Cook for 4 minutes on the first side without moving the steak, ensuring a golden crust forms.

Step 4: Flip and Cook

Flip the steaks and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 3 to 5 more minutes. The internal temperature should reach your preferred doneness (e.g., 130°F for medium-rare).

Step 5: Add the Garlic Herb Butter

While the steaks finish cooking, divide the garlic herb butter evenly and place it on top of the hot meat. Allow the butter to melt over the steaks, basting them in the flavorful mixture.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Transfer the steaks to a plate and rest for 5 minutes. This ensures the juices redistribute inside the meat. Serve warm with your favorite sides and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There’s plenty to adore about this garlic herb steak marinade:

Packed with flavor: The herbs, garlic, and butter create a rich, savory blend.
Quick and easy: It delivers luxury on the table in just 20 minutes.
Customizable: Perfect for adapting to different tastes or dietary needs.
Restaurant-quality: Impress guests with a steakhouse-worthy dish at home.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Steak Marinade?

Presentation is half the fun when serving a meal this impressive. Here are some ideas:

Plate the steak alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.Slice the steak thinly and arrange over a bed of arugula or spinach with a drizzle of olive oil.

Add a dollop of extra garlic herb butter just before serving for an irresistible finish. Serve with crusty bread that can soak up the flavorful buttery drippings. Also, try our Steak Marinade for Salad Recipe.

Nutritional Information

This steak marinade packs both flavor and nutritional value. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Calories: 779
Protein: 47g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 64g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute special occasions. If you’d like to prepare ahead:

The garlic herb butter can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

For storage, leftover steak should be cooled to room temperature and refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days. To freeze, wrap the cooked steak in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Reheat in a skillet to maintain texture and flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Having made this recipe several times, here are my top tips for success:

Pat the steak dry: This ensures a crisp, golden-brown crust during searing.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook steaks one at a time for the best results.
Use the right pan: A heavy skillet like cast iron distributes heat evenly.
Temperature matters: A meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked steak every time.
Make extra butter: It stores well and can top bread, pasta, or vegetables!

Give this garlic herb steak marinade a try, and you’ll see just how effortlessly delicious homemade steak can be. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite.

Ben Carraoli