Do Share Recipe

Steak Marinade for Grilling Recipe – Juicy, Bold & Flavorful

I love experimenting with different marinades for my outdoor grilling sessions, but nothing beats the flavor and tenderness of this steak marinade. The first time I used it, I couldn’t believe how juicy and flavorful the meat turned out.

Every bite was infused with a balance of tangy, savory, and earthy notes. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, this recipe has never failed me. Add this crowd-pleasing Hot Honey Chicken Marinade Recipe to your weekly dinner rotation.

Ingredients You will Need

½ cup olive oil
⅓ cup soy sauce
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons dried basil
1½ tablespoons garlic powder
1½ tablespoons dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon dried minced garlic (optional)
¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)

Note: This recipe serves approximately 8.

Best Variations to Try

This steak marinade is versatile, allowing you to tweak it for different dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Gluten-free: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Less tangy: Substitute lemon juice with apple cider vinegar for a subtler acidity.
Spicier: Add more hot pepper sauce, or mix in some crushed red pepper.
Herb freshness: Use fresh herbs (basil or parsley) in a 3:1 ratio to dried herbs for a garden-fresh aroma.
Sweet twist: Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to balance out the tang.

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Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 to 8 hours (or longer based on the cut)
Total Time: Varies based on marination duration

Equipment You Need

Blender or whisk: For thoroughly combining the marinade ingredients.
Mixing bowl: To mix the marinade ingredients.
Resealable plastic bag or container: To marinate the steak evenly and seal in the flavors.
Tongs: To handle the steak when grilling.
Meat thermometer: To check the steak’s doneness accurately during grilling.

How to Make Steak Marinade for Grilling?

This marinade is as easy to make as it is flavorful. Each ingredient adds its unique depth to the steak, making it tender and delicious after grilling.

Step 1: Blend the Marinade Ingredients

Start by gathering all the marinade ingredients. Add olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, garlic powder, parsley flakes, white pepper, minced garlic, and hot pepper sauce to a blender.

Blend the mixture for about 30 seconds until smooth and well combined. If you prefer, you can whisk the ingredients in a mixing bowl instead.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place your steak in a resealable plastic bag or a container. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it coats the meat evenly. If you’re using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it.

Massage the marinade into the steak gently, ensuring every side is covered. Place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours for thinner cuts or overnight for thicker cuts.

Step 3: Get Your Grill Ready

When you’re ready to cook the steak, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grates and brush them lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the used marinade.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the steak on the grill. For a beautiful sear, leave it undisturbed for the first few minutes. Flip periodically using tongs to cook evenly on both sides. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness (use a meat thermometer for accuracy).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the steak to a plate and cover it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes to retain juices. Slice it against the grain for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This steak marinade is a winner for several reasons.

The recipe is quick and simple, using ingredients you already have at home.
It tenderizes tough cuts of meat perfectly.
The marinade balances tangy, savory, and herby flavors.
It’s highly customizable to personal taste and dietary needs.

How to Serve Steak Marinade for Grilling?

Presentation can elevate your grilled steak to the next level. Slice the rested steak into even strips and arrange beautifully on a large platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of green.

This steak pairs wonderfully with baked potatoes, a fresh garden salad, or grilled veggies. Serving with a side of roasted garlic butter will add extra indulgence. For a meal that’s both quick and full of flavor, try this Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe.

Nutritional Information

Per serving, this marinade enhances your steak with only minimal calories.

Calories: 144
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 14g

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re planning for a barbecue, this marinade can be prepped ahead for convenience.

Refrigeration: Prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Marinated steak should be consumed within 2–3 days.

Freezing: Place the raw steak along with the marinade in a resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling. Avoid storing used marinade due to food safety risks, but if you’d like to transform it into a sauce, boil it for several minutes on the stove before use.

Should You Marinate Steak Before Grilling?

Marinating steak before grilling is a fantastic way to tenderize it and infuse flavor deeply. It’s especially effective for cost-effective cuts like flank, skirt, or sirloin, which may otherwise be tougher. Marinating also helps lock in moisture during the high-heat cooking process, delivering juicy results.

How Long to Marinate a Steak?

The marination time depends largely on the cut. Thin cuts, such as flank or skirt steak, require 2–4 hours to absorb the flavors. Tougher cuts, like sirloin, benefit most from overnight marinating (6–8 hours).

Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as acids can break down the meat fibers too much, resulting in a mushy texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

After using this marinade many times, here are some nuggets of wisdom to achieve the best results.

I prefer mixing fresh herbs like basil or thyme into the marinade for a burst of freshness.
Allow the steak to come to room temperature before grilling; it ensures even cooking.
For a smoky touch, add a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade.
Don’t skip the resting phase post-grilling; it makes a big difference in tenderness.
If you love bold flavors, sprinkle flaky salt on the steak right before serving.

This steak marinade is your gateway to flavorful, tender, and perfectly grilled meat. It’s bursting with bold tastes and works wonders on any cut of beef. Try it once, and I bet you’ll keep coming back to it for your BBQ nights!

Ben Carraoli