Steak Marinade No Soy Sauce Recipe – Flavorful & Tender
After experimenting with different marinade recipes, I finally created the perfect steak marinade no soy sauce, that doesn’t rely on soy sauce. It’s flavorful, tangy, and enhances the natural taste of the steak beautifully without overpowering it.
I love how easy it is to prepare with simple pantry staples. The result? A juicy and tender steak that will impress anyone. This recipe has become my secret weapon for weeknight dinners and backyard barbecues alike!
If you enjoy sweet and savory dishes, this Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe is a must.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this soy-free steak marinade:
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, whole
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Note: This recipe is enough to marinate approximately 2.5 pounds of steak, serving 4 people.
Variations to Try
This marinade is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to keep this marinade safe for those avoiding gluten.
- Sweeter flavor: Add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Citrusy twist: Swap lemon zest for orange zest for a milder citrus flavor.
- Extra herby: Add chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant herbal note.
- Spicy heat: Increase the red pepper flakes for a bolder kick.
Check our guide for flavorful and easy dinner recipes anyone can make.
Cooking Time
This recipe is quick and fits perfectly into your busy schedule. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Marinating time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Cooking time: Approximately 15 minutes
Total time will depend on your marination preference.
Equipment You Need
You don’t need fancy tools to prepare this recipe, just these basics:
- Blender or food processor: For blending the marinade ingredients.
- Whisk or spoon: To mix the marinade evenly.
- Ziplock bag or airtight container: For marinating the steak thoroughly.
- Grill or cast-iron skillet: For cooking the steak to perfection.
- Tongs: To flip the steak without piercing it.
How to Make Steak Marinade No Soy Sauce?
This soy-free marinade brings out the best in your steak, delivering bold flavors and succulent texture.
Preparing the Marinade
Start by combining all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet base, while the Dijon mustard serves as an emulsifier to bind the flavors together.
Add whole garlic cloves for a robust kick, Worcestershire sauce for umami depth, and finally the lemon zest and seasonings to brighten things up. Blend it all until smooth and aromatic.
Marinating the Steak
Place your steak in a large ziplock bag or an airtight container. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s completely coated. Seal the bag or cover the container, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
For a deeper flavor, allow the steak to marinate for up to 2 hours. Be sure not to over-marinate, as the acidity from the vinegar can break down the meat too much.
Cooking the Steak
Once marinated, remove the steak from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet to high heat to get it searing hot.
Lay the steak on the grill or skillet and cook each side for 3-4 minutes for a medium-rare finish. Use tongs to flip the steak and avoid piercing the meat to retain the juices.
Resting and Slicing
Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and moist. When ready to serve, slice the steak against the grain for optimal texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why this soy-free marinade is a game-changer:
- Perfect for dietary needs: No soy or gluten, making it widely adaptable.
- Easy to prepare: Just blend, marinate, and cook.
- Bursting with flavor: Tangy, savory, and slightly spicy for a balanced taste.
- Quick marination: Just 30 minutes is enough for great results!
How to Serve Steak Marinade No Soy Sauce?
For a beautiful presentation, garnish your steak slices with fresh parsley or thyme leaves. Pair it with garlic mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a crisp side salad. You can even use the steak in sandwiches or fajitas for a fun twist.
Add some chimichurri drizzle for an extra flavor boost. Also make your mealtime exciting with our easy Hot Honey Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 8g
Make Ahead and Storage
This marinade is perfect for meal prep and storing:
- Make ahead: You can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Refrigeration: After cooking, store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze marinated raw steak, place it in a sealed ziplock bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few personal tips that’ll make this steak marinade even better:
- Avoid over-marination: Too much time in the acidic marinade can make the meat mushy.
- Use fresh lemon zest: It adds a bright and fresh flavor that bottled lemon juice can’t replicate.
- Pat the steak dry: Before cooking, gently pat the steak dry for a better sear.
- Don’t skip resting: Resting reabsorbs the juices, keeping your steak juicy.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce in a Steak Marinade?
If you’re avoiding soy sauce, you have great alternatives to replicate its salty and rich flavor. Coconut aminos are a popular substitute with a slightly sweeter taste. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option or increase Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami profile.
This soy-free steak marinade is a foolproof recipe that highlights the natural flavor of steak in all its juicy, tender glory. Give it a try next time you’re prepping for dinner or a weekend barbecue, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Steak Marinade No Soy Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by combining all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet base, while the Dijon mustard serves as an emulsifier to bind the flavors together. Add whole garlic cloves for a robust kick, Worcestershire sauce for umami depth, and finally the lemon zest and seasonings to brighten things up. Blend it all until smooth and aromatic.
- Place your steak in a large ziplock bag or an airtight container. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s completely coated. Seal the bag or cover the container, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, allow the steak to marinate for up to 2 hours. Be sure not to over-marinate, as the acidity from the vinegar can break down the meat too much.
- Once marinated, remove the steak from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet to high heat to get it searing hot. Lay the steak on the grill or skillet and cook each side for 3-4 minutes for a medium-rare finish. Use tongs to flip the steak and avoid piercing the meat to retain the juices.
- Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and moist. When ready to serve, slice the steak against the grain for optimal texture.