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    Home » Recipes » Beef

    Best Steak Marinade Recipe

    Published: Aug 25, 2021 · Modified: Jan 19, 2023 by Amanda Mason · 41 Comments

    Yield 6 people
    Cook 20 minutes minutes
    Prep 10 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Sliced marinated flank steak topped with freshly parsley.
    Sliced marinated flank steak topped with parsley.
    A flank steak on a grill.
    Sliced marinated flank steak sitting on a white table, topped with fresh parsley and fresh ground pepper.
    Close up of sliced flank steak topped with parsley.
    Seared Flank Steak on the grill, topped with fresh parsley.

    The absolute best steak marinade recipe that will quickly become your "go-to" for any cut of beef! Not only does it help tenderize the meat but it also adds a delicious savory flavor. This is the only steak marinade you'll ever need!

    Sliced marinated flank steak sitting on a white table, topped with fresh parsley and fresh ground pepper.
    Jump to:
    • Quick Recipe Overview
    • ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works
    • 🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
    • 📋 Steak Marinade - Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Steak Doneness Chart
    • 💭 Expert Tips
    • 🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Other Recipes For The Grill
    • 🥘 Side Dishes To Serve With Steak
    • How To Cook Steak
    • Steak Marinade Recipe

    Quick Recipe Overview

    Why This Steak Marinade Recipe Is Better Than The Rest: The best steak marinades consists of a fat, acid, and seasoning and that's why you'll get restaurant quality texture and flavor with this marinade every single time!

    How Long It Takes: 10 minutes to prepare

    Equipment You'll Need: bowl, whisk, knife, measuring cups and spoons


    With this recipe for marinating steaks, I have created a tried and tested way of guaranteeing your steak will taste amazing every single time. I often receive emails from my readers telling me how much they love this flavorful grilled steak marinade. We're talking robust flavor that is both easy and quick to prepare. If you're looking to make the best grilled steaks, then this recipe is a must have!

    It's important that you marinate steak because not only does it add a lot of flavor, but it also tenderizes the meat making it easier to eat. This marinade works really well on any cut, but it's a great flank steak marinade!


    ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works


    1. It only takes 5 minutes to prepare.

    2. This easy steak marinade tastes amazing on any cut of meat. The best cuts of beef to marinate with this recipe includes flank, flat iron, skirt, sirloin, and hanger.

    3. You can make a couple of batches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or in the freezer for future use.


    🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

    Here's what you'll need to make this steak marinade:

    • canola oil
    • soy sauce
    • red wine vinegar
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • Dijon mustard
    • Fresh lemon juice
    • garlic
    • ground pepper

    The base of this marinade contains oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and garlic. Olive oil or canola oil works best. It works really well on tougher cuts of meat and does a great job breaking down tough muscle fibers. The acidity helps break down the tough fibrous tissues. The oil is an important component to help the flavor transfer into the meat and keep it nice and juicy while it cooks. The combination of dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and pepper provides a subtle and zesty flavor that all will enjoy!

    Ingredients on a wooden counter to make a steak marinade.

    📋 Steak Marinade - Step-by-Step Instructions

    Learning how to properly marinate steak will set you up for success every time. To start, you'll need to combine the marinade ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix the canola oil, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, fresh squeezed lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon Mustard, fresh minced garlic, and ground black pepper. Pour the marinade into a gallon Ziplock bag and then add the meat. Shake well, ensuring the meat is well covered.

    Gallon Ziplock bag containing a steak marinating.

    👩‍🍳 Important Note: If you're not a fan of using plastic bags, you can mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and then pour the liquid over the meat in a large dish. Cover and place in the refrigerator.


    White pan containing raw flank steak marinating in sauce sitting on a wooden table, lemons and parsley.

    Regardless of which method you choose, refrigerate for a minimum of 12 hours, preferably 24 hours. After it has finished marinating, remove the meat from the marinade let it rest uncovered in a dish for 15 minutes at room temperature.

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    👩‍🍳 Expert Tip: Allowing the steak to rest at room temperature before grilling helps it to cook more evenly when on the grill.


    Flank Steak on a grill, seared and topped with fresh parsley.

    Preheat the grill to a medium-high heat and when hot, place the steak on the grill and sear on each side for 2-3 minutes. Then, lower the heat to medium-low and grill for 7-10 minutes per side, or to desired doneness.

    You can also cook the steak in the oven. To do so, preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the meat in an ovenproof dish and cook for 20 minutes, or until desired doneness.

    Flank steak on butcher block sliced and topped with fresh parsley.

    Once done, remove from the heat and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing.


    Steak Doneness Chart

    If you've ever questioned when a steak is done at a certain temperature, refer to this temperature range list below. Insert a meat thermometer at a slight angle on the side of the steak and when it reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the grill or the oven.

    Extra Rare or Blue: 80-100°F
    Rare: 120-125°F
    Medium Rare: 130-135°F
    Medium: 140-145°F
    Medium Well: 150-155°F
    Well Done: 160°F and above


    💭 Expert Tips

    • I highly recommend marinating the steak for at least 12 hours, if not 24 hours before cooking. The marinade is full of flavor so take the time and don't skip this step.
    • What really makes this marinade pop is the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, fresh minced garlic, and Dijon Mustard. I'm telling you, these four ingredients are KEY and pair so perfectly with the oil, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
    • If you opt to cook the steak in the oven, don't cook it in the marinade. If you grill the steak, don't baste it in the marinade it soaked in. It's just not safe due to bacteria growth.
    • Try cooking your it in the air fryer or by pan searing on the stove top.
    • The steak will be more juicy if you let it rest once you remove it from the heat. Letting it rest before slicing helps make it extra juicy and you want to do everything you can to hold in the juices.
    • Make sure you slice against the grain and ensure it is thinly sliced. Using these techniques will result in a more tender steak.
    Sliced flank steak topped with fresh parsley.

    🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

    How long should steak marinate?

    At a minimum, steak should marinate for at least 1-2 hours. For best results, let it marinate the steak overnight, 12-24 hours.

    Is it better to marinate in the fridge or room temperature?

    Never marinate steak at room temperature. Doing so significantly increases the risk of bacterial growth that can make you very sick. Always marinate meat either covered or sealed in the refrigerator.

    Should I poke holes in the steak before marinating?

    I recommend this technique because the marinade will penetrate deeper into the steak and it will also help tenderize the steak even more.

    📖 Other Recipes For The Grill

    I tend to cook flank steak a lot because it tastes good on its own, in tacos, or in pasta. If you love grilling as much as I do, then you should check out my Grilled Flank Steak with Mexican Corn Salad. Topping this recipe off with a corn salsa is delicious! I even like to eat it as a snack! These Asian Steak Roll Ups are healthy and keep me full for several hours. I also love making kabobs on the grill. These Italian Marinade Steak and Vegetable Kabobs are perfect for any lunch or dinner. And this Greek Marinated Chicken is hands down the most flavorful and juicy chicken dish! The secret is in the marinade!

    🥘 Side Dishes To Serve With Steak

    There are so many side dishes that pair well with steak! This Grilled Corn with Cotija Cheese is charred and full of flavor with several seasonings and cheese. And you can never go wrong with Homemade Mashed Potatoes. Creamy and full of flavor, these are easy to whip up in no time! If you're looking for a good salad to pair, check out my Romaine Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette Dressing. It's made with creamy Havarti cheese, crisp bacon, and tossed in a rich vinaigrette dressing. It's the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy goodness!

    My Latest Cookbook

    How To Cook Steak

    If you love a good steak then you have to check out my cookbook How to Cook Steak: Techniques to Master Selecting, Preparing, and Cooking Steak. Not only are you going to get 65 delicious recipes but this essential steak cookbook teaches you to:

    • Know your cuts―Check out at-a-glance steak cut profiles with defining characteristics and ideal cooking methods for various cuts of beef, from flat iron to flank. And, learn the difference between Prime, Choice, and Select grades.
    • Prep and store―Find out how to store and prepare the meat before cooking, and discover the best ways to preserve and reheat those delicious leftovers.
    • Talk like a butcher―Learn how to shop for meat, understand different grades of beef, and decipher vocabulary like dry aging and grain-fed vs. grass-fed beef.
    Get Your Copy Here!
    Book cover titled How To Cook Steak.

    Steak Marinade Recipe

    The absolute best steak marinade recipe that will quickly become your "go-to" for any cut of steak! Not only does it help tenderize the meat but it also adds a delicious savory flavor. This is the only beef marinade you'll ever need!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Marinate Time: 12 hours hours
    Total Time: 12 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 338kcal
    Author: Amanda Mason

    Ingredients

    For Marinade:

    • ½ cup canola oil
    • ⅓ cup soy sauce
    • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
    • 1 ½ Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Steak

    • 2 lbs steak, (any cut)

    Instructions

    Grilling Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, mix the canola oil, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon Mustard, garlic, and pepper. 
    • Place the steak in a gallon size Ziplock bag. Expert Tip: If you're not a fan of using plastic bags, you can mix all the steak marinade ingredients in a bowl and then pour the liquid over the steak in a large dish.
    • Pour the marinade over the meat, mixing so it's covered thoroughly. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
    • After the meat has marinated, remove it from the plastic bag and let it rest uncovered for 15 minutes at room temperature.
    • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the steak on the grill and sear on each side for 2-3 minutes.
    • Lower the heat and continue to grill for 7-10 minutes per side, or to desired doneness.
    • Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing.

    Oven Instructions

    • Follow step 1-3 in the grilling instructions above.
    • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
    • Cook uncovered in an oven safe dish for 20 minutes or until desired doneness.
    • Once removed from the oven, let it rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing.

    Video

    Notes

    • I highly recommend marinating the meat for at least 12 hours, if not 24 hours before cooking. The marinade is full of flavor so take the time and don't skip this step.
    • What really makes this marinade pop is the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, fresh minced garlic, and Dijon Mustard. I'm telling you, these four ingredients are KEY and pair so perfectly with the oil, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
    • If you opt to cook it in the oven, don't cook it in the marinade. If you grill the steak, don't baste it in the marinade it soaked in. It's just not safe due to bacteria growth.
    • Try cooking it in the air fryer or by pan searing on the stove top.
    • Insert a meat thermometer at a slight angle on the side of the steak and when it reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the grill or the oven.
    • It will be more juicy if you let it rest once you remove it from the heat. Letting it rest before slicing helps make the steak extra juicy and you want to do everything you can to hold in the juices.
    • Make sure you slice against the grain rather than parallel. Cutting against the grain will result in a more tender steak.

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 338kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 851mg | Potassium: 448mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 2.8mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2.4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @RecipesWorthRep or tag #RecipesWorthRepeating!

    Update Notes: This post was originally published in May 2017, but was re-published with updated step-by-step instructions, pictures, and tips in January 2023

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    About Amanda Mason

    Hi! I'm Amanda, the founder and creator behind Recipes Worth Repeating! Simply put, I focus on creating delicious recipes for everyone. I offer variety. I offer convenience. I offer yumminess! And that's why people keep coming back. The recipes I create are absolutely worth repeating.

    Founded in 2012, Recipes Worth Repeating grew from people routinely asking me to email them the recipe for my latest dish. Recipe development comes naturally to me and I find cooking relaxing. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I developed a passion for cooking at an early age and I love to showcase a variety of recipes on my blog.Creating delicious new recipes, still photography, and video for Recipes Worth Repeating is the driving force behind what engages my readers to keep coming back for more recipes they will love.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 8 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




       

    1. Peggy

      April 19, 2025 at 8:55 am

      Could I marinade sliced sirloin
      For stir fry?

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        April 19, 2025 at 10:11 am

        No, I don't think I'd use this for stir fty. It's truly a steak marinade. Unless you wanted to marinate the steak for your stir fry in this, that would be fine. But the marinade can't be used for a stir fry sauce.

        Reply
    2. Michael Mawbey

      September 21, 2024 at 11:04 pm

      5 stars
      Really delicious, best steak I’ve ever eaten.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 24, 2024 at 7:25 am

        Hi Michael! So glad you loved the marinade and WOW - what a compliment that it's the best steak you've ever eaten!! Please let me know what other recipes of mine you try!!

        Reply
    3. Guy Ritzman

      March 05, 2024 at 5:02 pm

      5 stars
      Very good. I made the marinade as written with the exception of doubling the mustard. The marinade has bold flavors so I knew it wouldn't be a problem. Besides, I like mustard. I used it to marinade a 3 pound top sirloin and poked a couple of dozen deep holes before marinating. I marinated it for 48 hours, patted it dry with paper towels and then stuffed the holes with garlic (about a dozen cloves). I seasoned the roast with salt and pepper and seared it in a cast iron pan then baked it at 225 degrees to 130 degrees internal temp. While the roast was resting, I added a small amount of the marinade (about 1/4 cup) to the pan drippings and made a quick mixed grill of onion, cabbage and red pepper to which I added a bit of salt and chili powder.I will definitely use this marinate again.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        March 05, 2024 at 5:32 pm

        Hi Guy! I'm SO glad to hear that you liked the steak marinade! Sounds like you put it to good use on the top sirloin! Doubling the mustard was a good variation...I can see how that would really bring out the flavors even more! Let me know what other recipes of mine you try! I'm glad this recipe is worth repeating!!

        Reply
    4. Paul M

      May 23, 2022 at 8:56 am

      5 stars
      This was a great recipe. I left mine in the fridge for about 30 hours, turning it every few hours. After grilling and resting I cut the steak into thin strips and made steak tacos with it, excellent for a rather easy Sunday night meal.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        May 23, 2022 at 5:05 pm

        So glad to hear this, Paul! I'm so glad you loved my marinade! It's a family favorite here, too!!

        Reply
    5. Micki

      July 02, 2020 at 3:18 pm

      Excellent flavor! Thought I had red wine vinegar, but had to substitute balsamic. Marinated 9 hrs. Will definitely use this on the future!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        July 02, 2020 at 6:27 pm

        Nice Micki!! I'm so glad you loved the recipe! Next time, try it with red wine vinegar....so delish!

        Reply
    6. Art L

      October 27, 2019 at 7:20 pm

      Wonderful marinade. I used it on a flat iron steak. Only thing I tampered with is I added a little brown sugar to it which helped to caramelize during cooking. Marinated for 7 hours then grilled. So tasty and tender. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        October 27, 2019 at 7:27 pm

        Thanks, Art! I'm so glad you loved it! I love the idea of adding the brown sugar! Great ingredient add!!

        Reply
    7. Nathan

      September 08, 2019 at 4:53 pm

      Can i marinate for more then 12 hours? (Work Schedule)

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 10, 2019 at 6:51 am

        Yep! I marinate up to 24 hours and it's even more delicious!

        Reply
        • Dotty

          March 01, 2021 at 2:11 pm

          Why is it not safe to brush the marinate?

        • Amanda Mason

          March 01, 2021 at 2:58 pm

          Hi Dotty - it's a matter of preference and risk, really. Bacteria will be in the marinade from the raw meat so a lot of people feel they will be brushing on bacteria to cooking meat and they are scared of getting sick. A lot of people, including myself, opt to boil the marinade for 5-7 minutes and then baste it on. The boiling will kill the bacteria.

        • Michelle

          August 12, 2023 at 3:04 pm

          I’ve made this recipe before and it’s fantastic!! Quick question, can I marinade it for more than 24 hours?
          Thanks!!

        • Amanda Mason

          August 12, 2023 at 4:09 pm

          Yes - absolutely! Marinate it for 24 hours. I do all the tine! I'm so glad you love it!

      • D & E

        April 23, 2020 at 1:50 am

        I made this Flank streak and added a few ingredient; red pepper flakes, dash of oregano, dash of granulated garlic and put it in a very hot cast iron pan cooked to medium rare. It was amazing!!! 😋

        Reply
        • Amanda Mason

          April 23, 2020 at 8:09 am

          Nice!! Love the adds! And I love that you made it in your cast iron skillet! Sounds amazing...now I want to go make this right now and try that method!!

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