Transform your grilling game with this easy, homemade steak marinade that promises to elevate every cut of meat to juicy perfection! Packed with flavors of garlic, herbs, and a touch of acidity, this marinade will tenderize your steak and make every bite an experience. Get ready to impress your friends and family at your next cookout!
Budget Information
The total cost for this delicious steak marinade recipe is approximately $8.50, making it about $1.50 per serving if you’re marinating two steaks. For larger gatherings where you might use more marinade, the cost per serving would still remain budget-friendly!
Why This Recipe Works
Marinating steak is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance flavor and tenderness. This marinade’s balanced combination of oil, acids, and spices allows the meat to soak in all those tasty elements, breaking down tough fibers and adding a depth of flavor that store-bought marinades can’t match. Plus, it’s all made from scratch, so you know exactly what goes into it!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fabulous steak marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil – ($1.00): Keeps steak moist and carries flavors.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – ($0.25): Adds umami and a touch of tang.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – ($0.25): Brings a savory depth, perfect for beef.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar – ($0.50): This adds a sweet acidity that brightens flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – ($0.30): A foundational flavor that adds a slight kick!
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried) – ($0.15): For a touch of freshness.
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried) – ($0.20): For that aromatic kick!
- 1 teaspoon black pepper – ($0.05): Always a must for seasoning.
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves) – ($0.15): Adds warmth and earthiness.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – ($0.10): Because garlic makes everything better!
If you don’t have one of these ingredients, feel free to substitute; lemon juice can stand in for vinegar, and honey can replace the mustard for a sweeter marinade!
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Start by gathering all your ingredients in a mixing bowl. You want a sizable bowl where you can whisk everything together easily. Pour in the olive oil first; this forms the base of your marinade and provides that luscious moisture that makes steak so juicy.
Step 2: Next, add the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. These two contribute a rich umami flavor that is simply irresistible. As you blend in these liquids, imagine how they’ll infuse the steak with complex flavors.
Step 3: Follow up with the balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard. The vinegar will give a pleasant tang, while the mustard adds a subtle spice that contrasts the rich meat nicely. Whisk them together until well mixed to create a cohesive blend.
Step 4: Now it’s time to sprinkle in the herbs! Add the parsley, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper, and stir well. Those fragrant aromas are a good sign that your marinade will be packed full of flavor.
Step 5: The last ingredient is minced garlic. Fold it gently into your marinade. Garlic love more than just steak—it pairs beautifully with most grill-ready meats! Stir to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Choose your steak cut, place your steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the top. Make sure the meat is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag while expelling as much air as you can, or cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap.
Step 7: Refrigerate your marinated steak. Depending on the cut, let it soak for 2-8 hours—thinner cuts like skirt steak should marinate for 2-4 hours, while thicker cuts such as sirloin or flank steaks could sit for as long as 8 hours or overnight for the best results.
Step 8: When you’re ready to grill, remove the steak from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking. Discard any leftover marinade that has touched the raw meat; safety first!
Step 9: Heat your grill to medium-high. Grill the steak to your desired doneness, enjoying those tantalizing aromas of charred meat and herbs filling the air. Flip it halfway for even cooking and let it rest after grilling for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it.
Nutritional Facts
The approximate nutritional information per serving (based on marinating two steaks):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover marinade that didn’t come in contact with raw meat, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember that once the marinade has touched raw steak, it should be discarded for safety reasons. As for leftover cooked steak, you can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days—simply reheat it lightly on a skillet or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
This steak is fantastic paired with grilled vegetables, a light salad, or even a creamy potato side. I love to serve it with a side of garlic mashed potatoes for that richness, or a vibrant arugula salad to cut through the savory flavors. And don’t forget a glass of red wine to elevate the whole experience!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your marinated steak turns out perfectly every time: Always use a non-reactive container, like glass or plastic, to marinate your steak. If you’re in a rush, a quick marinade of oil and vinegar with spices can work wonders too! Experiment with different herbs and acids to find your own favorite flavor profile.
Recipe FAQs
Here are some common questions about marinating steak:
How long should I marinate my steak? The time depends on the cut; thinner cuts benefit from 2-4 hours, while tougher cuts can go for 6-8 hours or overnight.
Can I reuse marinade for basting? Unfortunately, you shouldn’t reuse marinade that has touched raw meat. Make a new batch for safety.
What should I do if I don’t have fresh herbs? Dried herbs work excellently too—just use one third of the amount called for fresh herbs.
Is marinating steak necessary? While it’s not necessary, marinating can significantly enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
Can I freeze the marinade? Yes! You can prepare a batch and freeze it for future use to save time later.
