World’s Best Steak Marinade
You might think all a steak needs to be delicious is salt and pepper, but I dare you to try marinating it in this amazing marinade. Soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs bring a burst of umami flavor to make the best steak ever!
Secret Ingredient that Makes this Marinade So Good There’s not only one secret ingredient, it’s a mixture of all of them. Soy sauce for umami, lemon juice for brightness and zest, and a touch of sweetness from Worcestershire sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Make it spicy by adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkling of red pepper flakes
- A tbsp of honey or brown sugar can add a sweetness factor that makes a really nice crust to the grilled steak
- Mix it up with the herbs. Add any herbs you have on hand! The more, the merrier!
- Use tamari, coconut aminos, fish sauce, or Maggi seasoning for a gluten-free alternative
- Lime juice can add a slightly different flavor to your marinade
Make Ahead Instructions
The best thing about this recipe is you can make your marinade and marinate your teacher steaks for up to 8 hours, and the thinner ones for 4 hours.
So make it the night before and let them rest in a zipper bag in the fridge until your steaks are infused with umami flavor!
You can make this marinade and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
Store Steak Marinade
You can make the marinade for up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
Freeze Steak Marinade
I don’t recommend freezing this marinade. It is so easy to make it fresh, you really don’t need to freeze it!
You can freeze the uncooked steak with the marinade in a freezer bag for up to 2 months though!
Cooking Steak Tips:
- Fresh Herbs, Big Flavor Boost: dried herbs work great, but fresh herbs take it to the next level. Try rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a bolder taste! And don’t forget the minced fresh garlic!
- Acidity + Sweetness: Balance: lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or red wine vinegar adds tang while a touch of honey or brown sugar balances all the flavors while providing a great caramelized crust!
- Amp Up the Umami: for a richer flavor, add a little oyster sauce, fish sauce, or even a bit of anchovy paste!
- Use High Quality Olive Oil: use the best, highest quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor!
- Secret Ingredient: Pickle Brine! Dill pickle brine adds acidity and extra seasoning making your marinade even better!
- Choose the Right Marinating Container: avoid using aluminum bowls because the acidic ingredients in the marinade can react with mental and mess up the flavor. Use glass, stainless steel, or food-safe plastic zipper bags!

World’s Best Steak Marinade
Ingredients
- ⅓ olive oil
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon or lime juice
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp dry parsley flakes
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until well combined.
- Place your steaks in a zipper bag, add the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before grilling.
Nutrition
FAQ About the Best Steak Marinade Ever
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1. How Long Should I Marinate my Steak? For the best flavor, you should marinate the steaks for at least 2 hours, but if you’re in a pinch, 30 minutes will do!
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2. Can I Use This for Other Meats? Absolutely! You can use it for chicken, pork, fish, or even veggies! You have to adjust the marinating time though. Chicken can soak for a few hours, but fish and veggies only need about 30 minutes.
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4. Can I Grill, Pan-Fry, or boil my Marinated Steak? That’s a yes on all three! Grill the marinated steak on medium-high heat flipping them once. If pan-frying, try to get a great sear on each side, and if you’re broiling, keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!
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5. Help! My Marinade is too Salty, What Can I Do? To balance out the saltiness, try adding more olive oil, lemon juice, or a touch of honey to balance it out. If it’s already on the steak, pat it dry before grilling it.
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6. Do I Need to Pat Dry My Steak Before Cooking? For a better search, the answer is yes! Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes and pat it dry before throwing it on the heat.
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7. What Sides Go Best with Marinated Steak? Your imagination is the limit! Try it with garlic butter potatoes, grilled veggies, a side salad, freshly steamed rice, or even a side of buttered pasta. Don’t forget the garlic bread!