If you’re yearning for a restaurant-quality steakhouse experience at home, let me introduce you to The Best Steak Marinade! This simple yet utterly flavorful marinade transforms filets into juicy, tender perfection, thanks to a gorgeous combination of olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and fresh herbs. Whether it’s date night or a casual backyard feast, this recipe unlocks a new level of steak bliss that’s seriously hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The Best Steak Marinade is that you only need a handful of staple ingredients, but every one of them pulls their weight in terms of taste and tenderizing power. Here’s why each component deserves its place in the lineup.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the steak, maximizing flavor in every bite.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the meat with irresistible aromatic depth.
- Black pepper: Lends a touch of gentle heat to balance the sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Promotes caramelization for that golden crust you dream about.
- Soy sauce: Contributes a subtle umami undertone and tenderizes the steak.
- Dijon mustard: Adds brightness, tanginess, and complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch brings a subtle kick for spice lovers.
- Chopped fresh thyme (or sub rosemary, oregano, sage, or bay leaf): Provides a pop of herbal freshness and elevates the entire dish.
How to Make The Best Steak Marinade
Step 1: Mix the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and your fresh chopped herbs. Stir well so the sugar dissolves and the mustard becomes perfectly incorporated. This thick, glossy mixture is truly the secret behind The Best Steak Marinade!
Step 2: Marinate the Steaks
Place your beautiful filets into a large gallon-sized zipper bag for easy cleanup. Pour the marinade over the steaks, seal up the bag, and spend a few moments massaging the marinade evenly into the meat. Refrigerate the bag for at least 2 hours—or go for longer if you really want to up the flavor ante. The longer you wait, the deeper the marinade penetrates, creating melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Prep Your Pan and Sear
When you’re ready to cook, take out your favorite oven-proof skillet or pan. Add a drizzle of oil and let it get nice and hot over medium-high heat. Place the marinated filets in with a satisfying sizzle, and let them brown untouched for 2-3 minutes per side. This is where that savory-sweet crust starts to form, thanks to the magic combination in The Best Steak Marinade.
Step 4: Finish in the Oven
Pop the whole pan into a 375 degree oven. For a gorgeously rare filet, roast for 7 minutes; if you prefer medium rare or well done, add a few extra minutes. Always remember, steak keeps cooking after you take it out—so err on the side of caution and use a meat thermometer to check for your perfect doneness (110-120F for rare, 120-130F for medium-rare, 130-140F for medium, and 140-150F for medium-well).
Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve
This final step is everything: Let those steaks rest for 15 minutes, tented loosely with foil. Resting ensures all the savory juices stay put inside the meat instead of running onto your plate. The result: the most succulent, perfectly marinated steak you’ve ever tasted.
How to Serve The Best Steak Marinade
Garnishes
Top your steak with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few extra sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for a burst of eye-catching color. Some shaved Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or a quick drizzle of olive oil can take it from delicious to absolutely dazzling. Don’t underestimate the power of a bold garnish to entice your senses before the first bite!
Side Dishes
Pair The Best Steak Marinade with classic accompaniments: think buttery mashed potatoes, crispy roasted vegetables, or vibrant green beans. If you want to lean into a steakhouse vibe, a wedge salad or warm, garlicky bread is always a hit. The deep flavors of the marinade shine best with simple sides that let the steak be the star of your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, slice the steak on a bias and fan it across a platter with grilled lemon halves, colorful microgreens, or quick-pickled onions. Or serve steak bites atop small crostini for an elegant appetizer. The Best Steak Marinade isn’t just about flavor—it’s also about showstopping presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover marinated steak tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor from The Best Steak Marinade actually improves with a little time, so those next-day slices are perfect for salads or sandwiches.
Freezing
You can freeze raw steaks in the marinade for up to three months—just pop them in a freezer bag, squeeze out any air, and lay them flat. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual. This is a fantastic way to prep for future dinners and always have The Best Steak Marinade ready to work its magic!
Reheating
Gently reheat slices in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or a pat of butter to keep them moist. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can toughen the steak. If you’re in a hurry, microwave using short 15-second bursts and check frequently so it doesn’t overcook.
FAQs
Can I use this marinade for other cuts of steak?
Absolutely! The Best Steak Marinade works wonders on ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, or even tougher cuts like flank and skirt steak—just give them a little more marinating time to help tenderize.
How long can I marinate the steak?
For maximum flavor without overpowering the meat, aim for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Don’t leave it longer, as the acidity may start to change the texture.
Do I need to bring the steak to room temperature before cooking?
Yes, let your steak sit out of the fridge for about 30 minutes before searing. This helps it cook more evenly so you get perfect doneness edge-to-edge.
Can I grill the marinated steak instead of using an oven?
Definitely! Sear the marinated steaks over direct heat on your grill, then move them to indirect heat to finish cooking to your desired temperature. You’ll get smoky charred edges and the same great flavor from The Best Steak Marinade.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for red wine or bourbon (if desired)?
This marinade doesn’t require wine or bourbon, but if you want extra depth, a splash of balsamic vinegar or even a touch of brewed coffee can add richness without any alcohol.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends, family, or just yourself, give The Best Steak Marinade a try. With minimal prep and classic flavors, it’s guaranteed to turn a simple steak into something extraordinary—I promise you’ll be licking your plate and already dreaming of making it again!
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The Best Steak Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 26 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Marinating, Searing, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A mouthwatering steak marinade featuring a blend of oil, soy sauce, garlic, dijon mustard, brown sugar, fresh thyme, and pepper, perfect for adding depth of flavor to your favorite cuts of steak.
Ingredients
Main Marinade:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (sub rosemary, oregano sage or bay leaf)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Add Filets to a gallon size zipper bag.
- In a bowl, mix all of the ingredients with a whisk and then pour into bag.
Massage the marinade into the filets and put in refrigerator for at least 2 hours. The longer the meat sits with the marinade, the better it will be.
- To cook the filets, add oil to an oven proof pan or skillet and place over medium-high heat. Let the pan heat up slightly then add the filets – they should sizzle.
Cook filets for about 2-3 minutes or until a dark crust forms. Turn steaks and do the same on the other side. Then place the pan in the oven and cook the filets for an additional 7 minutes for rare doneness. Let steaks rest for 15 minutes before enjoying to prevent juices from running out. Add a few more minutes if you like your steak more done. See notes below for desired temperatures. Enjoy!
Notes
- The thickness of your steak will also depend on how long you cook it – keep this in mind. Use a meat thermometer to get the exact temperature for doneness.
- Rare: 110-120 degrees F
- Medium rare: 120-130 degrees F
- Medium: 130-140 degrees F
- Medium well: 140-150 degrees F
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filet
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
