Easy Steak Marinade

Published: July 2, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This marinade can be whipped up in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful and Tangy: The combination of lemon juice and herbs brings a vibrant freshness that enhances the natural taste of the steak.
Versatile Use: Suitable for various cuts of steak, this marinade can also be used with chicken or turkey for a delightful twist.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your preference or what you have available.
Budget-Friendly: Transform an economical cut of meat into a mouthwatering dish without breaking the bank.

Tools and Preparation

To make the most out of your Easy Steak Marinade, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Grill or grill pan
Tongs
Meat thermometer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl is ideal for combining all your marinade ingredients efficiently.
Whisk: Ensures that all components are well-mixed for even flavor distribution across the steaks.
Grill or grill pan: The best way to achieve those beautiful grill marks and juicy texture on your steaks.

Ingredients

This easy steak marinade comes together in minutes and transforms a budget-friendly steak from good to amazing!

For the Marinade

1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 large lemons
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons dried basil
1-1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
1-1/2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
Coarse salt (optional)

For the Steaks

Steaks (of your choice)

For Grilling

Canola oil (for grill grates)

How to Make Easy Steak Marinade

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Zest and juice the lemons to get 1/2 teaspoon zest and 1/4 cup juice.
In a medium bowl, add olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, and white pepper.
Whisk until all ingredients are combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Steaks

Pour the marinade mixture over the steaks (the pictures show NY Strip Steak; read more about “best grilling steaks”).
Cover or seal in a bag and place in the fridge for up to 6 hours.

Step 3: Prepare for Grilling

About 20 minutes before grilling, remove steaks from refrigerator and let sit covered at room temperature.
Heat your grill to high heat. Clean it with a wire brush.

Step 4: Oil the Grill Grates

Roll up a few paper towels and soak them in canola oil.
Using tongs, rub the oiled paper towel along the grill grates generously.

Step 5: Cook the Steaks

Remove steaks from marinade; optionally sprinkle coarse salt over them.
Place steaks on grill; cook for about 4–5 minutes (rotate 90 degrees at 2-½ minutes for diamond grill marks).
Flip steaks using tongs; continue grilling for another 3–5 minutes until reaching medium-rare doneness (135°F internal temperature).

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove steaks from grill onto a plate or cutting board.
Tent loosely with foil for 5–10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Enjoy your deliciously marinated steaks!

How to Serve Easy Steak Marinade

Serving your perfectly marinated steak can elevate your meal experience. Whether you are hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, the right accompaniments can enhance the flavors of your dish.

With Fresh Salad

A crisp green salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the steak.

Over Grilled Vegetables

Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add color and nutrition to your plate. Drizzle with olive oil and grill alongside the steaks for added flavor.

On a Bed of Rice

Serve the steak over seasoned rice or pilaf for a hearty meal. The grains will soak up any delicious juices from the meat.

With Garlic Bread

A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover marinade or juices on your plate. It’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Paired with Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the savory flavors of the steak. Add herbs for an extra kick.

Alongside Coleslaw

A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness to your meal, balancing the richness of the steak beautifully.

How to Perfect Easy Steak Marinade

To achieve the best results with your easy steak marinade, follow these tips. They will help you enhance flavor and tenderness in every bite.

Use fresh ingredients – Fresh lemon juice and minced garlic provide brighter flavors compared to their dried counterparts.
Marinate properly – Allowing steaks to marinate for 4–6 hours will infuse them with flavor without over-tenderizing them.
Temperature matters – Letting steaks rest at room temperature before grilling ensures even cooking throughout.
Control grill heat – High heat is essential for good sear marks and caramelization; however, be cautious not to burn the meat.
Use a meat thermometer – Monitoring internal temperature helps achieve perfect doneness without guesswork.
Let it rest – After grilling, tenting steaks with foil allows juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier bites.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Steak Marinade

Pairing side dishes with your easy steak marinade can create a well-rounded meal that is sure to impress. Here are some great options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and rich, these potatoes are perfect for complementing juicy steak.
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn grilled until charred makes an excellent summer side dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Tossed in olive oil and roasted until crispy, these sprouts add texture and flavor.
Vegetable Stir-Fry – Quick-cooked veggies like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas offer vibrant color and crunch.
Quinoa Salad – A refreshing salad made with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese provides a healthy option.
Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet fries add sweetness that balances nicely with savory meat flavors.
Classic Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing gives a classic touch alongside grilled steak.
Baked Beans – Smoky baked beans add depth to your meal while providing hearty protein content.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Marinating steak can elevate your dish, but there are common mistakes that can ruin the experience. Here are some tips to avoid them:

Bold Timing: Marinating for too long can lead to overly acidic or mushy meat. Stick to a maximum of 6 hours for best results.
Bold Skipping Salt: Not seasoning your steak after marinating may leave it bland. Always taste before cooking and adjust with salt if necessary.
Bold Ignoring Room Temperature: Cooking cold steaks straight from the fridge can result in uneven cooking. Allow your steaks to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling.
Bold Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many steaks on the grill can lower the heat and cause steaming rather than searing. Give each steak enough space for even cooking.
Bold Forgetting to Rest: Cutting into steaks right after grilling can let juices escape, resulting in dryness. Always let your steaks rest for 5-10 minutes covered with foil.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover marinade in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep marinated steaks in the fridge for no longer than 6 hours before cooking.

Freezing Easy Steak Marinade

Freeze any remaining marinade in ice cube trays for up to 3 months.
Label containers with dates to keep track of freshness.

Reheating Easy Steak Marinade

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and heat marinade in a saucepan until warmed through.
Microwave: Use short intervals (30 seconds) on medium power, stirring in between until warm.
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low until simmering, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Easy Steak Marinade that might help clarify your doubts:

What is an Easy Steak Marinade?

An easy steak marinade is a simple mixture of ingredients designed to enhance the flavor and tenderness of steak. This recipe combines olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a delicious result.

How long should I marinate my steak?

For optimal flavor without compromising texture, marinate your steak for no more than 6 hours. Longer periods can lead to overly sour meat due to acidity.

Can I use this Easy Steak Marinade on other meats?

Absolutely! This versatile marinade works well with chicken, turkey, or lamb. Adjust cooking times based on the type of meat you choose.

Is it okay to reuse the marinade?

It’s not recommended to reuse marinades used for raw meat due to food safety risks. However, you can store unused portions separately before marinating.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, consider substituting it with additional soy sauce mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a similar flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Steak Marinade is perfect for transforming any cut of beef into a flavorful meal that’s quick and effortless. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or spices! Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a simple dinner at home, this marinade will impress everyone at the table.

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