10+ Steak Marinade Recipes for Perfectly Flavorful Grilled Steaks Every Time

Marinating steak is honestly one of the easiest ways to bump up both flavor and tenderness before you cook. You can throw together a marinade with whatever you’ve got, and there’s a good chance you’ll end up with something tasty.

The right marinade can really transform steak—making it juicy, flavorful, and way more enjoyable to eat.

When you marinate steak, those ingredients start breaking down the meat fibers, adding moisture along the way. That’s how your steak stays juicy and full of flavor, no matter if you grill, sear, or even bake it.

You can play around with different marinades until you find your favorite. There’s no need to overthink it.

1) Classic Soy Sauce and Garlic Marinade

This one’s a go-to for almost any steak. Soy sauce and fresh garlic make it rich and salty, but not too overpowering.

A splash of lemon juice or olive oil can make it even better—just toss it in if you’re feeling it. I usually let the steak sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours in the fridge is even better.

Once you’re ready, just grill or pan-sear. You probably already have these ingredients at home, which makes it even easier.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix everything in a bowl.
2. Put the steak in a shallow dish or ziplock bag.
3. Pour the marinade over the steak.
4. Cover or seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
5. Take the steak out and cook at 400°F (200°C) until it’s done how you like.

2) Lemon Juice and Olive Oil Blend

Lemon juice and olive oil together give steak a fresh, light kick. The lemon juice works as a tenderizer, and the olive oil keeps things juicy.

Throw in a little Worcestershire sauce and garlic if you want a boost. Let the steak hang out in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, or a few hours if you have the time.

This one’s super simple, but you’ll notice the tangy and savory balance right away.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk everything together in a bowl.
2. Put your steak in a zip-top bag or dish.
3. Pour the marinade over and make sure it’s coated.
4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
5. Cook to your liking, about 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.

3) Worcestershire Sauce and Brown Sugar Mix

Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar create a sweet-and-savory balance that just works. The brown sugar brings out the steak’s natural flavors, while Worcestershire adds some tang.

A bit of garlic and vinegar rounds it out. I like this one for skirt steak, but honestly, it’s good with any cut.

Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you remember. The longer, the better.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider or white)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Stir Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil together.
2. Coat your steak with the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 12 hours.
4. Grill or sear at 400°F (204°C) until it’s how you like it.
5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes.

For something with a little kick, check out this Spicy Brown Sugar Steak Marinade.

4) Balsamic Vinegar and Dijon Mustard Mix

Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar pack a tangy punch, but they don’t drown out the steak. Olive oil and garlic mellow things out, and a splash of Worcestershire gives it some backbone.

Let the steak soak for at least 30 minutes. This one shines with flank or sirloin, but it’s flexible.

You can grill, broil, or pan-sear—whatever you’re in the mood for.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix everything in a bowl.
2. Put steak in a bag or container and pour the marinade over.
3. Seal and chill for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
4. Cook at 400°F (204°C) to your preferred doneness.
5. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

5) Herbed Olive Oil with Rosemary and Parsley

Fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley make this marinade bright and earthy. Olive oil brings it all together, and the herbs add a fresh smell that’s hard to beat.

A little garlic and salt keep things balanced. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you want more flavor.

If you’re into herb-forward flavors without too much acidity, this one’s for you.

You can grill or pan-sear at around 400°F (200°C) until it’s just right.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix olive oil, rosemary, parsley, garlic, and salt.
2. Put steak in a dish or bag and pour the marinade over.
3. Chill for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
4. Take out the steak and cook at 400°F (200°C).
5. Let it rest before slicing.

6) Soy Sauce, Garlic and Onion Powder Combo

This one’s about as simple as it gets, but it’s packed with flavor. Soy sauce gives you that salty, savory base, and garlic plus onion powder do the rest.

You can whip this up in a minute if you’re in a rush. It’s surprisingly good for how little effort it takes.

Let the steak soak for at least 30 minutes, but a few hours is even better if you have time.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic (jar or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix everything in a bowl.
2. Put the steak in a bag or dish.
3. Pour the marinade over and coat well.
4. Seal and chill for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
5. Cook at 400°F (204°C) as you like.

7) Olive Oil, Lemon, and Dried Herbs Marinade

This marinade is all about fresh, simple flavors. Olive oil keeps things juicy, lemon gives a nice tang, and dried herbs add a gentle earthiness.

Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you’re not in a hurry. It’s a quick fix that still packs in flavor.

Lemon juice helps tenderize the steak, too. You can grill, broil, or pan-sear—honestly, it works for any method.

Ingredients

• ½ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons dried basil
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix everything in a bowl or bag.
2. Add steak and coat well.
3. Marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
4. Cook at 400°F (205°C) until it’s how you like it.
5. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Want more lemon and herb ideas? Here’s a Lemon-Oregano Steak Marinade.

8) Mustard and Soy Sauce Blend with Garlic

Mustard and soy sauce make a bold, tangy combo for steak. Garlic adds punch, and it only takes a minute to throw together.

Just mix everything and let the steak soak. This one keeps the steak juicy, too.

Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a stronger kick. It’s good with any cut.

Ingredients

• ½ cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix soy sauce, mustard, garlic, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Place steak in a dish or bag.
3. Pour the marinade over and cover well.
4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
5. Pat steak dry before cooking.
6. Grill or cook to your liking (130°F/54°C for medium-rare).

9) Brown Sugar, Vinegar, and Soy Sauce Marinade

This marinade mixes brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce for a sweet and tangy punch. It also helps tenderize the steak and gives it a rich, savory kick.

The vinegar slices through the meat’s richness, while soy sauce brings plenty of salty depth. If you want, toss in garlic or a dab of mustard for extra personality.

Let your steak soak for at least 30 minutes—though honestly, a few hours is even better if you can wait. After that, just cook it your favorite way.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar (balsamic or apple cider)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk everything together in a bowl.
2. Drop the steak in a big zip-top bag or a shallow dish.
3. Pour the marinade over so the steak gets covered.
4. Seal it up or cover the dish, then pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
5. Take the steak out and pat it dry.
6. Grill or sear to your preferred doneness—135°F (57°C) for medium-rare is a solid choice.
7. Let it rest five minutes before you dig in.

10) Simple Salt, Pepper, and Olive Oil Rub

If you’re after easy steak prep, this rub’s a lifesaver. You only need three things, and honestly, that’s plenty to make the meat shine.

Rub olive oil all over the steak. Sprinkle salt and fresh black pepper on both sides.

Let it sit for about 30 minutes before cooking. That’s it—no fuss.

You can grill, sear, or broil and it’ll still turn out juicy. The pepper gives a satisfying crust, too.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Rub olive oil all over your steak.

2. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Let the steak sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

4. Cook the steak on your grill, in a pan, or under the broiler—whatever you prefer.

5. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.