Best Steak Marinade

This homemade steak marinade infuses rib-eye steaks with rich, deep flavors, resulting in juicy, tender steaks that melt in your mouth. Perfect for grilling or pan-searing, this marinade is the secret to taking your steaks to the next level. The combination of soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian seasonings creates the ideal balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors. Top it off with a pat of cold butter for a truly indulgent meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This steak marinade is a game-changer when it comes to cooking rib-eye steaks. The marinade not only enhances the flavor of the meat, but it also helps to tenderize it, creating a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth steak. Whether you’re grilling or pan-searing, this recipe delivers rich, savory flavors with a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, this is a steak recipe that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ⅓ cup soy sauce

• ⅓ cup lemon juice

• ½ cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasonings

• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pats

• 4 rib-eye steaks

• Finely chopped parsley for garnish

• Sea salt to taste (optional)

Directions

Make the Marinade:

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasonings, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.

Marinate the Steaks:

1. Place the steaks in a large gallon-sized ziplock bag or a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Pour the marinade over the steaks, ensuring all sides are coated.

3. Seal the bag or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. Let the steaks marinate for 2-4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. If marinating overnight, flip the steaks halfway through.

Prepare for Cooking:

1. 20-30 minutes before cooking, remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature on a cutting board.

Cook the Steaks:

1. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. If your skillet isn’t well-seasoned, add ½ tablespoon of olive oil to prevent the steaks from sticking.

2. Once the skillet is hot, place each steak in the skillet and season with sea salt.

3. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side, making sure they don’t burn.

Finish Cooking:

1. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, flipping every 3 minutes, until the internal temperature of the steaks reaches your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

2. Cooking at medium-low heat allows the steaks to cook thoroughly without burning, ensuring a perfectly cooked steak every time.

Rest the Steaks:

1. Once the steaks are done, transfer them to a cutting board and tent with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices inside the steak.

Serve:

1. Top each steak with a pat of cold butter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Marinating Time: 2-4 hours

• Cook Time: 14 minutes

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Storage/Reheating

While steak is best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak in a skillet over low heat, covering it to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave the steak, but be careful not to overheat it and dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use this marinade for other cuts of beef?

Yes! While this marinade is perfect for rib-eye steaks, it works well with other cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or New York strip. Just adjust the marinating time based on the cut of beef and thickness.

Can I marinate the steak overnight?

Yes, marinating the steak overnight will yield the most flavorful results. Just be sure to flip the steaks halfway through marinating to ensure even distribution of the marinade.

Can I use a grill instead of a skillet?

Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for a nice sear. Continue cooking on medium heat to your desired doneness.

How can I check the doneness of my steak?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches your desired temperature:

• Rare: 120°F (49°C)

• Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)

• Medium: 140°F (60°C)

• Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)

• Well done: 160°F (71°C)

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, low-sodium soy sauce can be used if you prefer a less salty marinade. Just be aware that it may slightly alter the flavor, so you may want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

The marinade can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, it’s best to marinate the steak just before cooking for the freshest flavor.

Can I add more heat to the marinade?

Yes, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Conclusion

This Best Steak Marinade Recipe is a must-try for any steak lover. It brings rich, savory flavors to the meat, making your rib-eye steaks juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Whether you’re grilling or pan-searing, this marinade ensures a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth experience every time. The addition of cold butter at the end elevates the dish, creating a truly indulgent meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy with your favorite sides and prepare for a satisfying, restaurant-quality dinner at home!