This flavorful steak marinade combines savory soy sauce, rich olive oil, tangy lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to create tender, juicy steaks with incredible flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 2–8 hours
Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
Servings: Marinade for 2–3 pounds of steak
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic
- Dijon mustard
- Brown sugar
- Black pepper
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
Whisk until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place your steaks (ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, or filet mignon) in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the steaks, making sure they are fully coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate.
Step 3: Marinating Time
- 1–2 hours: Good flavor
- 4–8 hours: Best flavor and tenderness
- Avoid marinating longer than 12 hours, as the lemon juice can begin to affect the texture of the meat.
Step 4: Bring to Room Temperature
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking.
Discard the used marinade.
Step 5: Cook
Grill or pan-sear over medium-high to high heat.
Approximate cooking times for a 1-inch (2.5 cm) steak:
- Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C), 3–4 minutes per side
- Medium-Rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C), 4–5 minutes per side
- Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C), 5–6 minutes per side
- Medium-Well: 150–155°F (66–68°C), 6–7 minutes per side
Step 6: Rest
Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside the meat.
Tips for the Best Steak
- Choose well-marbled steaks for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Pat the steaks dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful crust.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Finish with a pat of herb butter for an extra-rich finish.
Great Side Dishes
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus
- Grilled vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Baked potatoes
- Garlic butter mushrooms
This versatile marinade creates juicy, flavorful steaks with a delicious balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors, making it perfect for grilling, broiling, or pan-searing.