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This easy homemade steak marinade takes just minutes to make and is packed with flavor! Perfect for tender, juicy and seriously delicious steaks!

Spoon lifting some homemade steak marinade out of a small white bowl.

Don’t be surprised to find three variations of this amazing steak marinade in the recipe card. I often make a few slightly different versions and since my family can’t pick a favorite, I included them all. They’re all great so you can’t go wrong with any choice!

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3 Reasons To Love This Steak Marinade Recipe

  1. Easy to make: Made with simple ingredients and can be mixed together in just a few minutes.
  2. Full of flavor: This marinade makes your steak taste absolutely amazing!
  3. Tenderizes the meat: For a delicious tender and juicy steak!
Two steaks in a glass dish covered in steak marinade with a sprig of fresh rosemary on top.

Why Marinate Steak

A marinade helps to tenderize and infuse the steak with flavor. I don’t personally tend to use them on filet mignon which is naturally super tender. Where the marinade really shines and adds the most benefit is with the somewhat tougher, less expensive cuts of steak. It’s amazing the difference a marinade can make!

Ingredient Notes

The recipe card includes three variations of this steak marinade so the ingredients will vary depending on the version you choose. However, they all contain avocado oil, tamari or soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and freshly ground black pepper.

Why are you using avocado oil? Avocado oil is my go-to oil in marinades since it is a naturally refined, neutral tasting oil that can handle the heat!

Detailed ingredient list and directions located in the recipe card below.

Labelled photo of ingredients needed to make version 1 of this easy steak marinade.
Labelled photo of ingredients needed to make version 2 of this steak marinade recipe.
Labelled photo of ingredients needed to make version 3 of this homemade steak marinade recipe.

How To Make Homemade Steak Marinade

It couldn’t be easier to make! Simply add all the ingredients to a bowl and whisk them together. Now you’re ready to marinate your steak!

Photo collage showing steak marinade being whisked in a bowl and spoon lifting out some finished steak marinade from the bowl.

To marinate your steak: Place the steaks in a covered glass dish or large freezer bag and pour the marinade over the steaks. Massage or flip around to ensure the steaks are evenly coated in the marinade. Pop in the fridge and let the steaks marinate for up to 12 hours (aim for around 4 to 8 hours).

Photo collage showing steak marinade being poured over steaks in a glass dish and then overhead of those steaks marinating.

When you are ready to cook them up, remove the steaks from the marinade and pat them dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper and then grill, pan sear or broil to desired doneness.

Grilled steak on a plate along with a few sides (corn, mixed grilled veggies and potato wedges).

My favorite way to cook marinated steaks is to grill them (especially in the summer). Learn how to perfectly grill marinated steaks!

Helpful TIP

Make Ahead Tip

You can prep the marinade ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or freeze into ice cubes and thaw when needed.

Steak marinade dripping off a spoon into a small white bowl of marinade.

FAQ

How many steaks can I marinate with this recipe?

This recipe produces enough marinade for 1 pound of steak. Simply double, triple or quadruple it as needed depending on how much steak you need to marinate.

How long should you marinate steak?

I recommend marinating steak for up to 12 hours (aiming for 4 to 8 hours). Thinner steaks can get away with less time (minimum of at least 1 hour but I would recommend 3-4 hours for better flavor). For thicker steaks, I would aim for 4-8 hours.

Can steak be over marinated?

You can marinate steak for up to 24 hours but beyond that the meat will start to break down too much. So try to stay under 24 hours! I personally prefer to marinate for a maximum of 12 hours.

Can you freeze steak in this marinade?

Absolutely! Place the steak and marinade in a freezer bag and freeze it immediately. It will then marinate as it thaws!

Hand pouring small jar of steak marinade over two steaks in a glass dish.

More Ways To Flavor Steak

Here are a few more sauces and seasonings perfect for steak!

Let me know if you give this steak marinade recipe a try! I would love to hear about it! Please leave me a comment below.

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Two steaks in a glass dish covered in steak marinade with a sprig of fresh rosemary on top.

The Best Easy Steak Marinade

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Vanessa Gilic
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Total Time: 5 min (to make marinade)
  • Yield: about 1/2 cup (for 1 pound steak) 1x
  • Category: Sauces & Seasonings
  • Method: Mix
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This easy homemade steak marinade takes just minutes to make and is packed with flavor! Perfect for tender, juicy and seriously delicious steaks! You’ll find 3 variations below – all equally delicious so take your pick.


Ingredients

Scale

Version 1:

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced onion (or 1 small shallot finely chopped)
  • 1/41/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Version 2: 

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/41/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Version 3:

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/41/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 small sprigs fresh rosemary (added after mixing together other ingredients)

Instructions

  1. Mix together marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the marinade version of your choice.
  2. Marinate steak: Place steak in a covered glass dish or freezer bag and pour the marinade over top.  Massage or flip the steak around making sure that all sides are covered in marinade.  Place in the fridge and let the steak marinate for up to 12 hours (aiming for 4 to 8 hours).
  3. Cook steak: Remove steak from the marinade and pat dry with paper towel.  Season lightly with salt and pepper. Grill, pan sear, or broil to your desired doneness.

Notes

  • This recipe makes enough marinade for 1 pound of steak.  Just scale up as needed for a larger quantity of steak.
  • Grilling Marinated Steaks: Check out this post for tips! Definitely my favorite way to cook a marinated steak.

About Vanessa Gilic

I want to help you make delicious food using real ingredients! Explore a variety of easy to follow, real-food recipes ranging from healthy eats to comfort food. Welcome to Maple + Mango – I'm so happy you're here!

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8 Comments

  1. Kristine says:

    This marinade is perfection! We loved the flavor (and how easy it is)!

  2. Lisa says:

    I went with version one – I love maple flavor in a marinade. I used skirt steak and marinated it for just 3 hours but it was still absolutely delicious! Will be using this often – so good!

    1. Vanessa Gilic says:

      I’m so happy you loved it!

  3. Vicky says:

    This is my new go-to steak marinade! The flavors were incredible, and my steak turned out so juicy and tender—definitely making this again!

    1. Vanessa Gilic says:

      I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

  4. Beth says:

    Looks like I have to head to the store. I’m grilling steaks tomorrow night, and these look great!

  5. Bernice says:

    These three marinades are worth saving. They turn inexpensive meats into tasty and tender morsels. Our favourite is the one with rosemary and Dijon mustard!

    1. Vanessa Gilic says:

      Always a good one – especially if you have fresh rosemary growing in a herb garden!