Homemade Steak Marinade

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Make the best homemade steak marinade with simple pantry staples! This easy recipe creates juicy, flavorful, and tender steaks—perfect for grilling season!

Raw steaks next to a glass measuring cup with steak marinade and a whisk.
Table of Contents
  1. The Secret to a Perfectly Grilled Steak
  2. Ingredients You’ll Need
  3. How to Make the Best Homemade Steak Marinade (Step-by-Step)
  4. Why Marinate Steak Before Cooking?
  5. How Long Should You Marinate Steak?
  6. Can You Freeze Steak in Marinade?
  7. How to Make Homemade Steak Marinade
  8. Homemade Steak Marinade Recipe
  9. Questions About Homemade Steak Marinade
  10. Other Delicious Grill Recipes

The Secret to a Perfectly Grilled Steak

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly grilled steak, and the secret to making it truly mouthwatering? A killer homemade steak marinade! This marinade is my go-to for juicy, flavorful steaks that always turn out tender and delicious. It’s made with simple pantry staples, comes together in minutes, and works perfectly on everything from ribeyes to flank steaks.

Grilling season is in full swing at our house, which means that most nights, you’ll find us in the backyard with the smoky aroma of sizzling steaks filling the air. This homemade steak marinade is bold, zesty, and enhances the rich flavor of beef without overpowering it. It’s incredibly versatile—whether you’re making fajitas, steak salads, or a thick, juicy t-bone, this marinade is a game-changer.

Plus, it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. So grab your steaks, fire up the grill, and let’s get cooking!

Two grilled steaks on a white plate with metal tongs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A great marinade needs a balance of flavors—savory, sweet, tangy, and a little bit of umami magic. Here’s what makes this one so incredible:

  • Canola Oil – Keeps the steak moist, helps enhance the flavor, and prevents acidic flavors from overwhelming the meat. You can also use olive oil, sesame oil, mayo, or even buttermilk for a different twist.
  • Soy Sauce – Acts as a natural tenderizer and enhances the savory flavors of the steak.
  • Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor while working to break down tougher cuts of meat.
  • Worcestershire Sauce – The ultimate flavor booster! Packed with vinegar, garlic, onion, and a touch of sweetness, it seeps deep into the meat for the perfect balance.
  • Garlic – Freshly crushed garlic adds a subtle, aromatic richness.
  • Dijon Mustard – Helps create a flavorful crust on the steak while locking in juices. You can also use a grainy brown mustard, honey mustard, or good ol’ plain yellow mustard.
  • Brown Sugar – Balances out the tangy and salty flavors while adding a caramelized glaze when grilled.
  • Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor and breaks down muscle fibers for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Homemade steak marinade in a Pyrex measuring cup with a whisk.

How to Make the Best Homemade Steak Marinade (Step-by-Step)

  1. Prepare the Marinade – In a medium bowl, whisk together canola oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and kosher salt until well combined.
  2. Marinate the Steak – Place your steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is well coated.
  3. Refrigerate and Marinate – Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop in the fridge for at least an hour, but no longer than 5 hours if using vinegar. Flip the bag (or flip over the steaks in the dish) halfway through.
  4. Preheat the Grill – Remove the steak from the marinade and let excess liquid drip off. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  5. Cook the Steak – Grill the steak to your desired doneness, flipping once halfway through cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for the perfect temp (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium).
  6. Rest and Serve – Remove from the grill and let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite extra juicy. Enjoy!
Steak marinade being poured over raw steaks in a glass dish.

Why Marinate Steak Before Cooking?

Marinating steak isn’t just about adding flavor—it also helps tenderize tougher cuts of beef. The combination of oil, acid, and seasonings infuses deep flavor into the meat, making every bite juicy and delicious. Whether you marinate for 30 minutes or a few hours, your steak will be all the better for it.

How Long Should You Marinate Steak?

For the best results, marinate your steak for at least an hour, but no longer than 5 hours if your marinade contains acidic ingredients like vinegar. If you want to marinate overnight, leave out the balsamic vinegar to avoid breaking down the meat too much.

Can You Freeze Steak in Marinade?

Yep! Freezing steak in the marinade is a great way to meal prep and have dinner ready in no time. Here’s how:

  1. Mix all marinade ingredients in a Ziploc freezer bag.
  2. Add your steak and massage the bag to coat it evenly.
  3. Double-bag to prevent leaks, then lay flat in the freezer.
  4. Marinated steak will keep well for up to 6 months.
Tender sliced steak with grill marks, served with a fork and steak knife.

How to Make Homemade Steak Marinade

Homemade steak marinade in a pyrex glass measuring cup with a whisk.

Homemade Steak Marinade

Author : Erica Walker
5 from 6 votes
This Homemade Steak Marinade is the perfect way to season beef. Hearty and rich, the flavorful marinade is made with pantry staples and comes together in a snap! Perfect for creating tender and delicious burgers or steaks.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Marinade
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • ½ cup canola oil
  • cup soy sauce
  • cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • 3-5 pounds steak (your favorite cut)

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients (except steak) in a medium-sized mixing bowl or large liquid measuring cup and whisk until well combined.
  • Place steak in a large Ziplock bag and pour marinade over the top. Press as much air out as you can and seal.
  • You can also put the steak in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the top and cover.
  • Allow steak to marinate for at least an hour (and up to 5 hours). Flip the bag over half way through marinating (or flip the steaks over in the dish).
  • Grill steak to desired doneness and enjoy!

Notes

Want to freeze some marinated steaks for another day? Try this: 
  1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a Ziploc freezer bag.
  2. Add the steaks to the bag use your hands to squish the ingredients around to coat the meat.
  3. Double bag it on order to avoid any leaks.
  4. Lay flat in the freezer.
  5. Marinated meat will keep well in the freezer for up to six months

Nutrition Information

Calories: 388kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 35gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 725mgPotassium: 565mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 32IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 4mg

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Questions About Homemade Steak Marinade

Can I marinate a steak overnight?

Yes, but only if your marinade doesn’t contain vinegar or other strong acids. For this recipe, 5 hours is the sweet spot.

Is marinating steak necessary?

Not required, but highly recommended! Marinating enhances both flavor and tenderness, especially for tougher cuts. And with this easy steak marinade recipe, there’s really no excuse! 🙂

Do you have a chicken marinade recipe?

Yep! You’ll love my Teriyaki Chicken Marinade—it’s just as easy and delicious.

Read More: 35+ Best BBQ Side Dishes

More Marinade Recipes

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About the author

Erica Walker

Erica lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and their three daughters. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and has a passion for travel and adventure. Whether kayaking, hiking, or scuba diving, she loves exploring the world—and bringing her family along for the ride.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This steak marinate was amazing, it made the taste not only delicious but super tender, this will be a staple recipe for us!