A great steak isn’t something you just stumble upon, and if you’ve circled the block a few times, you know it all starts long before it hits the grill or pan. Do you want a bold and smoky profile, bright and citrusy, or deeply savory? — regardless, a good marinade turns up both the tenderness and flavor.
But we shouldn’t confuse marinating with aimlessly dumping a bunch of ingredients into a bowl or bag. Just soaking your meat isn’t going to cut it, which leads to the pressing question of how to marinate steak in the first place. Let’s get into the ins and outs of the correct way to bring the most flavor out of your meat.
Why marinate your steak
It’d be enough if marinating only enhanced flavor, but it also gives the steak a beautiful texture. At its core, the process has to do with soaking the meat in a mixture of acidic, fatty, and flavorful ingredients that work together to break down muscle fibers, increase juiciness, and to infuse deep flavor. Tenderizing the meat is of the utmost importance, as you’re able to render a more tender bite; this is especially good for tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak.
Also, the risk of drying your steak out decreases exponentially as the oil in a marinade helps prevent the meat from drying out during cooking. Lastly, we’re not just talking about surface level flavor here…more aptly, marinating that cut of beef allows flavors to penetrate beyond the surface. The trick is finding the right balance so that you maximize these benefits without accidentally ruining the texture of your steak.
What makes a great marinade?
The secret to a good steak marinade consists of four key elements:
Acid
Vinegar, citrus juice, or even wine break down muscle fibers for tenderness. However, this is a delicate balancing act—too much acid for too long can turn your steak into a mushy mess.
Fat
Oil (olive, vegetable, or sesame) helps to make sure those flavors which you worked hard for gets coated evenly over the entire steak.
Flavor boosters
There’s garlic, onions, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, mustard, and herbs which all have the capacity to bring a welcomed depth and complexity to any flavor profile.
Balancer
A touch of sweetness, like brown sugar or honey, balances acidity and encourages caramelization. A bit of spice—red pepper flakes or hot sauce—can also balamce and improve the flavor.
How to prepare the perfect marinade
If you want to see these marinade techniques in action, Chef Anne Burrell breaks down her expert approach to marinating steak in this video, offering pro tips on how to maximize flavor and tenderness.
A basic yet delicious marinade looks something like this:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
Grab a whisk and mix all of these ingredients into a bowl until thoroughly blended. You can also pour everything into a zip-top bag for easier cleanup.
For variations:
- Smoky & Spicy: You can swap out balsamic vinegar for lime juice and add smoked paprika and chili flakes for a considerable kick.
- Sweet & Savory: Use honey instead of brown sugar and add a splash of orange juice. This combination goes a long way into producing that sweetness that gives a break from the saltiness in each bite.
- Herb-Infused: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest for a fresh, aromatic touch.
How long should you marinate steak?
Now that you know how to marinate a steak, it becomes a question of how long do you do it for. The answer to this depends on the type of meat you’re working with. If you marinade your steak for too little time, the flavors won’t penetrate; too long, and the meat can break down too much. Follow these general guidelines:
- Thin cuts (flank, skirt, sirloin): 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Thicker cuts (ribeye, strip, filet): 2 to 6 hours
- Tougher cuts (chuck, brisket): 6 to 24 hours
You don’t want to marinate your steak for more than 24 hours, especially with acidic marinades. It will undoubtedly become overly soft and lose its natural texture.
Tips for marinating like a pro
As is the case with anything, when you’re new to it, you may be prone to rookie mistakes. Here are a few quick tips that you can keep in mind when you start making tasty marinades for your steak:
- Use a resealable plastic bag for your marinade: This allows for even coating and easy cleanup.
- Marinate in the fridge, not at room temp: This prevents bacteria growth and keeps your steak safe.
- Don’t reuse marinade: If using it as a sauce, bring it to a boil first to kill bacteria.
- Pat the steak dry before cooking: This helps it sear properly instead of steaming due to excess moisture; also don’t leave too much marinade on the steak for the same reason.
- Let it come to room temp: Take the steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking for even results.
- Use high heat: Whether grilling, pan-searing, or broiling, a hot surface creates that a delectable crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If using a skillet, leave space between steaks for proper browning.
- Let it rest: Give your steak at least 5 minutes to rest after cooking. This keeps all the flavorful juices inside.
- Pay attention to burning: If you’re grilling, keep in mind that sugar-heavy marinades can burn quickly over direct heat. If your marinade contains honey, brown sugar, or syrup, try cooking over medium heat or finishing the steak with indirect heat.
- Over-marinating: Too much time in an acidic marinade can turn steak mushy.
- Using too much salt too early: Salt can pull moisture out of the steak instead of enhancing juiciness.
- Using metal containers: Acidic marinades can react with metal bowls, altering the taste. Stick to glass, plastic, or food-safe resealable bags.
The final bite
Here’s where a well-marinated steak pays untold dividends, and the kicker?—it doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember the basic formula: acid + fat + flavor boosters. Be selective and intentional with your ingredients, don’t over-marinate, and cook it with care. With very little prep time, you’ll have juicy, tender steak, chock full of flavor.
So, what’s your go-to marinade? Do you love smoky, spicy flavors, or do you lean toward bright, citrusy notes? Either way, now you know how to marinate steak like a pro!
