The Best Marinated Steak Recipes

If you are looking for an easy way to liven up your steak dinners, than a delicious marinade is a fuss free and tasty way to do it. These favorite marinated steak recipes are sure to impress!

Collage of four marinated steak recipes with text overlay.

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A simple steak is always a joy, but an easy marinade will take it to a whole new level!

These easy marinated steak recipes require very little effort and result in one super flavorful bite. Whether you are looking to impress with a special weekend dinner, or just want a flavorful quick and easy weeknight family meal.

Make the most out of your steaks with these simple recipes. Find inspiration for all kinds of marinades, from red wine, to soy sauce to cola. All of these recipes are suitable for those following a keto lifestyle, or those on dairy-free and gluten-free diets.

For more recipe ideas, be sure to check out my Easy Chicken Skillet Recipes and Coconut Milk Recipes.

Why marinade steak?

Marinating steak, and other meats, is two fold. It totally helps to add flavor to each bite, so it's a great way to get some variety on to your plate, but it also helps to tenderize the meat, so it's especially great for cheaper or tougher cuts of steak. It's also a super easy way to get that restaurant quality steak.

How long do you marinade steak?

Depending on your cut of steak and your marinade, the meat can sit in the liquid anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. After 30 minutes, you will get the flavor from the marinade, but it won't be as tender. Marinades with a low acid content can be left overnight, and tougher cuts of beef like skirt and flank steak can be left for longer periods of time.

As a general rule of thumb, I find a good sweet spot to be at least 2 hours and up to 6, this will work for most types of cuts and marinades.

There is a thing as too long a marinade. The acid can break down the meat too much, leaving you with a tough and chewy steak.

What makes a good marinade?

I'm sure you have all heard that Salt, Fat and Acid are key components in cooking, and marinades are no different. Fat helps to keep the steaks nice and moist and allows the flavors to penetrate, salt helps to draw moisture out and flavor in and the acid helps to get the meat nice and tender. You can then easily add seasonings to suit your tastes, and a little sugar will add a nice complexity of flavor.

How do you properly marinate?

When your steaks are marinating, they should be covered and placed in the fridge. You can marinate them in ziplock bags, reusable food bags or in a bowl covered with plastic wrap.

Whisk together the marinade ingredients to combine.
Place the steak into the marinade, using tongs to flip the steaks over to cover on both sides.
The steaks should be fully covered by the marinade.
Chill and cover.
30 minutes before you want to cook, remove from the fridge to allow the meat to come up to room temperature.