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The Ultimate Grilled Steak Marinade to Elevate Your BBQ Game

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Learn how to make delicious Grilled Steak Marinade. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1/4 cup olive oil (or avocado oil for a lighter taste)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey as a natural sweetener)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (Mama Lu always said, “More garlic, more love.”)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that subtle smoky warmth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, if you like a little kick)
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon; optional but highly recommended)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. This base is where the magic starts, much like the first stir of Mama Lu’s Sunday pot roast gravy.
  2. Add in the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. The vinegar brings brightness, while the sugar balances the tang, just like the sweet and savory dances Mama Lu loved.
  3. Mix in the minced garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. These spices give the marinade depth — a little smoky, a little spicy, all heart.
  4. Stir in the fresh herbs last to keep their fragrance vibrant. I remember the herb garden Mama Lu tended, always within reach when she cooked — it’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
  5. Place your steak in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure each piece gets a good coating. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. The longer it marinates, the more those flavors soak deep into the meat, tenderizing it gently, like a slow conversation on a porch swing.
  6. Before grilling, remove the steak from the marinade and let it come to room temperature — about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a better sear.
  7. Grill your steak over medium-high heat, about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for thickness and your preferred doneness. Watch for those beautiful grill marks — they’re the signature of a meal well-made.
  8. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite juicy and tender — just like Mama Lu’s lessons on patience and care in the kitchen.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/grilled-steak-marinade/