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+ servings
8 different freezer bags, each containing a different kind of marinated steak.
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4.74 from 30 votes

8 Best Steak Marinades {Recipes + Meal Prep Tips}

Learn how to make the best marinades for steak - each only contain 5 simple ingredients. Plus, get tips on making perfectly cooked steak.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings (2 steaks total)
Calories: 225kcal

Ingredients

Rosemary Red Wine Marinade

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine
  • 1 tbsp dried rosemary
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper

Teriyaki Marinade

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh gingerroot

Tex Mex Marinade

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper

Mediterranean Marinade

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper

Balsamic Marinade

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper

Cilantro Lime

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper

Orange Chili

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp chili flakes
  • 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper

Garlic Herb

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp white wine or lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper

For steak

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 8oz steaks (top sirloin, rib-eye, flank, tri-tip, or New York strip steak all work)

Instructions

  • Mix together steak marinade of choice in a small bowl and pour over steak in a Ziploc bag. Marinate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
  • ON STOVETOP: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over med-high heat until oil starts to smoke. Add steak and sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare (this is if your steak is 1-inch thick). The steak should have an internal temperature of 135 degrees F. 
  • ON BBQ: Preheat BBQ grill to 450 F. Add steak and sear for another 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare (this is if your steak is 1-inch thick). The steak should have an internal temperature of 135 degrees F.
  • Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or chopping. Serve immediately with a side dish. Enjoy!
  • To freeze steak: Mix marinade ingredients as instructed above and add to freezer-safe Ziploc bag along with steak. Freeze up to 3 months. Let defrost in the fridge for 24 hours before pan frying or grilling.

Video

Notes

All you need to make a steak marinade is an acid, flavouring, cooking oil and salt.
Marinate tougher cooks of meat like sirloin, chuck and round cuts for longer (6-24 hours) and tender cuts for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Make sure to marinade the steak in the fridge to protect bacteria growth.
Freeze marinated raw steaks for up to 3 months then defrost and cook.

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 59mg | Potassium: 313mg | Vitamin A: 15IU | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1.9mg