This easy steak marinade requires just five minutes and a handful of fridge and pantry staples.

Why Marinate Steak?

What’s the secret to perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful steak?

Southern Living Best Steak Marinade cooked steak sliced to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

You dont need chef-y equipment like asous videmachine, or even pricey truffle butter.

If you think you might not have time for the extra step of marinating, think again.

Plus, its totally flexible.

Southern Living Steak Marinade ingredients combined in a pan

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

No fresh herbs on hand?

Use any combination of dried thyme, basil, rosemary, or oregano.

If the sugar bowl is empty, try a drizzle of honey instead.

Southern Living Steak Marinade ingredients whisked together

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Full instructions are below, but here’s a brief recap.

But it’s a myth that the longer a steak marinates, the better it will taste.

But they shouldn’t sit in the mix for more than an hour.

Southern Living Steak Marinade adding the steak to the marinade

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Let those cuts bathe in this complex, umami-packed mix for 24 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Raw steak will leave behind pathogens that can make you quite sick.

If you are determined to reuse the leftover marinade, you better boil it.

Southern Living Steak Marinade after the meat has been coated in the marinade

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

To do this, empty the marinade into a saucepan, and remove any pieces of meat.

Bring to a boil, and cook for 5 minutes at 212F.

The cooked marinade will make a great glaze for the finished steaks or vegetables.

Southern Living Steak Marinade covered to refrigerate

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

More Steak Recipes

Looking for other ways to enjoy steak?

Alternatively, whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl and pour into a zip-top plastic bag.

Add steak:

Turn to coat.

Southern Living Steak Marinade after removing the steak from the marinade

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator, turning once at the halfway point.

Take steak out of marinade:

Remove steak and discard marinade.

Cook steak:

Cook steak todesired doneness.

Southern Living Steak Marinade cooking the steak

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Let the meat rest before slicing and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

You always canbut don’t always need to!

Some steaks benefit more from a marinade, such as budget-friendly cuts that need time to tenderize.

Southern Living Steak Marinade ready to serve steaks

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Otherwise, you may under- or overcook the meat.

Those people may prefer a dry rub.

But if you’re not particular about how seared the steak gets, either option will work.

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