Awesome Steak Marinade Recipe
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I usually stick to savory marinades when prepping steak—think garlic, herbs, and bold spices. But this time I switched things up with a sweet teriyaki-style marinade, and it was such a refreshing change! This awesome steak marinade recipe added just the right touch of sweetness while still letting the rich flavor of the steak shine through.
To keep the tropical tastes going, we tossed some pineapple rings on the grill alongside the steak. (Pro tip: I used the pineapple juice from the rings in the marinade.) Grilled pineapple is one of my absolute favorites—it caramelizes beautifully and pairs so well with the tender, juicy, marinated steaks.
The whole meal came together easily, and every bite was packed with so much flavor. This one’s a keeper—simple, sweet, and seriously delicious!
Awesome Steak Marinade Ingredients
- SOY SAUCE
- BROWN SUGAR
- APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
- PINEAPPLE JUICE
- GARLIC
Instructions for Easy Steak Marinade Recipe
In a medium bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and whisk until smooth and well blended. Make sure each element is fully incorporated to unlock every layer of flavor.
Place your steaks in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and store in the refrigerator.
Let the steaks marinate overnight—ideally for 12 to 14 hours—to allow the flavors to infuse and tenderize the meat deeply. When you’re ready to cook, remove the steaks from the marinade, pat them lightly with a paper towel for an ideal sear, and grill to your desired doneness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cuts of steak work best with teriyaki marinade?
Flank steak, skirt steak, sirloin, and ribeye are all great choices. Thinner cuts absorb flavor quickly, while thicker cuts benefit from longer marinating times.
How long should I marinate the steak?
For best results, marinate for 12 to 14 hours. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes to 2 hours can add flavor, especially for thinner cuts.
Can I marinate steak overnight?
Yes! Overnight marinating enhances flavor and tenderness. Just avoid going beyond 24 hours, as the meat can become overly soft.
Should I poke holes in the steak before marinating?
Poking small holes can help the marinade penetrate more deeply, especially for thicker cuts.
Can I freeze steak in teriyaki marinade?
Yes! Freezing steak in marinade helps lock in flavor. Just thaw it in the fridge before grilling.
Is it safe to reuse marinade?
Not if it’s been in contact with raw meat. If you want to use it for basting or as a sauce, set aside a separate portion before marinating.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Awesome Steak Marinade
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 3 garlic cloves crushed or finely minced
- 8 sirloin steaks
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly and use as marinade. If marinading steaks, marinade the meat overnight (about 12-14 hours) before grilling.
- Grilling time depends on the thickness of your steak and your preferred level of doneness, but here’s a handy guide for 1-inch thick steaks over medium-high heat (about 450°F):Rare 6–8 minutes 125°FMedium Rare 7–10 minutes 135°FMedium 10–12 minutes 145°F Well Done 12–15 minutes 160°F
Nutrition
I adapted this recipe from My Kitchen Café.
