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6 marinated sirloin steaks in ziplock bags with labels

Steak Marinades – 6 Ways

This collection of flavorful Steak Marinades will have you ready for any barbecue or cookout. With 6 easy options to choose from, they'll make your steak extra juicy and tender – and you'll learn how to cook it on the grill, over the stove or in the Air Fryer!

Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword beef marinade, best steak marinade, steak marinade for grilling
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
To Marinate 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Calories 451 kcal
Author Kelly

Ingredients

Lemon Pepper

  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce use a paleo or gluten-free brand as needed
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/3 tsp coarse sea salt or Kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly cracked, plus more to taste
  • 1-1 1/2 lb steak sirloin, NY strip, flank, skirt, hanger, etc. Outer layer trimmed of any excess fat 

Asian

  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange juice or pineapple juice
  • 1/2 tbsp Red Boat fish sauce
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves minced, or 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger or 1/4 tsp dried ginger
  • 1-1 1/2 lb steak outer layer trimmed of any excess fat 

Greek

  • 1/2 cup avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 3 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill
  • 1 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt or Kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly cracked, plus more to taste
  • 1 green onion very finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro very finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 lb steak outer layer trimmed of any excess fat

Chimichurri

  • 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley or ½ cup parsley and ½ cup fresh cilantro, very very finely chopped or blended in a food processor
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice or lime juice
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
  • 1-1 1/2 lb steak outer layer trimmed of excess fat

Fajita

  • 3 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice about 1 lime
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2-1 tsp coarse sea salt or Kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground, to taste
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper optional, or to taste
  • 1-1 1/2 lb steak excess fat trimmed

Balsamic

  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 tsp coarse sea salt or Kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
  • 1-1 1/2 lb steak excess fat trimmed

Instructions

Marinate Steak

  1. Place steak in a large resealable plastic ziplock bag or a silicone Stasher bag.

    Add all the marinade ingredients to a bowl or a jar. Whisk or shake to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.

    Top view of lemon pepper steak marinade in a clear bowl
  2. Pour marinade over steak, close bag and gently massage to coat steak evenly.

    Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results). May also store in the freezer (lay it flat down if in a bag) for up to 3 months.

    Top view of one marinated sirloin steak in ziplock bags
  3. Fridge: Remove steak from fridge and cook according to instructions below.

  4. Freezer: Remove steak from the freezer the night before and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, cook according to instructions below.

To Grill

  1. Pat steak dry with a paper towel. Preheat your grill to high heat. 

    How to perfectly Grill Steak with a few simple ingredients and a homemade dry rub. Best of all, this delicious recipe is a family favorite and just in time for cookout season!
  2. Use tongs to place the steak on the grill and sear until golden brown and slightly charred, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the steak over and continue to grill:

    - For Medium Rare: 3 to 5 minutes (135°F)

    - For Medium: 5 to 7 minutes for medium (140°F)

    - For Medium Well: 8 to 10 minutes for medium-well (150°F)

    How to perfectly Grill Steak with a few simple ingredients and a homemade dry rub. Best of all, this delicious recipe is a family favorite and just in time for cookout season!
  3. Transfer the steaks to a cutting board or platter, tent loosely with foil and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

    How to perfectly Grill Steak with a few simple ingredients and a homemade dry rub. Best of all, this delicious recipe is a family favorite and just in time for cookout season!

To Pan-Sear

  1. Pat steak dry with a paper towel. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat for several minutes, until the pan begins to smoke.

    How to perfectly Grill Steak with a few simple ingredients and a homemade dry rub. Best of all, this delicious recipe is a family favorite and just in time for cookout season!
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of oil or cooking fat of choice to the pan and brush on the remaining oil on the steak. 

  3. Carefully place the steaks in the hot pan and allow to sear (undisturbed) on the first side until crust forms, about 3-4 minutes. Using tongs, flip the steaks over and continue to cook until desired doneness:

    - For Medium Rare: 3 to 5 minutes (135°F)

    - For Medium: 5 to 7 minutes for medium (140°F)

    - For Medium Well: 8 to 10 minutes for medium-well (150°F)

    Garlic Steak with Herb Butter, Asparagus and Mushrooms - pan seared in a skillet plus "how to" tips to cook the best tender steak at home. This easy to customize recipe is also gluten free, low carb, paleo and keto friendly.
  4. Once the steaks are almost done, reduce heat to low. Add butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan. Use an oven mitt or dish towel, grasp the than pan handle and tilt and swirl the pan to allow butter to melt. Use a spoon to drizzle and baste steaks until juicy on both sides (flip after 30 seconds) for about a minute.

    Transfer the steaks to a cutting board or platter, tent loosely with foil and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

    Garlic Steak with Herb Butter, Asparagus and Mushrooms - pan seared in a skillet plus "how to" tips to cook the best tender steak at home. This easy to customize recipe is also gluten free, low carb, paleo and keto friendly.

To Air Fry

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. 

  2. Place the steak in the center of the air fryer basket and cook until desired doneness, depending on the thickness of the steak: 

    - For Medium Rare: About 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

    - For Medium: About 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

    - For Medium Well: About 14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

    Top view of raw rib-eye steak in the air fryer basket
  3. Transfer steak to a cutting board and allow to rest, about 10 minutes.

    Top view of air fryer steak in the air fryer basket

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Serves 2-3. Nutrition info applies to lemon pepper marinade.

Nutrition Facts
Steak Marinades – 6 Ways
Amount Per Serving (1 steak)
Calories 451 Calories from Fat 378
% Daily Value*
Fat 42g65%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 52g104%
* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.