There’s something undeniably satisfying about the rich, smoky aroma of a perfectly grilled steak wafting through the kitchen. I discovered this BEST steak marinade recipe on one of those weekends when I was determined to break free from the monotony of fast food and rediscover the joys of homemade food. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this marinade transforms a simple hanger steak into a mouthwatering centerpiece that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
What makes this marinade truly special is its perfect blend of flavors—a little tang from Worcestershire and lemon, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, and the robust depth of balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. The first time I tried it, I felt like a culinary hero as friends and family savored every juicy bite, impressed with my newfound cooking prowess.
So, whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or just want a quick, delicious dinner, this hanger steak marinade is your ticket to a flavorful feast. Get ready to elevate your meat game and impress your taste buds!
Why is the BEST Steak Marinade a game changer?
Flavor Explosion: With a balance of Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice, this marinade delivers a sweet and tangy kick that elevates any steak.
Easy Preparation: Toss the marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag, and let the steak absorb all that goodness—simple as that!
Flexible Timing: Whether you have just an hour or up to 12, this marinade adapts to your schedule for maximum flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Impress your family and friends with a dish that feels gourmet without the fuss, making it perfect for any occasion.
Perfectly Juicy: The combination of acids and seasonings ensures your steak will be tender and moist every time you grill.
BEST Steak Marinade Ingredients
• Dive into a flavor adventure!
For the Marinade
- Hanger Steak – the star of the show that soaks up flavors beautifully.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – enhances richness and helps to tenderize the meat.
- Worcestershire Sauce – adds a savory depth, making it a key ingredient in the BEST steak marinade.
- Lemon, Juiced – brightens the flavors with a tangy twist.
- Balsamic Vinegar – offers a sweet yet complex taste that complements the steak.
- Soy Sauce – infuses umami goodness and helps deepen the flavor profile.
- Stone Ground Dijon Mustard – provides a slight kick and smooth texture to the marinade.
- Dark Brown Sugar – balances the acidity with its sweet notes, intensifying caramelization when grilled.
- Italian Seasoning – a blend of herbs that brings warmth and aromatic flair.
- Garlic – fresh and minced for that robust flavor that everyone loves.
- Fresh Black Pepper – adds a subtle heat that elevates the overall taste.
- Kosher Salt – enhances flavor and helps in tenderizing the meat.
How to Make the BEST Steak Marinade
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Gather Ingredients: Start by collecting all your marinade ingredients—hang tight as we’ll combine them into flavor magic!
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Mix Marinade: In a large ziplock bag, add the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, dark brown sugar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, black pepper, and kosher salt. Seal the bag and squish to combine everything thoroughly.
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Add the Steak: Open the bag carefully, and drop in the hanger steak. Make sure it’s well-coated in that delicious marinade.
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Marinate: Allow the steak to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours. The longer, the better for that deep flavor infusion!
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Prepare the Grill: Heat your grill to high heat, then brush the grates lightly with oil. This helps prevent sticking and ensures those perfect grill marks.
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Grill the Steak: Place the marinated steaks on the grill and immediately reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook for 4-8 minutes per side, adjusting for your desired doneness.
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Rest the Steak: Once cooked, remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest on a plate for 5-10 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute for a juicy steak.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
For busy home cooks, the BEST Steak Marinade is a perfect choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy flavorful steaks without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance—just mix all the marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag, seal it, and refrigerate. The hanger steak can marinate in the fridge for up to 12 hours, ensuring it’s infused with all those delicious flavors. To maintain quality, ensure the bag is tightly sealed to prevent any leaks, and store it in the coldest part of your fridge. When you’re ready to grill, simply take the marinated steak out, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then grill as directed for perfectly juicy results that save you time and impress everyone at the table!
What to Serve with Hanger Steak Marinade?
A perfectly grilled hanger steak deserves sides that not only complement its rich flavors but also create a harmonious dining experience.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these mashed potatoes add a comforting texture that balances the savory steak. The garlic notes enhance each bite.
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Roasted Asparagus: This vibrant green vegetable boasts a satisfying crunch and a slightly smoky flavor when roasted, providing a delightful contrast to the steak’s richness.
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Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a refreshing bite that pairs wonderfully with the steak’s depth. It cleanses the palate and keeps the meal light.
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Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice infused with aromatic herbs creates a light, flavorful base that soaks up the juices from the steak, making every mouthful delightful.
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Grilled Vegetable Medley: Charred bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant bring a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory marinade. This colorful dish adds vibrancy to your plate.
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Red Wine: A glass of bold red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, provides a perfect pairing, enhancing the savory notes of the steak while softening its richness.
Filling your table with these sides will elevate your hanger steak into a truly memorable feast!
How to Store and Freeze BEST Steak Marinade
Fridge: Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use it to marinate chicken or veggies for additional flavor!
Freezer: If you have extra marinade, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze for later use. These cubes can last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If using the marinade after freezing, thaw it in the fridge overnight before using. Never reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw meat unless boiled first.
BEST Steak Marinade Variations
Feel free to customize this delectable marinade to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade for an aromatic twist that complements the steak beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to introduce a delightful heat that elevates each bite.
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Honey-Sweetened: Swap dark brown sugar for honey, adding a floral sweetness and a touch of caramelization when grilled.
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Citrus Boost: Mix in the zest of lime or orange along with the lemon juice for an extra zing that brightens the flavors.
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Red Wine Marinade: Replace balsamic vinegar with red wine for a rich flavor profile that pairs perfectly with grilled meat.
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Vegan Alternative: Use a portobello mushroom instead of hanger steak; the same marinade adds depth to this hearty veggie choice.
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Maple Syrup: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup to create a flavorful glaze that brings a unique sweetness, perfect for grilling.
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Smoky Flavor: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade for an intense, smoky essence reminiscent of a summer barbecue.
Expert Tips for the BEST Steak Marinade
- Marinate Time: Aim for 4-12 hours; longer marination allows deeper flavor penetration, ensuring your hanger steak is truly flavorful.
- Avoid Overcooking: Monitor the cooking time closely—steaks can go from juicy to dry quickly if left too long on the grill.
- Rest the Meat: Always let the steak rest before slicing; this helps retain its juices, resulting in a more succulent bite.
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to adjust seasonings, adding your favorite herbs or spices to make this the BEST steak marinade for your palate.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness, consider using a meat thermometer; aim for 130°F for medium-rare.
Hanger Steak Marinade Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select a hanger steak?
Absolutely! Choose a hanger steak that is deep red in color, firm to the touch, and has a good amount of marbling. This marbling will render down during cooking, resulting in a flavorful and juicy steak. Avoid any cuts with dark spots or that feel slimy, as these can indicate spoilage.
How long can I store the marinade in the fridge?
You can store any leftover BEST steak marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I often use it to marinate chicken or even veggies for a fantastic flavor twist! Just remember, once the marinade has been in contact with raw meat, it shouldn’t be reused unless it is boiled.
Can I freeze the marinade? How do I do that?
Yes, you can definitely freeze the BEST steak marinade! Pour any extra marinade into an ice cube tray, and freeze it. Once frozen, transfer the cubes into a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to use, just thaw the cubes overnight in the fridge before marinating your next batch of meats or veggies.
What should I do if my steak is tough after cooking?
Oh no! If your steak ends up tough, it might be due to overcooking or using a less tender cut. To remedy this, be sure to always keep an eye on your grilling time, and try slicing the steak against the grain for more tenderness. For the most succulent steak, aim for a medium-rare doneness at around 130°F with a meat thermometer.
Can I use this marinade for other proteins or vegetables?
Very much so! This marinade is versatile. You can use it on chicken, pork, shrimp, or even tofu and various veggies for grilling. Just adjust the marination time based on the protein; for chicken, 2-4 hours is sufficient, and for veggies, about 30 minutes to 1 hour will do. Feel free to get creative!
Are there any dietary concerns I should know about this marinade?
The marinade contains soy sauce, which has gluten, so anyone with a gluten allergy or celiac disease should substitute with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, the marinade does include garlic, so those with garlic allergies should consider alternatives like shallots for flavor without compromising their health.
Unlock the BEST Steak Marinade for Flawless Flavor Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather Ingredients: Start by collecting all your marinade ingredients.
- Mix Marinade: In a large ziplock bag, add the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, dark brown sugar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, black pepper, and kosher salt. Seal the bag and squish to combine everything thoroughly.
- Add the Steak: Open the bag carefully, and drop in the hanger steak. Make sure it's well-coated in that delicious marinade.
- Marinate: Allow the steak to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours.
- Prepare the Grill: Heat your grill to high heat, then brush the grates lightly with oil.
- Grill the Steak: Place the marinated steaks on the grill and immediately reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook for 4-8 minutes per side.
- Rest the Steak: Once cooked, remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest on a plate for 5-10 minutes.