GARLIC HERB SOY-MARINATED STEAK
Garlic Herb Soy-Marinated Steak Recipe
This Garlic Herb Soy-Marinated Steak is tender, juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The steak is marinated in a savory combination of soy sauce, garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, and simple seasonings before being grilled or seared to perfection.
The soy sauce adds deep savory flavor while helping create a beautiful caramelized crust. Fresh garlic and herbs add an irresistible aroma, making this an easy steak dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights, weekend cookouts, family dinners, or special occasions.
Why You'll Love This Garlic Herb Steak
- Juicy and flavorful steak
- Easy homemade marinade
- Rich garlic and herb flavor
- Beautiful caramelized crust
- Perfect for grilling or pan-searing
- Made with simple ingredients
- Great for weeknight dinners
- Perfect for summer cookouts
- Pairs well with almost any side dish
What Makes This Steak Marinade So Good?
The secret to this recipe is the combination of soy sauce, garlic, herbs, olive oil, and a touch of acidity.
Soy sauce provides saltiness and umami, while garlic adds bold flavor. Fresh herbs bring brightness, olive oil helps distribute the flavors, and a small amount of lemon juice helps balance the marinade.
The result is a deeply seasoned steak with a flavorful exterior and juicy interior.
Best Steak Cuts for This Recipe
You can use several cuts of steak for this marinade.
- Ribeye: Rich, juicy, and beautifully marbled.
- Sirloin: Flavorful and affordable.
- New York strip: Tender with excellent beef flavor.
- Flat iron steak: Tender and ideal for marinades.
- Flank steak: Excellent for slicing thinly against the grain.
- Top sirloin: A great everyday option.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 pounds steak of your choice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Ingredient Notes
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is the savory foundation of the marinade. Using low-sodium soy sauce gives you more control over the final salt level.
Fresh Garlic
Freshly minced garlic gives the marinade a much stronger and fresher flavor than garlic powder.
Fresh Herbs
Parsley and rosemary add freshness and a classic herb flavor. You can also use thyme, oregano, or basil.
Honey or Brown Sugar
A small amount of sweetness helps balance the salty soy sauce and encourages beautiful browning when the steak is cooked.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice adds acidity that brightens the marinade and balances the richness of the steak.
How to Make Garlic Herb Soy-Marinated Steak
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic, parsley, rosemary, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and onion powder.
Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
If the steaks are very thick, you can gently score the surface with a sharp knife. This can help the marinade cling to the meat.
Step 3: Marinate the Steak
Place the steaks in a large resealable bag or shallow glass container.
Pour the marinade over the steak and turn the pieces several times to coat completely.
Seal the bag or cover the container.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
For deeper flavor, marinate for approximately 4–8 hours.
Avoid excessively long marinating times because the acidity and salt can negatively affect the texture of the steak.
Step 4: Bring the Steak Toward Room Temperature
Remove the steak from the refrigerator approximately 20–30 minutes before cooking.
Discard the used marinade.
Pat the surface of the steak lightly dry before cooking. This helps create better browning.
How to Grill Garlic Herb Steak
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to high heat.
Clean and lightly oil the grates to help prevent sticking.
Step 2: Grill the Steak
Place the marinated steak on the hot grill.
Cook according to the thickness of the steak and your preferred level of doneness.
For a typical steak, approximately 3–5 minutes per side may be enough, but always use internal temperature rather than time alone to determine doneness.
Step 3: Rest the Steak
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and loosely cover it with foil.
Allow it to rest for approximately 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
How to Pan-Sear Garlic Herb Steak
If you don't have a grill, you can easily cook this steak in a heavy skillet.
Step 1: Heat the Pan
Place a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high to high heat.
Add a small amount of high-heat cooking oil.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Place the steak in the hot pan.
Sear without moving it for approximately 3–5 minutes, depending on thickness.
Flip and continue cooking until the steak reaches your desired internal temperature.
Step 3: Add Extra Garlic and Herbs
For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of butter, a crushed garlic clove, and a sprig of rosemary or thyme during the final minute of cooking.
Use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter.
Step 4: Rest Before Slicing
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
Steak Doneness Guide
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well done: 160°F (71°C)
Use an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate results. For food safety, follow the recommended safe internal temperature for beef.
Tips for the Best Marinated Steak
Don't Skip the Marinating Time
Give the steak enough time to absorb the flavors. At least one hour is recommended, while several hours will provide a deeper flavor.
Don't Marinate Too Long
Because this marinade contains lemon juice and soy sauce, extremely long marinating times can negatively affect the steak's texture.
Pat the Steak Dry
Removing excess marinade from the surface helps the steak sear instead of steam.
Use High Heat
A hot grill or skillet creates the delicious caramelized crust that makes marinated steak so good.
Don't Press Down on the Steak
Avoid pressing the steak with a spatula while cooking. This can force flavorful juices out of the meat.
Let the Steak Rest
Resting the steak after cooking is an important step for juicy results.
Can I Use This Marinade for Other Meats?
Yes. This garlic herb soy marinade also works beautifully with chicken, pork, shrimp, and beef kebabs.
Cooking times will vary depending on the type and thickness of meat.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes. You can prepare the marinade up to a couple of days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Keep the unused marinade separate from raw meat.
Can I Reuse Steak Marinade?
Do not reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw meat unless it is thoroughly boiled first. For the easiest and safest option, discard used marinade after marinating the steak.
Garlic Herb Steak Variations
Spicy Garlic Steak
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
Balsamic Garlic Steak
Replace part of the lemon juice with balsamic vinegar for a deeper, slightly sweet flavor.
Honey Garlic Steak
Increase the honey slightly for a sweeter caramelized crust.
Italian Herb Steak
Add extra oregano, basil, rosemary, and parsley for a stronger Italian-inspired flavor.
Asian-Inspired Steak
Add grated ginger, sesame oil, and a small amount of chili sauce to the marinade.
What to Serve With Garlic Herb Soy-Marinated Steak
This steak pairs well with almost any classic side dish.
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- French fries
- Grilled vegetables
- Roasted asparagus
- Green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Fresh garden salad
- White rice
- Garlic bread
- Grilled corn
How to Slice Steak Properly
For tender slices, identify the direction of the muscle fibers in the steak.
Cut against the grain rather than parallel to the fibers.
This shortens the muscle fibers and makes each bite easier to chew.
How to Store Leftover Steak
Allow cooked steak to cool slightly, then place it in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
How to Reheat Steak Without Drying It Out
The best way to reheat steak is slowly over low heat.
You can warm slices in a skillet with a small amount of butter or broth.
Avoid high heat because it can quickly make leftover steak tough.
Can You Freeze Cooked Steak?
Yes. Wrap cooled steak tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
For the best quality, use within approximately 2–3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate steak?
For this recipe, marinate the steak for at least 1 hour and preferably 4–8 hours for deeper flavor.
Can I marinate steak overnight?
Yes, but because the marinade contains lemon juice and soy sauce, avoid leaving the steak in the marinade for excessively long periods.
Does soy sauce make steak tender?
Soy sauce contributes salt and flavor and can help improve the overall texture of a marinade, but the cut of steak and cooking method are also important for tenderness.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium?
Yes. If using regular soy sauce, you may want to reduce or omit additional salt.
Can I cook this steak in the oven?
Yes. You can sear the steak in a hot oven-safe skillet and finish it in a preheated oven until it reaches your preferred internal temperature.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes. Dried rosemary, thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning can be used when fresh herbs aren't available.
How do I get a good crust on marinated steak?
Use a very hot cooking surface, avoid overcrowding, and pat excess marinade from the steak before cooking.
Recipe Card
Garlic Herb Soy-Marinated Steak
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 1–8 hours
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes, depending on marinating time
Servings: 4
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds steak of your choice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic, herbs, and seasonings.
- Place steaks in a resealable bag or shallow container.
- Pour marinade over the steaks and coat well.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4–8 hours.
- Remove steaks from the refrigerator 20–30 minutes before cooking.
- Discard the used marinade and pat the steaks dry.
- Preheat a grill or heavy skillet over high heat.
- Cook steaks according to thickness and desired doneness.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board.
- Rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Slice against the grain and serve.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Soy-Marinated Steak is an easy way to turn an everyday cut of beef into a flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of savory soy sauce, fresh garlic, herbs, lemon, and a touch of sweetness creates an incredibly flavorful marinade.
Whether you grill it outdoors or sear it in a hot skillet, the result is a juicy steak with a delicious caramelized crust that's perfect alongside potatoes, vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Save this recipe and try this easy garlic herb steak marinade for your next steak dinner!
