Ginger Garlic Savory Steak Marinade (Printable Version)

Ginger, garlic, and umami infuse steak with deep flavor. Easy, bold marinade ideal for vibrant, juicy results.

# Components:

→ Aromatics

01 - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
02 - 4 large garlic cloves, minced

→ Liquids and Sweeteners

03 - 1/4 cup soy sauce
04 - 1/4 cup olive oil or neutral oil
05 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
06 - 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

# Preparation steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and kosher salt until thoroughly combined.
02 - Place the steaks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the steaks, ensuring they are fully coated.
03 - Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate and marinate for a minimum of 1 hour, with an optimal marinating period of 4 to 8 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
04 - Remove the steaks from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade responsibly.
05 - Cook the steaks using your preferred method, such as grilling, broiling, or pan-searing, to your desired level of doneness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 10 minutes of active prep time
  • Works with any cut of steak from ribeye to flank
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
  • Creates restaurant-quality flavor at home
02 -
  • This marinade contains natural meat tenderizers from both ginger and vinegar
  • Works equally well for indoor cooking methods or outdoor grilling
  • Can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator
03 -
  • Always marinate meat in the refrigerator, never at room temperature
  • For maximum flavor penetration, score thicker steaks with shallow cuts before marinating
  • Reserve a small portion of the marinade before adding meat if you want a serving sauce
  • The intensity of fresh ginger varies significantly, so adjust according to your preference and the freshness of your root
  • Allow marinated steaks to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking for more even results

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