Name: Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488660H32M11S
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 steak (about 12 oz); ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced; 1 tbsp dark brown sugar; ½ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

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This Gordon Ramsay-inspired steak marinade is a rich blend of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and dark brown sugar. It’s the kind of marinade I love using when I want a perfectly balanced steak—savory, slightly sweet, with just the right kick of spice. It transforms an ordinary cut of steak into a restaurant-worthy dish right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this marinade because it tenderizes the steak while infusing it with layers of flavor. The balsamic and brown sugar add depth and caramelization, the soy sauce brings umami, and the garlic and rosemary create a fragrant, herby finish. With just a short marinating time, I can elevate any steak into something truly special.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Steak (about 12 oz)
Balsamic vinegar
Soy sauce
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Fresh rosemary, minced
Dark brown sugar
Kosher salt
Ground black pepper
Red pepper flakes

Directions

I combine balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl, whisking until smooth.
I place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure the steak is fully coated.
I let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
I remove the steak from the marinade and let it come to room temperature before cooking.
I sear the steak in a hot skillet or grill to my desired doneness, letting the sugars in the marinade caramelize beautifully.
I let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes enough marinade for one 12 oz steak, which serves about 2 people. Prep takes about 10 minutes, marinating time is at least 1 hour (but I prefer overnight), and cooking takes about 8–12 minutes depending on thickness and doneness preference.

Variations

Sometimes I swap rosemary for thyme for a slightly different herbal note. If I want it sweeter, I add a little extra brown sugar; if I want it spicier, I increase the red pepper flakes. I also like using this marinade for lamb chops or chicken for a versatile flavor boost.

storage/reheating

I store any unused marinade (before touching raw meat) in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Once the steak is cooked, I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. To reheat, I slice the steak and warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it juicy.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the steak?

I usually marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight gives the best flavor.

Do I need to add more salt before cooking?

No, the soy sauce already adds saltiness, so I only season lightly if needed.

Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely, this marinade works beautifully on the grill and enhances caramelization.

Will this work on tougher cuts of beef?

Yes, the acidity from the balsamic helps tenderize tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak.

Conclusion

This Gordon Ramsay steak marinade is one of my go-to ways to make a steak taste incredible with minimal effort. I love how the combination of sweet, savory, and herby flavors elevates any cut of beef. Whether I pan-sear or grill, the result is always a juicy, flavorful steak that feels like a gourmet meal at home.

Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade

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This Gordon Ramsay steak marinade blends balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, rosemary, and brown sugar for the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and herby flavors. It tenderizes and caramelizes beautifully, turning any cut into a restaurant-quality steak at home.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (minimum)
Yield: Marinade for 1 steak (about 2 servings)
Category: Marinade, Main Dish
Method: Marinating + Grilling/Pan-Searing
Cuisine: American, Steakhouse-Inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 steak (about 12 oz)
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
1 tbsp dark brown sugar
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Place steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Remove steak from marinade and let come to room temperature.
Cook steak in a hot skillet or on the grill until desired doneness, allowing marinade sugars to caramelize.
Rest steak for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Swap rosemary for thyme for a different herbal note.
Adjust sweetness with more brown sugar, or spiciness with extra red pepper flakes.
Works well with lamb chops or chicken, not just steak.
Soy sauce already adds saltiness, so season lightly if needed.
Marinate overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.