Name: Gordon Ramsay's Flavorful Steak Marinade
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-488824H6M48S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tsp cracked black pepper; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional); 1.5–2 lbs steak (ribeye, sirloin, flank, etc.)

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Gordon Ramsay’s flavorful steak marinade is all about enhancing the natural richness of steak with bold, aromatic ingredients. It strikes a perfect balance between savory, tangy, and herbaceous notes, creating a juicy and tender steak every single time. I love how this marinade transforms an everyday cut into something restaurant-worthy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love that this marinade brings out the best in any steak cut—ribeye, sirloin, flank, you name it. It’s packed with fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and a splash of acidity that helps tenderize the meat and boost flavor. I don’t need any fancy tools or long prep times—just a few simple ingredients and a little patience for marinating.

Ingredients

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

Olive oil
Soy sauce
Balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
Dijon mustard
Fresh garlic, minced
Fresh rosemary, chopped
Fresh thyme, chopped
Cracked black pepper
Sea salt
Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Steak cut of choice (ribeye, sirloin, flank, etc.)

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and cracked black pepper.
Add a splash of lemon juice if I want a brighter flavor.
Place the steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s well coated on all sides.
Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—ideally 2–4 hours for deeper flavor.
Remove the steak from the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature.
Grill or sear the steak to desired doneness, letting it rest before slicing.

Servings and timing

This marinade is enough for about 1.5 to 2 pounds of steak and serves 2–4 people depending on the cut. Prep time takes just 10 minutes, with a marinating time of 30 minutes to 4 hours. Cooking time varies based on thickness and preferred doneness—usually 8–12 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add a bit of honey or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness, especially if I’m grilling and want some caramelization. I’ve also used Worcestershire sauce in place of soy sauce for a more classic steakhouse vibe. For a spicier version, I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I use the marinade right away or store it in the fridge for up to 3 days if I make extra. Once the steak is cooked, leftovers go in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat sliced steak gently in a skillet over medium heat or wrapped in foil in the oven to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the steak?

I usually marinate it for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, I let it sit for 2–4 hours. I avoid going over 8 hours to prevent the texture from changing too much.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, when I’m out of fresh herbs, I use about one-third the amount of dried rosemary and thyme. The flavor’s still great, though fresh gives a more vibrant taste.

Is it okay to freeze steak in the marinade?

Definitely. I sometimes freeze raw steak right in the marinade in a sealed freezer bag. When I’m ready to cook, I thaw it in the fridge overnight.

What steak cuts work best with this marinade?

I’ve used this on ribeye, NY strip, flank, skirt, and sirloin. It’s especially good on tougher cuts like flank or skirt because the marinade helps tenderize them.

Do I need to pat the steak dry before cooking?

Yes, I pat it dry to get a better sear and avoid steaming. The flavor from the marinade has already soaked in, so drying it won’t remove any taste.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s flavorful steak marinade is one of my favorite ways to make steak taste incredible with very little effort. It’s bold, balanced, and brings out the best in any cut. Whether I’m firing up the grill or using a cast-iron skillet indoors, this marinade makes steak night something I always look forward to.

Gordon Ramsay’s Flavorful Steak Marinade