| | |

Awesome Steak Marinade Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

I usually stick to savory marinades when prepping steak—think garlic, herbs, and bold spices. But this time I switched things up with a sweet teriyaki-style marinade, and it was such a refreshing change! This awesome steak marinade recipe added just the right touch of sweetness while still letting the rich flavor of the steak shine through.

To keep the tropical tastes going, we tossed some pineapple rings on the grill alongside the steak. (Pro tip: I used the pineapple juice from the rings in the marinade.) Grilled pineapple is one of my absolute favorites—it caramelizes beautifully and pairs so well with the tender, juicy, marinated steaks.

Awesome Steak Marinade | realmomkitchen.com

The whole meal came together easily, and every bite was packed with so much flavor. This one’s a keeper—simple, sweet, and seriously delicious!

  • SOY SAUCE
  • BROWN SUGAR
  • APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
  • PINEAPPLE JUICE
  • GARLIC

In a medium bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and whisk until smooth and well blended. Make sure each element is fully incorporated to unlock every layer of flavor.

Place your steaks in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and store in the refrigerator.

Let the steaks marinate overnight—ideally for 12 to 14 hours—to allow the flavors to infuse and tenderize the meat deeply. When you’re ready to cook, remove the steaks from the marinade, pat them lightly with a paper towel for an ideal sear, and grill to your desired doneness.

What cuts of steak work best with teriyaki marinade?
Flank steak, skirt steak, sirloin, and ribeye are all great choices. Thinner cuts absorb flavor quickly, while thicker cuts benefit from longer marinating times.

How long should I marinate the steak?
For best results, marinate for 12 to 14 hours. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes to 2 hours can add flavor, especially for thinner cuts.

Can I marinate steak overnight?
Yes! Overnight marinating enhances flavor and tenderness. Just avoid going beyond 24 hours, as the meat can become overly soft.

Should I poke holes in the steak before marinating?
Poking small holes can help the marinade penetrate more deeply, especially for thicker cuts.

Can I freeze steak in teriyaki marinade?
Yes! Freezing steak in marinade helps lock in flavor. Just thaw it in the fridge before grilling.

Is it safe to reuse marinade?
Not if it’s been in contact with raw meat. If you want to use it for basting or as a sauce, set aside a separate portion before marinating.

Awesome Steak Marinade | realmomkitchen.com

Awesome Steak Marinade

Real Mom Kitchen

This awesome steak marinade recipe brings a sweet and savory twist to your grill game, using simple ingredients for bold flavor. By marinating the steak overnight, the rich teriyaki notes deeply infuse the meat, resulting in tender, juicy bites with a hint of caramelization. It’s a deliciously easy way to add variety to your summer cookouts with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinate Time 12 hours
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, Barbecue, BBQ
Servings 8 servings
Calories 387 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 3 garlic cloves crushed or finely minced
  • 8 sirloin steaks

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and use as marinade. If marinading steaks, marinade the meat overnight (about 12-14 hours) before grilling.
  • Grilling time depends on the thickness of your steak and your preferred level of doneness, but here’s a handy guide for 1-inch thick steaks over medium-high heat (about 450°F):
    Rare 6–8 minutes 125°F
    Medium Rare 7–10 minutes 135°F
    Medium 10–12 minutes 145°F
    Well Done 12–15 minutes 160°F

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 1754mg | Potassium: 887mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 5mg
Keyword beef, grilled steak, grilling, summer
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

I adapted this recipe from My Kitchen Café.

5 from 1 vote

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




14 Comments

  1. Pingback: Killer Kebabs | We Dish Nutrition
  2. This sounds like the marinade they use on their sirloin at the Carolina Roadhouse in Myrtle Beach, SC. It is one of the best steaks I’ve ever eaten out. Grilled ‘Pittsburgh’ style, a crusted exterior and center to choice. I cant wait to try this marinade. Thanks for posting.

  3. Pingback: Menu – 1 » Food Baby Files
  4. Beef steak has always been my all time favorite dish and i am always looking for some new recipes that has steak as the main ingredient.~;~

  5. 5 stars
    We cut the recipe in half just to taste it, and not waste ingrediants. It was AMAZING! Very very good. We substituded the apple cider for balsalmic vinegar and pineapple juice for lemon juice. YUM YUM YUM!

  6. I used this marinade on flank steak for tonight’s dinner and it came out fantastic! I did however substitute the apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar and put some fresh lime juice. Marinated the meat for 5 hours, then grilled it in medium rare. Sliced it thinly against the grain and served hot over an iceberg lettuce salad. Good stuff. Thanks lots for this!

  7. that does look like a great marinade. We love to grill so this is going on our menu for next month. Thanks for sharing Laura.

  8. Laura – your intro made me laugh. I don’t blame you for not wanting to use Brian’s name – a little personal without actually knowing him (although he would be flattered). The marinade is awesome and that title is appropriate, too! Glad you liked it.

  9. Oh,yeah! This sounds good. Wonder if I have any steak in the freezer; will have to check. If not, bet it would be good on chicken too!