When it comes to cooking steak, a truly exceptional marinade can elevate a good cut of meat to an extraordinary culinary experience. This Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade is a testament to that, infusing your steak with a complex blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that ensure every bite is juicy, tender, and bursting with deliciousness. Whether you’re grilling, pan-frying, or broiling, this marinade is your secret weapon for achieving restaurant-quality results at home.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m always fascinated by the simple yet profound techniques that elevate everyday cooking, and this Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade perfectly embodies that philosophy. What I absolutely adore about it is the incredible balance of flavorsit achieves: the tangy balsamic vinegar, umami-rich soy sauce, and sweet dark brown sugar create a beautiful caramelization and depth. The fresh rosemary and garlic infuse the steak with an aromatic, earthy perfume, while the hint of red pepper flakes adds a subtle, exciting kick. It’s a marinade that not only tenderizes tougher cuts of meat by breaking down fibers but also deeply infuses flavor, making the steak incredibly juicy and more delicious. This recipe truly shows how a well-crafted marinade can transform your steak from good to absolutely phenomenal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz steak (any cut, such as sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak)
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided (2 tbsp for marinade, 1 tbsp for cooking)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs rosemary, minced (leaves only)
- ⅔ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅓ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for heat)
Swaps and Notes
- Steak Cut: This marinade works well with various cuts. For tougher cuts like flank steak or skirt steak, marinating for the full 6 hours or even overnight is highly recommended for maximum tenderization. For more tender cuts like filet mignon or ribeye, a shorter marinating time (2-4 hours) is sufficient.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Choose a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor. Apple cider vinegar can be a substitute for a different tangy profile.
- Soy Sauce: Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce based on your preference. Tamari can be used for a gluten-free alternative.
- Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds a richer, molasses-like sweetness and contributes to beautiful caramelization. Light brown sugar or even honey can be substituted.
- Garlic & Rosemary: Freshly minced garlic and rosemary are crucial for the best aromatic flavor. If using dried herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat. Omit entirely for no spice.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds good flavor to the marinade. A neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil can be used for cooking.
- Zip-Lock Bag: A re-sealable plastic bag is ideal for marinating as it ensures the steak is fully coated with minimal marinade. A non-reactive bowl covered tightly with plastic wrap also works.
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Take two cloves of garlic and two sprigs of fresh rosemary. Remove the rosemary leaves from the stems and finely mince both the garlic cloves and the rosemary leaves.
- Combine Marinade Base: In a medium bowl, combine ⅓ cup of balsamic vinegar, two tablespoons of soy sauce, ⅔ cup of dark brown sugar, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Add Seasonings & Mix: Add the minced rosemary, minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and ⅓ teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the bowl with the soy sauce mixture. Mix everything well to ensure all the spices and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the marinade.
- Marinate Steak: Carefully pour the mixture into a zip-lock bag. Place the steak (or steaks) into the bag with the marinade. Press out any excess air from the bag and seal it tightly. Toss the bag gently to ensure the steak is fully coated on all sides with the marinade.
- Refrigerate: Place the marinating steak in the refrigerator for at least six hours. For tougher cuts of meat or for an even deeper infusion of flavor, you can marinate it overnight, up to 24 hours.
- Prepare for Cooking: Once marinated, take the steak out of the refrigerator. Remove it from the zip-lock bag and pat it thoroughly dry on all sides with paper towels. Discard the leftover marinade. Patting dry is important for achieving a good sear. Keep the steak aside to come closer to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes) before cooking.
- Cook Steak: In a skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed is ideal), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat the skillet over medium-high to high heat until the oil is shimmering and just starting to smoke. Carefully place the marinated steak in the hot skillet. Fry the steak until crispy and cooked to your desired level of doneness. This typically takes 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of your steak. The high heat will create a beautiful crust and release those amazing flavors.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result. Slice against the grain and serve hot.
Notes
- Marinating Benefits: Marinating steak isn’t just about adding flavor; it also tenderizes the meat by breaking down tough fibers, resulting in a juicier and more delicious final product.
- Tougher Cuts: For tougher cuts of meat like flank or skirt steak, extending the marinating time is essential to help break down those connective tissues and make the meat tender.
- Versatility: This versatile marinade can also be used with other cuts of meat, such as pork chops, chicken breasts, or even hearty fish like swordfish, for a delicious twist inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s approach to flavor.
Tips for Success
- Pat Dry for Sear: After marinating, thoroughly patting the steak dry is crucial. Excess moisture will steam the meat instead of searing it, preventing a good crust.
- Hot Skillet: Ensure your skillet is screaming hot before adding the steak. This creates that desirable crispy, flavorful crust.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook steak in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and leads to steaming rather than searing.
- Rest Your Steak: This is non-negotiable for juicy steak! Letting it rest allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb juices that have been pushed to the center during cooking.
- Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness (e.g., 130-135°F for medium-rare, 135-140°F for medium).
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Steak marinated with this Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with classic sides that complement its rich flavor:
- Roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed or grilled asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
- A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- For a complete meal inspired by the South, try it with my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This marinade is designed for fresh use. Leftover marinated raw steak should not be stored. Cooked steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking and drying out the steak. Leftover steak is also fantastic thinly sliced for:
- Steak salads
- Sandwiches or wraps
- Stir-fries
- Tacos
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the robust flavors and ease of this steak marinade, you’ll find similar satisfaction in these other fantastic main dishes:
- For another comforting meat dish, check out These Easy Turkey Wings are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
- If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting meals, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- And for a flavorful one-pan meal, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is fantastic.
- For a super convenient start to your day, my This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip is also a great option.
Final Thoughts
This Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade is your ticket to consistently delicious, tender, and flavorful steak. It demonstrates how a few quality ingredients and a bit of time can make a world of difference in your cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this marinade will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, ensuring every steak you cook is truly memorable. Give it a try – you’ll be amazed by the results!
What are your go-to secrets for perfectly cooked steak? Share your favorite marinade ingredients in the comments below, and don’t forget to connect with Chef Maniac for more delicious and inspiring recipes!
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