Nobody wants to stand in front of a grill when temperatures are soaring, but nothing screams summer more than a perfectly grilled steak. So how do you get the best of both worlds, a perfect steak without melting into the patio? The real work happens hours earlier, in your kitchen, with a five ingredient marinade that soaks in all the flavor while you go about your day. By the time the grill is hot, you're already winning. Ten minutes on the fire, a rest under foil with a pat of garlic herb butter melting into every crust and crevice, and you're done. Big flavor, fast fire, and full-on patio king status. Done and done.
Grilling a Perfect Steak
Grilling steaks is a simple process that creates a crisp layer on the outside with a tender and juicy inside. Cook your steak to perfection following these simple step-by-step instructions.
- Prepare grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, I like to turn off the heat and quickly clean grates with hot water or half an onion. Then once dry you can oil the grates then turn the flame back on.
- Cook the steak. Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. If you prefer your steak medium to well done, you will likely need to cook it a few more minutes.
- Insert meat thermometer. Beef’s tender, juicy texture is optimum when cooked to medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness. To determine doneness, insert a thermometer horizontally into the side of the steaks. Place the thermometer in the thickest part. The thermometer should not touch bone, fat, or the grill.
- Let rest. Once it’s reached the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and tent with foil for 5 minutes. I like to add some garlic herb butter while it rests for additional flavor.
Easy Steak Marinades
This is the best steak marinade that only takes 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep work. The flavor is absolutely wonderful and creates a juicy and flavorful steak.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper , to taste
Variations
- Citrus swap. Omit the balsamic and try lime juice or orange juice or lemon juice instead. You could also use a combination.
- Liquid smoke. Just a drop of liquid smoke goes a long way. Add a bit if you like a smoky BBQ flavor.
- For a sweet note. Pour in a bit of canned pineapple juice
- Fresh herbs: Add some fresh chopped cilantro for another layer of flavor similar to a carne asada marinade.
- Make a sauce. Once the marinade has made contact with raw meat it is no longer safe to consume. This doesn’t mean you need to throw it out, however. Boil it on the stovetop until it thickens, season as desired, and serve as an extra sauce.
How to Marinate Steak
Whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl. Place the steak in a large freezer bag or bowl, then pour the marinade on top and seal the bag/bowl. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but around 4 hours is ideal. The longer the steaks marinate, the more flavor they will have!
Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter , softened
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (omit if using salted butter)
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1-2 Tablespoons freshly chopped herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, chives, parsley, basil, oregano, tarragon, or sage)
Instructions
-
Combine ingredients. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix butter and herbs until nice and fluffy.
-
Chill. Place the butter on a piece of plastic wrap and roll into a log or place in a small mason jar. Chill in the refrigerator at least 1 hour, or until ready to serve. This recipe also can be stored in the freezer.
-
Serve. When ready to serve, let sit on the counter 10 minutes to soften slightly.
Jamielyn Nye (@iheartnaptime)
Jamielyn brings life to America’s favorite family recipes that are both nostalgic and fun. Her irresistible twists capture the magic of homemade comfort while adding playful creativity to every bite. Whether for a family gathering or a late-night craving you can always find something yummy at https://www.iheartnaptime.net/