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Steak Marinade

This bold and flavorful steak marinade is ideal for tenderizing tougher cuts of meat. A zesty blend of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and orange juice creates the perfect balance of salty and tangy, while a robust mix of spices adds depth and complexity. The result? Juicy, flavor-packed steak every time.

Want even more flavor? You can turn the leftover marinade into a rich, savory sauce while cooking the steak—just follow the notes in the recipe! Serve it with any rice or quinoa, add some chopped broccoli for a great meal.

Ingredients

Serves 2–4

  • 16 oz sirloin bottom strips or chuck (great for tougher cuts)cut into 1/2 inch cubes

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp orange juice

  • 1 tsp soy sauce

  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 1/2 tsp garlic chili sauce

  • 3/4 tsp hot pepper jelly

  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

  • 1/4 tsp peanut butter (adds creaminess)

  • 1/2 tsp dried mustard (hot or regular)

  • 1/2 tsp berbere seasoning (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (only if turning marinade into a sauce)

  • 1/2 cup water (only if turning marinade into a sauce)

Instructions

Marinate the Beef

  1. Cut the beef into ½-inch cubes and place them in a sealable plastic bag.

  2. In a medium bowl, combine all marinade ingredients except the cornstarch (only needed if making a sauce). Whisk until fully blended.

  3. Pour the marinade over the beef in the bag. Seal and massage the bag to evenly coat the meat.

  4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor. Massage the bag occasionally to help the marinade absorb evenly.

Cook the Beef

  1. Remove the marinated beef from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.

  2. Heat a large sauté or frying pan over medium-high heat.

  3. Add the beef (discarding excess marinade unless you're making the sauce) and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

Optional: Make a Sauce

  1. To turn the marinade into a sauce, add 1/2 cup water and bring it to a boil in a small saucepan. Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with a splash of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the boiling marinade. Simmer until thickened and serve over the beef.

To Serve

  1. Serve the cooked beef over rice or quinoa, and add a side of chopped, sautéed broccoli or your favorite vegetables for a complete, flavorful meal.