The Umami Bomb Asianinspired Steak Marinade

The BEST steak marinade recipe My Umami Secret

By Kendra ThompsonAugust 21, 2025

Table of Contents

The Umami Bomb: Your New Favorite Steak Marinade Recipe

Fancy a steak that tastes like it came straight from a fancy restaurant? I've got you covered! Have you ever tried an Asian inspired steak marinade ? Get ready for a flavour explosion with this incredibly easy recipe.

What's the Deal with This Marinade?

This isn't your average steak marinade recipe . Originating from a love for East Asian flavours, this homemade steak marinade is packed with that savoury, almost indescribable umami flavour.

It's super easy to make. Seriously. You probably already have most of the ingredients. It takes around 40 minutes, plus marinating time, and makes enough for 2-4 steaks.

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Recipe

Honestly, the best part is how darn easy it is. But aside from that, marinating your steak is a healthy way to avoid adding salt when grilling.

Serve it at your next barbecue. Trust me, this best marinade for steak will be the star of the show.

Grab These Bits and Bobs

Okay, here's what you'll need to create this flavour sensation. Don't worry, it's nothing too fancy! We're aiming for a delicious Asian steak marinade without needing a trip to a specialist shop.

We're talking everyday stuff.

Marinade Ingredients:

1/4 cup Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons Sesame Oil
2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
1 tablespoon Honey
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

For the Steaks:

2-4 Steaks
Olive Oil
Salt

Time to Get Marinading!

Let's get this show on the road! This easy steak marinade recipe is so simple. You'll be wondering why you haven't been doing this all along.

And remember, a little bit of planning ahead makes all the difference. Overnight steak marinade is where it's at!.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Right then, are you ready to transform a plain old steak into something truly spectacular? My umami steak marinade is the key.

It's inspired by the flavours of the East, and it's unbelievably easy. Trust me, even if you're a beginner in the kitchen, you can nail this.

We're making the best marinade for steak tonight!.

Main Ingredients for the Steak Marinade

Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Low sodium is best. It'll keep the dish from getting overly salty.
Sesame Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . This is what gives it that lovely Asian twist.
Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Apple cider vinegar works as a substitute if that’s all you have.
Honey: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Maple syrup also works.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Or 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic. I won't judge!
Fresh Ginger: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) , grated. Or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. Fresh is better, honestly.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) , optional. Only if you like a bit of heat!
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) , freshly ground.

For the steaks, grab 2-4 steaks that are about 1 inch thick . Sirloin or ribeye are top choices. You will also need olive oil for cooking and salt to season when finished.

I've tried this easy steak marinade on everything from cheap cuts to fancy ones, and it always delivers.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

Soy sauce and sesame oil are non-negotiable. They are the heart of this Asian steak marinade . Garlic and ginger add that aromatic punch.

Want to kick it up a notch? Add a tiny pinch of Chinese five spice powder. Or a dash of sriracha.

Can't find rice vinegar? No worries. Apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch. Play around with the ratios to find what you like best. That's the fun of cooking, innit?

Essential Equipment

Okay, let's see what bits and bobs you'll need. Nothing too fancy, promise!.

Mixing bowl. For mixing all the good stuff together.
Whisk or fork. Get everything combined nicely.
Resealable plastic bag. Or an airtight container. For marinating the steaks.
Grill. Or a cast iron skillet. For cooking those beauties.
Meat thermometer. This is essential if you want perfectly cooked steaks.

You might be thinking "Oh my gosh, I don't have a cast iron skillet!". Don't fret, a normal frying pan will work just fine.

You can also use a grill pan indoors. And if you don't have a meat thermometer, well, just keep a close eye on them.

Remember to bring the meat to room temperature and resting is key for a proper result after the steak marinade recipes finish.

The Umami Bomb: Let's Talk Asian Inspired Steak Marinade

Fancy a steak that tastes like it's straight from a top restaurant? Honestly, you can make it at home. This steak marinade recipe is inspired by Asian flavours, it's dead easy, and it'll blow your mind.

Get ready for the best marinade for steak you've ever tried.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Sorted

Alright, before we get cracking, let's get our ducks in a row. This is the essential mise en place, the key to a stress free cooking sesh.

Grab your ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Mince your garlic and grate the ginger. If you're lazy like me, jarred minced garlic works just fine!
Safety first! Wash your hands before handling any food.

Unleash the Umami: step-by-step

This easy steak marinade is a doddle to make. Follow these steps, and you'll be munching on a flavour bomb in no time.

Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a bowl.
Pop your steaks (sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip are ace) into a plastic bag or container.
Pour the marinade over the steak , making sure they're all coated.
Seal the bag or container and chuck it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes , ideally 4 hours , or even better, overnight . This is how to get a proper overnight steak marinade .
Grill or pan-sear your marinated steak to perfection. Medium rare (130- 135° F) is where it's at!
Rest the steaks for 5- 10 minutes before slicing. Honestly, this is crucial.
Slice against the grain and sprinkle with sea salt. Enjoy your flavour explosion!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Steak

Here are a few tricks I've picked up over the years to make your grilled steak recipes even better.

Don't over marinate. Overnight is the absolute limit. Trust me on this one.
Pat the steaks dry before cooking. This helps them get a proper sear.
Want a spicy kick? Add some chopped chillies to the Asian steak marinade .

And there you have it! This homemade steak marinade will transform your steak game forever. And this recipe fits well as one of those steak marinade recipes you always look for.

Recipe Notes: Nailing That Perfect Marinated Steak

Alright, love. Let's talk about those little extra bits that make this steak marinade recipe truly sing. It's not just about chucking it all together (though, honestly, that's most of the battle!).

It's those wee details that elevate it from "meh" to "Oh my gosh!".

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Up a Treat

Presentation, my friend, is half the battle. Imagine you are in MasterChef competition. A perfectly seared marinated steak , sliced against the grain, is a beautiful thing.

Fan it out artfully on the plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly chopped parsley. Fancy, eh?

Complementary sides? Grilled asparagus is a no-brainer. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic. Or, for something lighter, a simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette.

And don't forget the vino. A bold red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot will sing with the rich umami steak marinade .

Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the cooked marinated steak in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Freezing cooked steak isn't ideal, but if you must, wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil. Use it within a month .

Reheating? Gently does it! A low oven or a quick pan-fry will do the trick.

Tweaks and Twists: Your Homemade Steak Marinade , Your Way

This Easy Steak Marinade is pretty versatile. Fancy a bit of heat? Add a chopped chili pepper.

Got dietary needs? Use Tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Use sugar-free sweetener for a low-sugar version.

Don't have rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch. Running low on fresh ginger? A small amount of ginger powder works OK but don't be tempted to add too much.

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite

While I'm no nutritionist, here's a rough idea. Per serving (based on 4 servings), you're looking at around 250 calories , 25g protein , 15g fat , and 5g carbs .

Sodium clocks in around 700mg , but that depends on your soy sauce. The key health benefits? All that glorious protein and a healthy dose of umami goodness!

And that's it, my friend! This steak marinade recipe will knock you off your feet. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Happy cooking!. And remember, the key to great grilling is practice. Get in there, have a go and enjoy the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate my steak using this steak marinade recipe?

For the best results, marinate your steak for at least 30 minutes. However, ideally, you'd want to marinate it for 4 hours, or even overnight in the fridge. Just remember, don't go overboard, or the meat can become a bit mushy think of it like leaving your tea bag in for too long!

Can I use this steak marinade recipe on other types of meat besides steak?

Absolutely! While this marinade is designed with steak in mind, it works wonders on other cuts of beef, like flank steak or skirt steak. It's also fantastic on chicken or pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your chosen meat is cooked through wouldn't want any salmonella surprises!

What's the best way to store leftover steak marinade?

If your marinade has come into contact with raw meat, it's crucial to discard it for food safety reasons. However, if you made a batch of this steak marinade recipe specifically for storage, you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

It’s a bit like keeping that leftover gravy from Sunday roast use it wisely and quickly!

Can I freeze the steak with the marinade?

Freezing is a brilliant idea if you're prepping in advance! Place the steak and marinade in a freezer safe bag, squeeze out any excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. The marinade will actually help to tenderize the steak as it thaws.

Just remember to thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking no one wants a dodgy defrost!

Is this steak marinade recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

This marinade is relatively healthy, but it does contain soy sauce which can be high in sodium. If you're watching your salt intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Also, be mindful of the honey or maple syrup if you're concerned about sugar. You can always use a sugar substitute, but honestly, a little bit won't hurt!