Best Steak Marinade Recipe with Black Garlic
FEATURED IMAGE CONCEPT: A dark, glossy black garlic marinade drizzled over a perfectly seared steak, with a jar of I Love Black Garlic Purée beside it.
Looking for the best steak marinade recipe that delivers bold flavor and impressive nutrition? This black garlic marinade transforms any cut of beef into a tender, umami-packed masterpiece. Black garlic is naturally sweet, rich, and filled with antioxidants that support heart health, making it both delicious and functional.
What Is Black Garlic?
Black garlic starts as white garlic, then slowly ferments until it becomes soft, dark, sweet, and incredibly savory. Its umami depth makes it ideal for marinades. Beyond flavor, black garlic contains:
- High antioxidant levels that support immune and heart health
- Lower acidity, making it gentle on the stomach
- Balanced umami that enhances meat without overpowering it
I Love Black Garlic products use organic, small-batch fermentation for the purest flavor and highest antioxidant content.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons I Love Black Garlic Organic Purée (or 4 Organic Peeled Cloves mashed)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound steak of choice
Instructions
- Whisk soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Add the black garlic purée and whisk until fully combined and smooth.
- Place steak in a dish or bag, then pour the marinade over it.
- Refrigerate for 1 to 24 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Remove steak, pat dry, and cook using your preferred method (grill, pan-sear, or oven broil).
- Rest 5 minutes, slice, and serve.
Tips & Variations
- Vegan: Replace steak with portobello mushrooms or firm tofu; swap Worcestershire for coconut aminos.
- High Protein: Use flank steak and reserve a tablespoon of marinade for a post-cook glaze.
- Creamy Version: Add 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt to the marinade for a tangy, tenderizing boost.
- Extra Umami: Add 1 teaspoon miso paste.
Product Highlight
This recipe features I Love Black Garlic, the leading small-batch fermented black garlic producer in the USA. Choose from our Organic Purée or Organic Peeled Cloves for gourmet results every time. Shop our full collection here.
Recipe Metadata
- Total Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: Approx. 110
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes + marinating time
- Author: I Love Black Garlic
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-free adaptable
Try This Recipe?
If you make this marinade, tag @iloveblackgarlic so we can feature your creation.