Keto Steak Marinade
With just six simple ingredients, this Keto Steak Marinade is one of my favorite ways to add flavor to steak. Not only is it fast and easy to make, but it is the best marinade since it pairs perfectly with the natural flavors of the beef. Take your next steak night to a whole new level!
Love steak? Try this Mediterranean Steak Salad Recipe next!
I love a good steak. One that’s perfectly cut, perfectly cooked, and now—perfectly marinated. Truth be told, I’ve eaten a lot of steak in my life. Some good, some not so good, and I’ve learned a few things along the way.
The first lesson I’ve learned is that you need to find a flavor you love on your steak. For some people, it’s just a bit of salt and pepper, and they’re good to go. But for me? This quick steak marinade is where it’s at.
I love knowing that what I’m adding to an already delicious cut of meat is enhancing the flavor rather than overpowering it. This low carb steak marinade adds plenty of savory flavor while still letting the steak itself be the star.
Since we’re on a steak roll, you should also check out my Steak and Broccoli Stir Fry and Keto Salisbury Steak. Both are hearty, easy dinner options!
Ingredients
- Oil – I like to use extra virgin olive oil because it has great flavor.
- Red wine vinegar – Adds acidity and helps give the steak plenty of flavor.
- Onion – Steak and onions were meant to go together! You can use onion powder if needed.
- Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic adds lots of savory flavor to the marinade. Garlic powder can work as well if you don’t have fresh.
- Kosher salt – Seasons the steak throughout.
- Black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper is delicious with the other ingredients in this low carb marinade.
How To Make This Keto Steak Marinade Recipe
Onion and garlic do contain some carbohydrates, but you’re only using a small amount in this marinade. Most of the marinade is also left behind rather than eaten, making this an easy way to add their savory flavors while keeping the meal low carb.
Step One: Add all the marinade ingredients to a blender and blend until well combined.
Step Two: Place the steak in a shallow baking dish or large zip-top bag.
Step Three: Pour the marinade over the steak, turning the meat so it’s well coated.
Step Four: Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can let it marinate longer.
Step Five: Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Grill or cook the steak to your preferred doneness.
Alternatively, try using this marinade for my Broiled Ribeye!
Top Tip💡
Always marinate steak in the refrigerator rather than on the counter. Once the raw steak has been in the marinade, discard any marinade that’s left behind.
If you want sauce for serving, set some marinade aside before adding the raw meat.
Variations
- Change the vinegar – Red wine vinegar is my favorite, but you can experiment with balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Add more seasonings – Try smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, dried basil, oregano, or your favorite steak seasoning. Adding almost any fresh herb is another great way to boost the flavor. Any spices that are part of your pantry staples can be fun to add. Just make sure the flavors taste good together.
- Change the oil – Avocado oil is another great option.
- Minced garlic – Use jarred minced garlic instead of fresh garlic cloves to save a little prep time.
- Add citrus – Add a splash of fresh lemon juice or lime juice for a little citrus flavor.
- Soy sauce – Omit the salt and add soy sauce, liquid aminos, tamari, or coconut aminos instead. If you need the marinade to be gluten-free, check the label on your soy sauce or use a gluten-free alternative.
Common Questions
What is the best cut of steak to use?
You can use this marinade with almost any cut of steak. Sirloin, skirt steak, flank steak, ribeye, and New York strip are all good options. It’s especially useful for cuts that benefit from a little extra flavor.
How long should I marinate steak?
For a quick marinade, give the steak at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If you have more time, you can let it marinate for a few hours for more flavor.
Will this marinade work on other types of meat?
Yes. You can use this keto marinade for chicken or pork as well. Just be sure to marinate everything in the refrigerator and cook each type of meat to a safe internal temperature.
What pairs well with marinated steak?
There are plenty of options. For low carb side dishes, serve it with a salad, roasted vegetables, cauliflower mash, or grilled vegetables. You can also slice the steak and serve it over greens for an easy steak salad.
How do you store leftover marinated steak?
Store leftover cooked steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat it later or slice it cold for salads, low carb wraps, or stir fry.
Discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw steak. Don’t store it to use again.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Joy Filled Eats
Keto Steak Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Marinate your choice of steak and then grill to your preference.
Nutrition
Like what you see? Follow me on Facebook and Instagram! Love this recipe? Leave a comment & a 5-star rating right here! Make sure you don’t miss new recipes by getting email updates!
Originally Published May 25, 2022. Revised and Republished September 1, 2026.
This is very good! We’re trying to follow the carnivore diet, but get some pretty tough steaks. Grass fed sirloin is sometimes like shoe leather! We used this on a sirloin steak, and it was very good. It didn’t add much flavor, just made it tender. I had to use balsamic vinegar since I didn’t have red wine vinegar. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Marinade is simple and delicious.
I have never before used a marinade for my steak but I thought I would give this a go and to my surprise it was amazing my steaks were melt n the mouth tender really really lovely this will now be a regular way I now cook steak. thank you.
I’m so glad to hear that, Rona!