The Best Marinade for Steak, Pork, and Lamb

Elevate your cooking with this versatile marinade, perfect for grass-fed steak, pastured pork, and lamb. Infused with fresh citrus juice, soy sauce, and aromatic herbs, this marinade tenderizes meat while enhancing its natural flavors. Whether you opt for a quick 2-hour soak or an overnight marinade, this recipe guarantees a juicy, flavorful bite every time.

For best results, pair this marinade with high-quality, grass-fed & grass-finished meats like those found in our beef shares and specialty bundles.

Ingredients

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup olive oil or coconut oil

1/3 cup citrus juice (lemon, lime, or orange)

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

 tbsp dried basil

1 tsp ground black pepper

Dash of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Method

Prepare the Marinade

• In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oil, citrus juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, basil, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Marinate the Meat

• Place your steak, pork, or lamb in a shallow dish or resealable bag.
• Pour the marinade over the meat and massage gently to coat evenly.
• Cover with a non-reactive lid (avoid aluminum foil).

Let It Rest

• Quick soak: Let the meat sit at room temperature for 2 hours before cooking.
• Overnight marinade: Refrigerate the meat for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.

Pro Tip: Scoring Flank Steak for Maximum Flavor

Flank steak benefits from scoring, which helps the marinade penetrate deeper and prevents the meat from curling during grilling.

How to Score Flank Steak:

1. Lay the steak flat on a cutting board with the grain running horizontally.

2. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts (1/4 inch deep) across the surface, spacing them 1 inch apart.

3. Cut against the grain, perpendicular to the muscle fibers.

4. Flip and repeat on the other side.

5. Massage the steak gently to open up the cuts and enhance the marinade absorption.

By scoring the flank steak, you allow the meat to relax and cook more evenly while maximizing tenderness and flavor.

Why Use Grass-Fed & Pasture-Raised Meats?

Choosing grass-fed, grass-finished beef or pastured pork and lamb ensures:

✔ Higher levels of Omega-3s and CLAs for better nutrition

✔ A cleaner, more natural taste without additives

✔ Sustainable and ethical farming practices

If you’re in Hawaii, check out our beef shares and specialty bundles for premium-quality meats that pair perfectly with this marinade.