When it comes to crafting a memorable dinner, nothing quite compares to the robust flavors of a perfectly marinated steak. This herb-marinated steak with lemon combines Mediterranean-inspired ingredients to create a dish that’s as versatile as it is flavorful.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or simply elevating your weeknight meals, this recipe ensures every bite is infused with fresh, aromatic goodness.
Why This Recipe Works for Any Dinner
The herb-marinated steak with lemon is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors. The combination of basil, thyme, mint, and garlic creates a marinade that deeply penetrates the meat, enhancing its natural juiciness and tenderness.
The addition of lemon zest and juice not only brightens the dish but also helps tenderize the steak for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
This recipe also stands out for its adaptability. From boneless cuts like skirt and flank to bone-in favorites, you can tailor the preparation to suit your preferred steak.
Plus, the marinade comes together in minutes, making it an ideal choice for both quick meals and more leisurely cooking projects.
Simple Tips for Making the Perfect Steak
- Choose Quality Meat: Opt for cuts like skirt, flank, or ribeye for a tender and flavorful result. Higher-quality meat ensures your marinade shines.
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 30 minutes will do in a pinch, letting the steak sit in the herb-lemon marinade overnight enhances the taste and tenderness.
- Cook to the Right Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to perfection—medium-rare is typically 130°F to 135°F.
Customizing the Recipe to Your Needs
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can tweak the ingredients to accommodate various dietary preferences or spice levels.
- For a Milder Flavor: Skip the jalapeño in the marinade for a less spicy kick.
- For a Low-Carb Dinner: Pair your steak with roasted vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of traditional sides.
- To Make It Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but double-check your accompaniments to keep it that way.
Pairing Suggestions for a Balanced Meal
To complement the zesty, herbaceous flavors of the steak, consider serving it with Mediterranean-inspired sides:
- Grilled Vegetables: Eggplant, bell peppers, and asparagus add smoky depth to your meal.
- Lemon-Herb Couscous: A light, fluffy grain that mirrors the citrus notes in the steak.
- Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and olives.
Make It Work for Any Occasion
This recipe isn’t just for casual weeknight dinners. It’s equally impressive for entertaining. Serve it at your next dinner party with garnishes of torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of fresh thyme for an elegant presentation.
With a total cooking time of under an hour, you’ll have more time to spend with your guests.
The herb-marinated steak with lemon proves that a great dinner recipe doesn’t need to be complicated. Its bold Mediterranean flavors, versatility, and ease of preparation make it a go-to choice for any occasion.
Herb-Marinated Steak with Lemon Recipe for Dinner
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Grill or broiler
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves plus torn basil leaves for garnish
- 3 scallions white and green parts, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon thyme or regular thyme leaves plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint or dill leaves
- 2 fat garlic cloves
- 1 jalapeño seeded (optional)
- 2½ teaspoons kosher salt
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2½ pounds boneless steak e.g., skirt, strip, ribeye, flank, or London broil
Instructions
- Blend the Marinade Ingredients: Combine the basil, scallions, thyme, mint, garlic, and jalapeño (if using) in a blender or food processor. Add the kosher salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pour in the olive oil and process everything until it forms a smooth paste.
- Prepare and Marinate the Steak: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the steak dry. Place it in a large bowl and spread the herb paste evenly over all sides of the meat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or leave it overnight if you want the flavors to deepen.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or broiler on high heat.
- Cook the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and gently pat it dry with a paper towel, leaving some of the herb mixture clinging to the meat. Cook the steak over direct heat on the grill or under the broiler, following these guidelines for doneness based on thickness: For steaks about ½ inch thick: Cook for 2–4 minutes on each side. For steaks 1 to 1¼ inches thick: Cook for 3–6 minutes on each side. For thicker steaks (1½ to 2 inches): Cook for 6–9 minutes per side.
- Rest and Serve: Once the steak is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes so the juices redistribute. Slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve it garnished with torn basil leaves, sliced scallions, and additional thyme if desired.
Notes
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.