Asian Steak Marinade Recipe

For those of you who watched me go up against Bobby Flay on Chopped, you may know I rocked the basket ingredient of prime rib eye steak. My dish was bibimbap and I used a simple marinade to give the steak a lot of flavor.  The judges loved my marinated steak. It's no small feat to beat Bobby Flay on steaks so it's definitely a feather I count in my cap. A common question I get is how I made and used a marinade so quickly.  

The secret is simple and now I've made a video to bring you all in on it.  This is a great recipe for the middle of the week when you don't have a lot of time but you still want to make a delicious dinner and impress the friends and family.  Without further ado, I give you my version of a quick Asian Marinade. Video and recipe below.

I’ve also included a follow up video on techniques for cooking steak.  Here I am using steak that has been marinated.  Since it has an Asian culinary flavor, you might want to cut the steak into strips and add it into stir fry or put it into a beef and broccoli dish. Another idea, you can cook the steaks whole and serve with roasted Japanese sweet potatoes or rice.  Keep your meal plan simple and remember to add some greens for a well rounded meal.

Asian Steak Marinade

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 4–8 hours
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Ingredients

• ¾ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1½ pounds skirt steak, cut into 4 (6-ounce) pieces

Instructions

1. Make the Marinade
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil until the sugar fully dissolves. Taste and adjust—add a touch more sugar for balance or a splash more soy sauce for saltiness.

2. Marinate the Steak
   Place the skirt steak pieces in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring each piece is well coated.
   Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 6 hours for deeper flavor. Turn the steak once or twice during marinating.

3. Prepare to Cook
   Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels—this helps achieve a better sear.

4. Cook the Steak
   Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Lightly oil the surface, then sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. Adjust cook time to your preference.

5. Rest and Serve
   Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.

   Serve with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad for a balanced, flavorful meal.

   This Asian Steak Marinade beautifully highlights how a few simple pantry ingredients can transform an everyday cut of beef into something vibrant, tender, and deeply flavorful. The combination of soy sauce, mirin, garlic, and sesame oil strikes that irresistible balance of salty, sweet, and umami—each element enhancing the natural richness of the skirt steak without overpowering it. After just a few hours of marinating, the steak absorbs the essence of the marinade, creating a deeply seasoned crust when seared and a juicy, flavorful interior that practically melts in your mouth.

   What makes this recipe special is its versatility and ease. It can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and effortless entertaining. Whether cooked on a smoky outdoor grill or in a sizzling cast-iron pan, the result is consistently impressive—a restaurant-quality steak that takes minimal effort. The marinade also pairs beautifully with other proteins like chicken, salmon, or tofu, allowing you to adapt it to any palate or occasion.

   Serving the sliced steak with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, a side of quick-pickled cucumbers, or lightly charred vegetables brings balance and freshness to the meal. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions on top for color and texture. The simplicity of this dish means it’s easy to elevate with thoughtful sides or to enjoy just as it is—flavorful, aromatic, and satisfying.

   Ultimately, this recipe celebrates the timeless art of balance in Asian cooking—where bold flavors meet subtle harmony. It’s a reminder that with good ingredients, care, and attention to technique, even the most straightforward dishes can feel indulgent and nourishing. Once you’ve tried this marinade, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen rotation.