This Keto Steak Marinade is quick to make and will make your steaks even quicker to disappear. This is a win in the weekend dinner for everyone category - it deserves to be a rest-of-summer habit!

There is something about weekends, that always puts me in the mood for a steak.
Sometimes I keep things super-simple and just season everything while I am letting the meat temper. But sometimes I like to get all fancy and make this Keto Steak Marinade.
Of course, it isn't really fancy. In fact, it takes all of five minutes to throw together. But the family doesn't know that, and they are always so appreciative of the little extra effort that I've put in.
I like to serve this recipe with buttery air fryer cauliflower, arugula avocado salad, and keto steak sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should I Marinate Steak?
Steak should be marinaded for at least two hours and up to 24 hours for optimal taste. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, you can safely marinate steak for up to 5 days.
What Happens if You Marinate Steak Too Long?
If you have too much acidity in the marinade, it can make the meat mealy and being to “cook” it. Beyond 5 days and it should not be consumed.
Variations for This Recipe:
- Instead of the rosemary and oregano, use 2 teaspoons dried basil.
- Omit rosemary and basil, and in place use coriander and smoked paprika. Substitute lime juice for the lemon juice.

Keto Steak Marinade
Ingredients
- ½ cup avocado oil
- ⅓ cup coconut aminos
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or jar, combine avocado oil, coconut aminos, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- If using a bowl, whisk to combine. If using a jar, tightly seal the jar and shake well.
- Pour over steak.
- Marinade for 2 to 4 hours.



Heather Barber McMechan says
I had no idea about marinating the meat for more than a day. I typically throw out those that are left for more than a two.
Urvi says
These looks delicious. Do you think this marinade works with tofu? I ama vegetarian and I would love to try different recipe with a twist.
Wendy says
Yes! I think it would work beautifully.
Eveline McNeil says
What could I use instead of coconut aminos?
Wendy says
You could use tamari or if you don't have an issue with gluten you could use soy sauce. Another option would be Bragg's Liquid Aminos.
John says
Hi are there 3 grams of carbs or 24?
Wendy Polisi says
3 per serving, 24 for the whole recipe. But it is actually difficult to calculate because most of the marinade gets discarded.
Silvia says
What type of steak do you recommend for this recipe?
Wendy Polisi says
Any cut works - it is really a matter of personal preference. It is great on less expensive cuts because it gives flavor and tenderizes. (But don't marinade overnight unless you omit the lemon juice.) I personally like filet or sirloin, while my husband prefers Rib Eye. My boys adore flank steak.
Shannon says
This is now my go-to steak marinade, thanks!
Caroline says
Another idea instead of discarding the marinade is to heat it to boiling and then let it sit or simmer and use as a juice or sauce for the meat. 🙂
Taylor says
Just tried this (my first steak ever) and the marinade was SOOOO good. I used liquid aminos because that’s what I had on hand, and marinated for about 20 hours. Cut the recipe into one fourth since it was just me and the one cut. Just delicious, and now I feel like a steak pro!
Wendy Polisi says
Yay, Taylor! Liquid aminos is an awesome sub!
Dawn says
My picky family members loved it and have requested it to be on our rotation. Thanks!
Wendy Polisi says
I am so glad that you all enjoyed it!
Carol says
Why omit the lemon juice when marinating overnight?
Wendy Polisi says
It is a matter of personal preference, but generally you don't marinate meat in lemon juice for more than four hours because the acid "cooks" the meat and can make it tough.
doctorjan says
I don't see anywhere on the page where it says how much meat this is for. I have stew cubes that I want to use, but I need to know for how many pounds a single recipe would suffice. Thanks.
Michelle Conner says
Can you use anything else other than avocado o?
Wendy Polisi says
Yes - any heat-safe keto-friendly oil works here. I don't recommend extra virgin olive oil due to the low smoke point, but regular olive oil works.
Tracy says
Can I use pineapple juice instead of lemon and can I marinate that over night . Truly Tracyk
Wendy Polisi says
I wouldn't marinate it overnight with any type of citrus juice - especially pineapple juice. The enzymes can bread down the meat. If you do want to try pineapple juice, I'd recommend marinating no more than a couple of hours.