Our family loves steak so I just had to share the best steak marinade around! It is a 3 ingredient steak marinade that will knock your socks off! You’ll never make a steak without it again.
Cooking steak at home is an easy money saver. By not eating out you are saving a ton of money. While steak can be expensive, it is much cheaper to cook or grill steak at home.
You can cook steak at home several different ways! This is the best steak marinade for grilling. We love grilling steak, especially in the summer. But you can also cook steak by panfrying it, baking it, and even cooking it in the crockpot.
No matter how you cook your steak or what kind of steak you buy, this steak marinade recipe will make them amazing.
What is the best way to tenderize a steak?
If you take a little extra time to tenderize your steak, you can really take a cheap cut of meat to the next level. Especially if you tenderize and marinated!
The easiest and quickest way to tenderize your steak is to salt it. Yes, you read that right, just salt! A coarse salt, such as sea salt, is your best option here.
Simply lay your steaks out on a plate after you marinate them and cover in a layer of salt. Flip them over and repeat.
Let the steaks sit for 30 minutes to allow the salt to break down the muscle fibers and create a natural brine. This will also allow the steaks to come to room temperature which will help the steaks to cook more evenly.
Pat the steaks dry before you cook them to help get that picture-perfect, flavor-locking sear. After your steaks are cooked, allow them to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Can you marinate steak too long?
I am always asked, “how long should I marinate my steaks for”. Typically I recommend that you marinate your steak, or chicken for that matter, anywhere from 4-24 hours for the best results.
If you’re in a pinch you can marinate it for 60 minutes with good results.
I do not recommend marinating your steaks for any longer than 24 hours. The vinegar in this marinade recipe will begin to break down the meat and you’ll end up with a mushy steak. No one wants that!
If you find yourself in a position where your plans have changed and you’re unable to cook the marinated steaks within 24 hours, no worries because this is the best steak marinade for freezing. Just pop the bag with the steaks and marinade in the freezer.
When you’re able to cook the steaks, simply remove from the freezer and let thaw before cooking. As the meat thaws the marinade will do its thing!
What type of steaks should I use?
Honestly, what type of steak you use is a personal preference. But, I’m going to be honest here. This steak marinade takes even the basic cut of steak to the next level. It is so good!
You’ll want to try this steak marinade on flank steak, filet mignon, sirloin, and New York Strip. I am so excited to share this recipe with you! I just know that your family will be amazed, especially when they realize it only has 3 ingredients!
How long do I cook steak on each side?
When we are grilling steaks at home, I usually grill over medium high heat, using a propane grill. I allow the steaks to cook for 7 minutes on each side before flipping them over. Only flip them once! You will end up with the perfect medium-rare steak every time! Adjust cooking time accordingly based on the doneness you prefer.
A digital meat thermometer is the best way to gauge doneness until you get the hang of it. Here is a basic guide, keep in mind that the higher the temperature you cook your steak to, the more likely they are to be tough and dry.
- 130 °F: Rare
- 135 °F: Medium Rare
- 145° F: Medium
- 150°F: Medium Well
- 160° F: Well Done
Ingredients for the Best Steak Marinade:
- Olive Oil
- Soy Sauce
- Balsamic Vinegar
Instructions for making the Best Steak Marinade:
- Mix all three ingredients in a bowl.
- To marinate steak, place steak in a Ziploc bag.
- Pour marinade over the steaks. Seal the Ziploc bag and move the steaks around.
- Place in the fridge overnight.
- When you’re ready to cook the steaks, season with salt and pepper.
Best Steak Marinade Variations:
- Use 1/2 cup apple cider instead of the balsamic vinegar.
- Add 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce to add a deeper flavor.
- Mix in 2 Tablespoons lemon juice to act as another meat tenderizer.
Print the Best Steak Marinade below:
This is by far the best and easy Steak Marinade recipe. It has only three easy ingredients and is packed with flavor. You will love this marinade for steak!
- For 2-3 pounds of steak:
- 1/4 cup oil (vegetable or olive oil will work)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar
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Mix everything in a bowl.
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Place steak in a ziplock baggie.
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Pour marinade over the steaks. Seal, and toss steak around.
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Place in the fridge overnight.
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When you are ready to cook, season the steaks with salt and pepper before cooking.
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Allow steaks to rest 5 minutes before serving.
No matter how you cook your steak or what kind of steak you buy, this marinade for steak will be amazing.
Try these other marinades:
- BBQ Chicken Marinade
- Easy Italian Chicken Marinade
- Taco Chicken Marinade – Great on Pork, too!
- London Broil Marinade
Try these other steak dishes:
- Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas
- Instant Pot Steak and Potatoes
- Crockpot Salisbury Steak
Try these easy side dishes:
- Foil Pack Grilled Potatoes
- Parmesan Pasta – Easy 2 Ingredient Side Dish
- 15 Minute Side Dish – Roasted Zucchini & Tomatoes with Red Wine Vinegar
- A 10 Minute Side Dish – Pan Fried Zucchini Slices
- Roasted Tomato & Mozzarella Salad
- “Baked” Potatoes in the Microwave
- Grilled Asparagus Recipe
Paul says
Hi. Is there a typo in th amount of vineager in the reciepy above here? 12/3
Carrie says
Yes it is Paul. I’ll go fix it now.
Louis Loria says
I tried this marinade and it was great. It tasted like there were a lot more ingredients. This is my new fill proof method for all my steak’s.
Thank you!!!
Carrie says
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing.
Iman Oakley-smith says
I absolutely loved it but we added salt and pepper
Beth Ephlin says
Can you use cider vinegar if you don’t have basalmic?
Donna says
Hi do you have to leave it in the fridge overnight or can I leave it in there for two hours or an hour and then use it
Shirlene says
What is the best way to cook in the oven? Temp, how long, things like that?
Kathy says
Do you tenderize then marinate?When you use the salt as a tenderizer do you omit salting it after marinating?
Carrie says
I marinate the steaks and then tenderize them. Usually I don’t salt after marinating as well and wait to add any additional salt until after they are cooked and tasted. Thanks!
Cathy says
Can you use apple cider vinegar
Carrie says
I haven’t tried it but I think it would work great. Let us know how it works out!