3 Ingredient Steak Marinade

This 3-ingredient steak marinade really gives your steak so much flavor. It also helps to tenderize your steak which results in a juicy and tender steak recipe. Skip the expensive steakhouse and make your steak at home on the grill or in a cast iron skillet.

Take your beef recipes up a notch with this delicious marinade recipe. You may also love these recipes – Red Wine Steak Marinade, Grilled Pork Chop Marinade, Buttermilk Chicken Marinade, London Broil Marinade or this Chicken Pickle Juice Marinade.

Why We Love This Recipe

This steak marinade is made with 3 simple pantry staples. We love to use this marinade for our steaks but we have also used it to marinade chicken and vegetables.

We love the flavor and how tender the steak cooks.

Ingredients

• Low Sodium Soy Sauce – This adds a hint of saltiness to this flavorful steak marinade. If you are out, check out these The Best Soy Sauce Substitutes. We have even used tamari or coconut aminos for an gluten free substitute.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients.

Best Steak Marinade Variations

• Use ½ cup apple cider instead of the balsamic vinegar.
• Add ¼ cup Homemade Worcestershire Sauce Recipe to add a deeper flavor.
• Mix in 2 Tablespoons lemon juice to act as another meat tenderizer.
• Add in 2 teaspoons of Italian Seasoning to add in a slight herb flavor.
• Mix in minced garlic or garlic powder to your steak marinade to add a slight garlic flavor.
• Add 1-2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade to add a spice to your steak. We even like to add in black pepper.
• Use our steak seasoning recipe in with the marinade
• We even like to add in fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme. We have even added in onion powder for delicious flavor.

How to Make the Best Steak Marinade

• Step 1 – Whisk all the steak marinade ingredients (soy sauce, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar) together in a small bowl.  Add the steaks of your choice in a sealable bag with the liquid.

• Step 2 – Then pour the marinade on top of the steaks in the bag.

• Step 3 – Seal and toss about to make sure that the steak is completely covered in the marinade. 
• Step 4 – Place the bag in the refrigerator for 4-24 hours. 
• Step 5 – When you are ready to cook the steak, allow the steaks to come to room temperature. 

• Step 6 – Then cook the steak based on your preference. You can also baste the steaks with the excess marinade. Allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes before serving.  Then slice the steak against the grain when ready to serve.

How Long to Marinate Steak

For the best flavor, we 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.

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. However, this steak marinade takes even the basic cut of beef to the next level.

You’ll want to try this steak marinade on flank steak, skirt steak, filet mignon, sirloin, ribeye and New York strip steaks.

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. I recommend only flipping 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. Feel free to also cook your steak in a cast iron skillet.

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

Learn how to grill steak perfectly every time to make sure that your steak is cooked to your preference. If you are needing a new grill, check out these 5 Best Gas Grills Under $500 of 2024.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving steak with a classic baked potato. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make baked potatoes:

• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
• Easy to Make Microwave Baked Potatoes
• Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
• How to Bake a Potato

Check out more of our Best Side Dishes for Steak such as Easy Caesar Salad Recipe.