I absolutely love grilling, especially when I can enhance the robust flavor of a juicy steak with a delicious marinade. Today, I’m thrilled to share my favorite recipe for a simple yet sensational 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade. Yes, you read that right—just three ingredients to create a steak tenderizing marinade that takes your meat to a whole new level. This easy and flavorful marinade is perfect for a weekend barbecue or a delightful weeknight dinner, and I promise it’ll have your family asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Quick and Easy: With only three ingredients, the prep time is minimal—perfect for busy women like us!
– Flavor Packed: The combination of oil, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar adds a depth of flavor that you’ll crave.
– Versatile Use: This marinade is great for any steak cut, making it the best marinade for flank steak on the grill and beyond.
– Tenderizing Magic: The balsamic vinegar not only adds flavor but also works wonders at tenderizing the meat.
Ingredients
– Oil: Whether you opt for vegetable or olive oil, it acts as a base to help blend flavors and keep the steak juicy.
– Soy Sauce: This salty and umami-rich ingredient infuses your steak with depth and enhances that delicious savory taste.
– Balsamic Vinegar: The star of the show! It not only adds a beautiful tang but also helps to tenderize the steak perfectly.
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Start by mixing all your ingredients in a bowl—just a simple blend of oil, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Don’t worry if your sauce looks a little lumpy; it’s all part of the magic!
2. Next, take your steak (about 2-3 pounds will work beautifully) and place it in a ziplock baggie. You can choose your favorite cut, but flank steak works marvelously here!
3. Now, pour that luscious marinade over the steak. Seal up the bag and toss it around gently to ensure every nook and cranny of your meat is coated in that glorious marinade.
4. Pop it in the fridge for at least a couple of hours—or better yet, overnight! Trust me; your patience will be rewarded with mouthwatering, flavorful steaks.
5. When you’re ready to cook, simply season your steaks with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, throw them on the grill or in your skillet. Let them get nice and caramelized.
6. Finally, remember to allow those beautiful steaks to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. It makes all the difference, letting those juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
– Marinating Time: While a few hours can do the trick, overnight marinating truly allows the flavors to develop and the meat to tenderize.
– Cooking Method: While I adore grilling, this marinade works wonderfully whether you choose to pan-sear, broil, or grill your steak.
– Experiment: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the marinade for an extra kick. Garlic powder, black pepper, or even a splash of Dijon mustard can be delightful!
How to Serve
For serving, I love slicing my steak against the grain for that perfect tender bite! You can serve it alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even on a toasted baguette for a delicious steak sandwich. Garnish with fresh herbs for that extra pop of color and flavor!
Make Ahead and Storage
This steak marinade can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for about a week, so you have it ready at a moment’s notice! If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the marinated steak; just make sure to label your bag with a date. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and cook it as usual.
Now, isn’t that easy and delicious? With this 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade, you’re set to impress at your next cookout or family dinner. Happy cooking!
3 Ingredient Steak Marinade
Ingredients
- ¼ cup vegetable or olive oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ⅔ cup balsamic vinegar
Steak
- 2-3 pounds steak
Instructions
- Mix oil, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl.
- Place steak in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal and toss to coat.
- Marinate in the fridge overnight.
- Season with salt and pepper before cooking. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.