Are you tired of the same old steak dinner? Maybe your steaks are turning out less flavorful than you’d like, and you’re on the hunt for a simple yet delicious solution. You’re not alone; many home cooks struggle to find that perfect seasoning balance that turns an average cut of meat into a mouth-watering meal. Try this simple 3 ingredient steak Marinade Recipe to boost the flavor!

Did you know that with just three household ingredients, you can create a marinade that will revolutionize your steak game? It’s true! Olive oil, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar join forces to become your secret weapon in the kitchen.

This blog post will guide you through making a 3-ingredient steak marinade that packs a punch without overwhelming the natural taste of your beef. Ready for juicier, more tender steaks? Keep reading – deliciousness awaits!

Key Takeaways

• Mix olive oil, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar to create a simple yet flavorful steak marinade.
• Allow the steak to marinate for at least one hour, but no more than 24 hours for the best taste and tenderness.
• This marinade works well with various cuts of steak like flank, sirloin, filet mignon, and strip steaks.
• For extra flavor in your marinade, consider adding ingredients like Worcestershire Sauce or minced garlic cloves.
• Always marinate your steak in the refrigerator to keep it safe from bacteria.

What is a Steak Marinade?

A steak marinade is a flavorful liquid that you soak your steak in before cooking it. This soaking process helps make the steak tender and adds taste. Most marinades have an acid like vinegar or lemon juice, oil, and herbs or spices.

The acid breaks down tough fibers in the meat, while the oil keeps it moist during cooking. Spices and herbs give the steak extra flavor.

You can make different kinds of marinades using various ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. These combinations create unique tastes for every kind of steak you might want to cook – from a juicy sirloin to a tender filet mignon.

Just mix your chosen ingredients together and let your steaks sit in this mixture for some time before grilling or pan-searing them to perfection.

The 3 Ingredients for the Perfect Steak Marinade

You can make a perfect steak marinade with just three key ingredients: olive oil, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Olive oil locks in the juiciness and adds richness to the meat. Soy sauce brings saltiness and that umami flavor that turns a good steak into a great one.

Balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to balance out the flavors. Together, these ingredients create a simple yet powerful combo for your next barbecue or main course meal.

Mix these liquids together before covering your beef tenderloin or sirloin steak. Make sure you coat each piece evenly so every bite is as delicious as the last. This trio works its magic best when you give it time to soak into the meat – at least an hour before cooking but up to 24 hours for maximum taste and tenderness!

The Benefits of Marinating Steak

Marinating steak works magic on the meat. It breaks down tougher fibers, making each bite tender and easy to chew. The flavors go deep inside, giving you a mouth-watering taste with every forkful.

A good soak in marinade keeps your steak juicy too. Even over high heat, your steak won’t dry out; instead, it’ll sizzle to perfection with a yummy crust that locks in moisture.

Another plus is safer grilling. Steak often cooks at intense heat which can form nasty chemicals. But the right marinade slashes those risks so you can enjoy your meal worry-free. Think of marinating as prepping your meat for an amazing grill session or pan-fry experience that’s both tasty and better for you!

How to Make a 3-Ingredient Steak Marinade

Elevate your steak game with a simple but spectacular 3-ingredient marinade that’s easy to whip up and packs a flavor punch. Get ready for a mouthwatering transformation of your favorite cut with just a few pantry staples.

Ingredients

Let’s make a steak marinade that’s simple yet flavorful. All you need are three easy-to-find ingredients.

• Olive oil: Start with 1/4 cup of olive oil. This will help tenderize the steak and add moisture.
• Soy sauce: Use 1/4 cup of soy sauce for a savory, umami flavor that enhances the meat.
• Balsamic vinegar: Add in 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to balance with sweetness and acidity.

Instructions

Making a delicious steak marinade is simple and quick. You only need olive oil, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar to start.

• Pour 1/4 cup of olive oil into a mixing bowl. Olive oil helps tenderize the meat.
• Add 1/4 cup of soy sauce to the bowl. Soy sauce will give your steak a savory flavor.
• Mix in 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and zest.
• Stir all three ingredients together until they’re well combined. Make sure the mixture is smooth.
• Place your steak in a sealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Choose a container that’s just big enough for the meat.
• Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s completely covered. Every part should get some marinade love.
• Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. This keeps air out and flavor in.
• Refrigerate the marinating steak. Always keep it cool for food safety.
• Leave the steak in the fridge for at least 60 minutes, but no more than 24 hours. The longer it soaks, the more flavorful it becomes.
• Turn the steak halfway through marinating if you can. This helps coat each side evenly with deliciousness.
• Grill your marinated steak using a preheated grilling surface or pan. High heat seals in juices quickly.
• Cook to your desired doneness, checking with a meat thermometer for perfect results.

How Long to Marinate Steak

Marinate your steak for at least 1 hour to let the flavors soak in. But if you have time, letting it sit for up to 24 hours will make it even tastier.

– Plan ahead and marinate your steak overnight in the fridge for best results.

– Always cover the meat while it’s marinating to keep it safe and clean.

– Flip the steak halfway through marinating to make sure all sides get flavored evenly.

– If you’re short on time, even a quick 60-minute soak can add some zing to your steak.

– Don’t go over 24 hours; too long and the acids in the marinade can break down the meat too much, making it mushy.

– Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking – this helps with even grilling or searing.

The Best Steaks to Use for this Marinade

The right cut of steak can elevate this simple marinade to culinary heights, with options like a robust flank or the thin and tender milanesa offering perfect canvases for these bold flavors.

Choose your favorite to create a savory masterpiece that marries well with the marinade’s enhancing touch.

Cook your marinated Milanesa in a hot cast-iron skillet for a crispy outer sear while keeping the inside juicy. This quick-cooking method ensures your steak gets that perfect char without overcooking.

Whether you’re aiming for medium rare or medium well, timing is key – just a few minutes per side should do the trick because of how thin these steaks are. Enjoy your deliciously seasoned Milanesa as part of your next meal!

Cooking Methods for Marinated Steak

Cook your marinated steak to perfection using one of these methods. Choose the best option for the flavor and texture you love.

– Grill over medium-high heat: Place steak on preheated grill. Cook each side for 4-6 minutes depending on desired doneness.

– Pan-sear in a skillet: Heat oil over high heat until it shimmers. Sear steak on both sides, then lower heat to cook through.

– Use a broiler: Set oven to broil and position rack so steak will be about 4 inches from heat source. Broil, flipping once, until browned and cooked.

– Try an air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Cook steak for about 10 minutes or until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.

Always let your steak rest: After cooking, set it aside for at least five minutes before slicing. This helps keep juices in the meat so your steak stays moist and flavorful.

Possible Additions to the Marinade

After choosing your cooking method, you might want to boost the flavor of your steak marinade even more. Personalize it with extra ingredients for a unique taste experience.

• Swap balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar to add a fruity twist.
• Stir in Worcestershire Sauce for a deeper, savory flavor.
• Squeeze in some lemon juice for a fresh, citrusy zing.
• Crush garlic cloves and mix them into the marinade to enhance its aroma and taste.
• Incorporate steak seasoning recipes that include thyme, black pepper, and salt to create complex flavors.
• Add red wine vinegar for a refined tanginess that complements the steak’s richness.
• Consider liquid aminos or tamari sauce if you’re looking for a soy sauce alternative with less sodium.
• Sprinkle some smoked paprika into the blend for a hint of smokiness without firing up the grill.

Suggested Side Dishes for Marinated Steak

Choosing the right side dishes can turn your marinated steak into a memorable meal. Here are some tasty options to complement your flavorful meat.

• Baked potatoes: They are a classic pairing with steak. Load them up with butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives for an extra treat.
• Spinach Strawberry Salad: This light and refreshing salad adds a sweet and tangy taste that balances the savory flavors of the steak.
• Easy Caesar Salad: Toss crisp romaine with creamy dressing, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons for a traditional side that never fails to please.
• Roasted Tomato Mozzarella Salad: Juicy roasted tomatoes paired with fresh mozzarella and basil make a deliciously simple Italian-inspired side.
• Grilled Asparagus: Drizzle asparagus with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill for a quick veggie addition.
• Sauteed Mushrooms: Buttered mushrooms sautéed with garlic go great on top of or beside your steak.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled or boiled is an easy side that adds color and sweetness to your plate.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes flavored with garlic meld perfectly with any marinade you choose for your steak.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned broccoli steamed to perfection offers a healthy and vibrant side option.

Storing and Reheating Marinated Steak

After enjoying your steak with tasty side dishes, let’s talk about how to keep the leftovers fresh. Store them right and you’ll have another delicious meal waiting for you.

– Place your leftover steak in an air-tight container.

– Keep it in the refrigerator; it stays good for up to 3 days.

– For reheating, use a little butter or oil on the stove top or in the oven.

– This keeps your steak moist and flavorful as it heats up again.

– An air fryer also works well for warming up leftover steak quickly.

– If you want to freeze your marinated steak:

– First, wrap it tightly in foil or freezer paper.

– Next, put it into an air-tight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.

– Your frozen steak can last 2-3 months while still tasting great.

FAQs about Steak Marinade

Steak marinade makes your meat tender and flavorful. You might wonder if you can marinate steak for more than 24 hours. Doing that could break down the steak too much, making it mushy, so stick to 4-24 hours for the best texture.

People often ask which steaks work well with this simple marinade. Flank steak, filet mignon, sirloin, and strip steaks are all great choices that absorb these tasty flavors.

Questions come up about where to store your marinating steak too. Always marinate in the refrigerator for safety reasons; this keeps bacteria away from your food. If extra marinade is left over after steeping the steaks, don’t throw it out! Freezing marinade saves it for next time.

Now let’s talk about cooking these deliciously soaked steaks to perfection.

Conclusion

This marinade is a game-changer for steak lovers. Just mix olive oil, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar for amazing flavor. Remember to let your meat soak in it for 4-24 hours before cooking.

Try it out on different steaks and enjoy the delicious results! Get ready to impress at your next BBQ with this simple secret.

FAQs

1. What are the three ingredients for a simple steak marinade?

For an easy steak marinade, mix sauces, fresh herbs, and your favorite beers together to give a great flavor.

2. Can I make this marinade if I’m on a low carb diet?

Yes! Choose low-carb sauces and herbs for the marinade to fit into your balanced diet plan.

3. Is it possible to cook marinated steak in the microwave?

It’s best not to cook marinated steak in the microwave. For fantastic results, try grilling, broiling or smoking instead.

4. Will this marinade work with other meats like ground beef?

Absolutely! This versatile marinade can add flavor to ground beef or any other meat you like.

5. Do I need fancy equipment to make this 3 ingredient steak marinade?

Nope! You don’t need special tools – just a bowl to mix your ingredients and then let the flavors soak into your steak before cooking!