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3-Ingredient Steak Marinade Recipe

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4 from 4 reviews

This simple and flavorful 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade combines oil, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar to tenderize and infuse your steak with a rich umami taste. Perfect for marinating 2 to 3 pounds of steak overnight, this easy recipe ensures a juicy and satisfying grilled or pan-cooked steak every time.

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup oil (vegetable or olive oil)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (for seasoning before cooking)

Steak

  • 23 pounds steak of your choice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, thoroughly mix 1/4 cup oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar to create the flavorful marinade base.
  2. Marinate the Steak: Place the 2 to 3 pounds of steak into a large zip-top bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the steak, then seal the bag securely. Gently toss and massage the bag to evenly coat the meat with the marinade.
  3. Refrigerate Overnight: Place the sealed bag with steak and marinade into the refrigerator and allow it to marinate overnight. This time helps enhance tenderness and absorb the delicious flavors deeply into the meat.
  4. Season Before Cooking: Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry slightly. Season the steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, preparing it for cooking.
  5. Cook the Steak: Cook the steak using your preferred method, such as grilling, pan-searing, or broiling until desired doneness is reached. Typically, 4-6 minutes per side for medium rare depending on thickness.
  6. Rest Before Serving: Let the cooked steak rest on a cutting board or plate for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful serving.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight maximizes flavor absorption and tenderizes the steak better.
  • You can use vegetable or olive oil based on your flavor preference.
  • If short on time, marinate for at least 1-2 hours for noticeable taste improvement.
  • Adjust salt carefully since soy sauce already contains sodium.
  • Resting the steak post-cooking helps maintain juiciness when cutting.
  • This marinade pairs well with most cut types, including flank, sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak.