The Best Steak Marinade Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

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.

The Best Steak Marinade Recipe (1)

Easy Steak Marinade for Grilling

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 in a cast iron skillet, baking it, cooking it in an air fryer and even cooking it in the crockpot.

The Best Steak Marinade Recipe (2)

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 marinate the steak!

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.

The Best Steak Marinade Recipe (3)

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.

How long to Marinate Steak:

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.

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 steak to the next level.

The Best Steak Marinade Recipe (4)

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

Ingredients for the Best Steak Marinade:

  • Olive Oil
  • Soy Sauce
  • Balsamic Vinegar

How to Make Steak Marinade:

Mix all the marinade ingredients (soy sauce, olive oil and balsamic vinegar) together in a bowl. Add the steaks of your choice in a sealable bag.

The Best Steak Marinade Recipe (6)

Then pour the marinade on top of the steaks in the bag.

The Best Steak Marinade Recipe (7)

Seal and toss about to make sure that the steak is completely covered in the marinade.

Place the bag in the refrigerator for 4-24 hours.

The Best Steak Marinade Recipe (8)

When you are ready to cook the steak, allow the steaks to come to room temperature.

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.

The Best Steak Marinade Recipe (9)

Best Steak Marinade Variations:

  • Use ½ cup apple cider instead of the balsamic vinegar.
  • Add ¼ cup Worcestershire Sauce 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 teaspoons of red pepper flakes to the marinade to add a spice to your steak.
  • Use our steak seasoning recipe in with the marinade

What to serve with Steak?

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

It’s also great with a healthy and delicious salad recipe. Here are a few that I love serving with steak.

  • Spinach Strawberry Salad
  • Easy Caesar Salad Recipe
  • Roasted Tomato Mozzarella Salad

Check out more of our Best Side Dishes for Steak.

How to Store and Reheat:

Store any leftover steak in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also wrap each steak individually so that it will keep in as much juices as possible.

To reheat, I recommend reheating the steak in the air fryer, stove top or oven. Make sure to add in a little butter or oil when reheating to prevent the steak from drying out.

Many people will reheat leftover steak in the microwave so that it is reheated quickly. However, I find that this dries out the steak and I don’t recommend it.

Can you freeze?

Yes, you can freeze leftover steak for up to 2-3 months for the best quality. To freeze leftover steak, wrap it tightly with foil or freezer paper and then store it in an air tight container or freezer bag.

Allow the steak to defrost in the refrigerator and then reheat it and enjoy. You will want to eat the steak the same day after defrosting it.

The Best Steak Marinade Recipe (10)

Review

Pin Print

The Best Steak Marinade – only 3 ingredients!

4.90 from 203 votes

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!

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 6

Cuisine American

Course Marinades

Calories 109

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  • Mix everything in a bowl.

  • Place steak in a ziplock baggie.

  • Pour marinade over the steaks. Seal, and toss steak around.

  • Place in the fridge overnight.

  • When you are ready to cook, season the steaks with salt and pepper before cooking.

  • Allow steaks to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes

No matter how you cook your steak or what kind of steak you buy, this marinade for steak will be amazing.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 109kcal, Carbohydrates 5g, Protein 1g, Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 7g, Sodium 546mg, Potassium 52mg, Sugar 4g, Calcium 10mg, Iron 0.4mg

Pin This Now to Remember It Later

Pin Recipe

More Easy Grilling recipes

  • Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas
  • Garlic Butter Steak Bites
  • Red Wine Steak Marinade Recipe
  • Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon Recipe
  • Air Fryer Steak
  • Instant Pot Steak and Potatoes
  • Crock Pot Steak Bites Recipe
The Best Steak Marinade Recipe (11)

Try these other recipes

Homemade Seasoning Blends

Steak Rub

Homemade Seasoning Blends

Easy Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Easy Appetizer

Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe

Easy Copycat

Kickin Chicken Seasoning Recipe

Homemade Seasoning Blends

Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

Homemade Seasoning Blends

Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe

Homemade Seasoning Blends

Pizza Seasoning

Easy Copycat

Taco Bell Creamy Jalapeño Sauce

About the Author

The Best Steak Marinade Recipe (20)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
The Best Steak Marinade Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How does Gordon Ramsay marinate a steak? ›

How to make Gordon Ramsay's Steak Marinade at home
  1. Meat. • 12 oz Steak.
  2. Produce. • 2 cloves Garlic. • 2 sprigs Rosemary.
  3. Condiments. • 1/3 cup Balsamic vinegar. • 2 tbsp Soy sauce.
  4. Baking & Spices. • 1/2 tsp Black pepper, Ground. • 2/3 cup Brown sugar, Dark. • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt. ...
  5. Oils & Vinegars. • 3 tbsp Olive oil.

What can I soak my steaks in to make them tender? ›

The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down meat fibres and makes them more tender and flavoursome. Method: Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to your cooking liquids or soak your meat in vinegar before you cook it.

How long should you marinate steak? ›

How long to marinate your steak depends on the size and variety of the cut you're using. Thinner cuts, such as skirt or flanks steaks, should be marinated for 2-4 hours. Tougher cuts, such as top sirloin or sirloin tip, will benefit from marinating overnight (about 8 hours).

What are the three main ingredients when marinating? ›

A typical marinade is made up of three essential components: an acid (such as vinegar, wine, or citrus), an oil (such as olive oil or sesame oil), and a flavouring agent (such as herbs and spices). These elements work together to transform the taste and texture of your dish in different ways.

Do steakhouses marinate their steaks? ›

However, every great steakhouse seasons the steaks they cook. Typically a steak is seasoned with coarse ground black pepper, sea or kosher salt, garlic, and some type of signature spice. In addition to the seasoning most steakhouse's use a marinade, butter, or some type of baste or finishing liquid.

What is the secret to a steakhouse steak? ›

They use a lot of butter

That's the result of adding a big dollop of butter to the pan right before the steak is served. Steakhouses use all sorts of techniques to make sure their steaks are juicy and flavorful, but many steakhouses aren't afraid to use a whole lot of butter.

What does Texas Roadhouse do to make their steaks so tender? ›

How does Texas Roadhouse tenderise their steaks? Season each side of the steak well with the seasoning and set aside to rest for about 40 minutes. This causes the salt to infiltrate the surface (through osmosis) and actually aids in the breakdown of muscle fibres, resulting in more tender meat.

How do restaurants make their steaks so tender? ›

The Aging. Most fine restaurants age their beef to intensify the flavor and improve the tenderness of the cut. Aging is done by letting the meat sit (in very controlled conditions) for several days or weeks.

What is the basic marinade formula? ›

ANSWER: In general, you can substitute either one as the acid part of the marinade. The rule -of-thumb ratio for marinades is 3-to-1, three parts oil and 1 part acid.

Should you marinate steak in fridge or room temp? ›

Always marinate foods in the refrigerator, not on the kitchen counter. Some older recipes call for marinating at room temperature. DO NOT FOLLOW THIS PRACTICE. Marinating at room temperature causes the meat to enter the “Danger Zone” (between 40°F and 140°F), where bacteria multiply fastest.

What does Worcestershire sauce do to meat? ›

Recipe blog One Good Thing notes that the vinegar in Worcestershire sauce tenderizes steak, its sugar and molasses bring both sweetness and sheen, and ingredients such as onion, garlic, tamarind, and anchovy pack a wallop of umami flavor.

What is the best liquid for marinade? ›

Driskill recommends using a sodium-rich liquid, such as soy sauce, to deliver salinity in your marinade, because they are easily and evenly blended with the other components to create a hom*ogeneous mixture.

What does Gordon Ramsay use to season steak? ›

Place a cast iron skillet over direct heat, and heat up some olive oil. In the meantime, go ahead and season the steak. The recipe calls for straight salt and cracked black pepper. Add garlic to that, and we're going with our trusty SPG rub.

How does Gordon Ramsay make a good steak? ›

Gordon Ramsay's 12 Tips For The Absolute Best Steak
  1. Cook the steak at room temperature. Rudisill/Getty Images. ...
  2. Season steak with freshly ground black pepper. Jiri Hera/Shutterstock. ...
  3. Rub it with chili. ...
  4. Cook it in a pan. ...
  5. Hold the ketchup. ...
  6. Top it with a chimichurri. ...
  7. Choose the right cut. ...
  8. Sear in a pan before baking.
Mar 19, 2024

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated:

Views: 6068

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.