The right marinade can transform a good cut of meat into a mouthwatering masterpiece. You just need a few simple ingredients to achieve expensive steakhouse flavor. Here's a shortcut 3-ingredient steak marinade using a store bought balsamic vinaigrette that's sure to elevate your grilling game.
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Ingredients
This flavorful steak marinade uses a store bought balsamic vinaigrette as a great way to save on time. It makes this easy recipe achievable for a busy weeknight. Of course you can whip together your own balsamic vinaigrette if you like which includes balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar or honey, dijon mustard, salt and black pepper, and optional seasonings such as garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
The list of ingredient for a homemade vinaigrette can get lengthy, so I typically cheat and use a good quality store bought salad dressing for any weeknight cooking. Feel free to use you favorite brand, just make sure it's not a creamy version. Each ingredient in this marinade has a specific role to make it the best steak marinade:
Balsamic Vinaigrette: Contains acidity that helps break down muscle fibers of tougher cuts, making a more flavorful, tender steak.
Soy Sauce: Contains salt and natural enzymes that penetrate the raw meat, enhancing its flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a unique depth with its blend of vinegar, molasses, and spices, creating a well-rounded marinade.
Instructions
Combine Ingredients - In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until well blended.
Marinate the Steak - Place your steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the 3-ingredient marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but for best results and extra flavor, aim for 2 hours. This easy marinade is a flavor bomb, so if you only have 30 minutes, it will still provide robust flavor. If you have the time, marinating overnight will intensify the flavors even more.
Grill or Cook - Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill or cook the steak to your desired level of doneness. Remember to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices. You can store the cooked marinated steak in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple days.
Tips for Perfect Steak
Choose the Right Cut of Steak - Ribeye, top sirloin, skirt steak or flank steak work exceptionally well with this marinade and are all great options. I would not use filet mignon for this marinade since it's already so tender without a good marinade.
Don't Over-Marinate - While marinating overnight is great, extending it beyond 2 hours can result in a mushy texture due to the acidity in the vinaigrette.
Pat Dry Before Cooking - For a nice sear, pat your steak dry with paper towels and bring to room temperature before cooking steak on the grill or pan.
If you love this simple marinade recipe, I would love to know! You can leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you. Also, you could tag a photo on Instagram @hungrywaitress and I'll be sure to share it. Happy cooking!
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3-Ingredient Steak Marinade
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Here's a shortcut 3-ingredient steak marinade using a store bought balsamic vinaigrette that's sure to elevate your grilling game.
Ingredients
- 1 cup balsamic vinaigrette, store-bought
- 1/4 cup soy sauce*
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 flat iron or flank steak (sub 2 sirloins, 2 ribeyes or steak of your choice)
Instructions
Combine Ingredients - In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until well blended.
Marinate the Steak - Place your steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the 3-ingredient marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but for best results and extra flavor, aim for 2 hours.
Grill or Cook - Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill or cook the steak to your desired level of doneness. Remember to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices. You can store the cooked marinated steak in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple days.
Notes
This easy marinade is a flavor bomb, so if you only have 30 minutes, it will still provide robust flavor.
This is not low sodium soy sauce, so if you choose to use low sodium you may need to add some salt and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Marinades
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
5 More 3-Ingredient Steak Marinades to Try
Here are five more simple and delicious 3-ingredient marinades that will bring out the best in your favorite cut of beef. Note: Any marinade using citrus, like lemon juice, don't marinade over 30 minutes for the best texture.
Spicy Sriracha Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Citrus Herb Marinade
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Maple Soy Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Mustard and Herb Marinade
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Teriyaki Marinade
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Perfectly Paired Sides
Looking for something to serve with your delicious steak? Check out these sides!
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Liz says
So yummy and flavorful! It added a nice crust to the steak too when grilled.