This easy 3 ingredient steak marinade is perfect for busy nights when you want big flavor without extra work. Made with simple pantry staples, this budget-friendly marinade gives steak incredible flavor in as little as 30 minutes.
We use this marinade all the time for grilling because it’s quick, affordable, and works with almost any cut of steak.
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Why You’ll Love This Marinade!
This is one of those marinade recipes we come back to again and again because it just works. Whether we’re grilling on a busy weeknight or prepping steaks ahead for the weekend, this marinade makes it easy to get flavorful, juicy results without overthinking it.
- No fancy ingredients needed – Everything is simple, affordable, and likely already in your kitchen
- Perfect for meal prep – You can mix it in minutes and let the steak marinate overnight for an easy dinner the next day
- Works with any cut of steak – We’ve used this on everything from budget-friendly sirloin to ribeye with great results
Marinade Ingredients
- Steak – This marinade works with almost any cut of steak. We like using sirloin, flank steak, ribeye, New York strip, or skirt steak. It is also great for budget-friendly cuts because the marinade adds so much flavor.
- Oil – Olive oil or vegetable oil both work well. The oil helps coat the steak and keeps it juicy while it cooks.
- Soy Sauce – Soy sauce adds salty, savory flavor to the steak. Since it already has salt, you usually do not need to add much extra seasoning.
- Balsamic Vinegar – The vinegar adds tangy flavor and helps tenderize the steak. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours so the steak does not become mushy.
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade
Step 1 – Mix Ingredients – In a bowl or a large gallon size bag, mix together the oil, soy sauce, and vinegar.
Step 2 – Add the Steak – Add in the steak and marinade for at least 30 minutes. But no longer than 24 hours.
Step 3 – Grill Steaks – Grill to the desired doneness.
Tips for Success
- Don’t over-marinate – 30 minutes is enough for great flavor, but you can marinate up to 24 hours. Longer than that and the vinegar can make the steak too soft.
- Use a zip-top bag – This makes it easy to evenly coat the steak and uses less marinade than a large dish.
- Let steak rest at room temperature – Take the steak out of the fridge about 20–30 minutes before cooking for more even results.
- Pat steak dry before cooking – This helps get a better sear and keeps the outside from steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer – The easiest way to avoid overcooking and get perfect doneness every time.
Marinade Variations Ideas
Feel free to change the ingredients to what you prefer or have on hand. You can easily substitute or add in fresh herbs to this marinade recipe. Here are some of our suggestions and really enhance the flavoring.
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Lemon Juice
- Dijon Mustard
- Brown Sugar
- Garlic Powder
- Minced Garlic
- Black Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Italian Seasoning
- Italian Dressing
- Oregano
How Long to Cook Steaks
A digital meat thermometer is the best way to gauge doneness until you get the hang of it. This basic guide is what we use to determine how we like our steaks cooked.
- 135 °F: Medium Rare
- 145° F: Medium
- 150°F: Medium Well
- 160° F: Well Done
Best Side Dishes for Steak
When we grill out steaks, we like to prepare our sides on the grill for an easy cleanup. These are some of our favorite side dishes that grill perfectly and are easy to make.
- Grilled Vegetables in Foil Recipe – This Grilled Vegetables in Foil is a healthy side dish that everyone will love. Grilled vegetables are cooked to perfection and full of flavor.
- Grilled Carrots in Foil – Grilled Carrots in Foil is a easy side dish that compliments any meal. All you need is carrots, foil and simple seasoning to make this recipe. These carrots taste great and grilling them really enhances their sweetness.
- Easy Grilled Potatoes in Foil – Grilled Potatoes in Foil is the perfect side dish. It is made easily on the grill or in the oven. 5 Ingredients makes this recipe so easy to make.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store unused marinade – Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Store cooked steak – Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze steak in marinade – Add steak and marinade to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
- Reheat steak – Reheat gently in a skillet, air fryer, or microwave. Avoid overheating so the steak stays tender and juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
This marinade works with almost any cut. We love it with sirloin steak, flank steak, ribeye, and New York strip.
No, discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw meat for safety. If you want extra for serving, set some aside before adding the steak.
We recommend at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate up to 24 hours for deeper flavor. Avoid going longer than 24 hours because the vinegar can break down the meat too much.
Yes! You can cook the marinated steak in a skillet, cast iron pan, or on a Blackstone for great results.
More Easy Marinade Recipes
We love hearing from you. If you make this easy steak marinade recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
3 Ingredient Steak Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup oil vegetable or olive oil will work
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
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Instructions
- In a bowl or large gallon size bag, mix together ¼ cup oil, ¼ cup soy sauce, and ¼ cup balsamic vinegar.
- Add 2-3 pounds steak to the marinade and marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours.
- Grill to the desired doneness.
