Imagine a warm summer evening. The grill is sizzling. The smell of a perfectly marinated steak fills the air. It’s in these moments that life feels complete.
The laughter of family, the clink of glasses, and the tender, juicy steak bring everyone together. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a culinary experience filled with love and togetherness.
This 3 ingredient steak marinade is the secret to making your steaks irresistible. It’s perfect for any meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. You don’t need exotic ingredients. Sometimes, simplicity is the key to flavor
Ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey? This recipe guarantees juicy steak marinade results. It has a rating of 4.99 out of 5, based on 70 votes. With just 35 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, you can serve four and make a lasting impression.
Key Takeaways
- Prep time for the steak marinade is just 35 minutes, making it quick and convenient.
- Only three ingredients needed: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and low sodium soy sauce.
- The marinade has a stellar 4.99 out of 5-star rating from 70 enthusiastic reviewers.
- Perfect for bringing together family and friends over a delicious steak meal.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for optimum flavor, aim for around 4 hours.
Why You Will Love This 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade
If you love steak, try this 3 ingredient marinade. It’s simple yet effective. It has just three parts, making it easy to use and save money.
This marinade makes steak taste better without being too strong. It uses oil or acid, herbs, and spices. These mix together to make the meat tender and flavorful.
This marinade is great for low-carb and keto diets. You can enjoy steak without feeling guilty. The ingredients are healthy and taste amazing.
Using this marinade is easy and quick. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time Required: 8 hours 25 minutes (including marination)
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 213
- Balanced Nutritional Profile: 10g Fat, 13g Carbs, 17g Protein
| Marinade Component | Recommended Ratio |
|---|---|
| Black Pepper | 1 part |
| Salt | 1/2 part |
| Italian Seasoning | 2 parts |
| Minced Garlic | 3 parts |
| Olive Oil | 1/4 part |
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 part |
| Lime Juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
This marinade is hard to mess up. Just remember not to overdo it. Marinate for the right amount of time, and you’ll get great results.
This marinade shows that less is more. It’s versatile and lets you try different flavors. You can make it sweet, savory, or spicy.
Ingredients for the 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade
This simple steak marinade recipe is perfect for quick and tasty results. You only need olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
| Ingredient | Role in Marinade |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil | Acts as a moisture-locking agent, essential for tenderizing the steak while also absorbing the flavors of the garlic and rosemary. |
| Garlic | Infuses a sharp, savory essence into the steak, making it taste better without being too strong. |
| Rosemary | Adds a touch of aromatic earthiness, making the steak taste richer and more flavorful. |
Together, these ingredients make the steak tender and full of flavor. The olive oil keeps the steak moist. Garlic and rosemary give it a deep, tasty flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make the Marinade
Making a tasty marinate steak recipe is easy. Here’s a simple guide to help you make a great quick steak marinade.
- Prepare the Ingredients: First, get your ingredients ready. You’ll need soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic. These are the main parts of your marinade, adding rich flavors to your steak.
- Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir well to mix the flavors. This mix is perfect for any steak.
- Marinate the Steak: Put your steak in a bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over it, making sure it’s all covered. Then, refrigerate it. For the best taste, marinate for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better.
- Monitor Marinating Time: Don’t marinate your steak for more than 24 hours. This prevents strong flavors and a mushy texture. It’s key to keep your steak good.
- Cooking the Steak: When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill or pan. Cook time varies based on how done you like it. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare or pan-sear for 3-5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer for the right temperature: 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium.
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By following these steps, even beginners can make a delicious steak. This marinade makes the meat taste amazing, making your dish a hit.
Cooking Methods for the Perfect Steak
Making the perfect steak is like an art. Choosing the right cooking method is key. You can grill, broil, or pan-sear. Each method has its own benefits and suits different tastes.
Grilling is loved for its intense flavors. First, preheat your grill. Let the meat rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes on direct heat, then move to indirect heat until it’s 145°F. This keeps the juices in and makes the marinade work better.
Broiling is great when you can’t grill outside. Put your oven rack near the heat. Use a broiler pan to catch drips and avoid flare-ups. Turn the steak halfway for even cooking and a nice crust.
For stovetop cooking, pan-searing is top-notch. Heat a heavy skillet until it’s very hot. Add oil and then your steak. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side. For medium or well-done, finish in the oven at 400°F.
| Cooking Method | Preparation | Cooking Time | Additional Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilling | Rest to room temperature, direct and indirect heat | 3-4 minutes per side, then to desired doneness | Use a meat thermometer, let rest after cooking |
| Broiling | Preheat broiler, use broiler pan | 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness | Turn halfway, monitor closely |
| Pan-Searing | Heat skillet, add oil, sear both sides | 2-3 minutes per side, finish in oven if needed | Smoke point oil, finish at 400°F for medium/well |
Choose your method wisely. Cutting against the grain and adding compound butter can make your steak better. Learning these methods will make you a better cook and give you a great dining experience every time.
Best Cuts of Steak to Use
Choosing the right steak is key for a great taste. Different cuts offer unique textures and flavors. Knowing what each cut is like helps make your steak perfect.
Flank Steak is lean and tastes rich. It’s thicker than skirt steak, which makes it pricier. Marinating it makes it tender and flavorful.
Ribeye is juicy and marbled. It doesn’t need marinade but gets better with one. The fat in it soaks up the marinade, making it juicy and tasty.
Sirloin Steak is tender and affordable. It’s great for many dishes, like fajitas. Marinating it makes it juicy and full of flavor.
Here’s a quick look at these cuts:
| Cut | Characteristics | Benefit from Marinating | Ideal Cooking Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flank Steak | Thick, lean, rich flavor | High | Grilling, searing |
| Ribeye | Marbled, juicy | Medium | Grilling, pan-frying |
| Sirloin Steak | Balanced tenderness and cost | Medium | Grilling, stir-frying, searing |
Skirt steak is thin but has bold flavor. It’s best for quick grilling. A marinade can make it even tastier. Simple seasoning is enough for grilling.
Picking the right cut is important for great steak. A good marinade can make any cut taste like gourmet. Try flank, ribeye, or sirloin for a delicious steak.
How Long to Marinate Steak
Finding the right marination time is key for any steak recipe. The best time depends on the steak type and flavor you want. Let’s look at the best times for different steaks.
Flank steak needs at least 2 hours to soften its tough fibers. But for the best taste, marinate it for up to 24 hours. This makes it tender and flavorful.
Skirt steak, with its loose fibers, soaks up marinade fast. So, marinate it for 30 minutes to 4 hours. Longer times can hide its natural beef taste.
Other cuts like flap meat also do well with 2 to 24 hours of marinating. Always marinate at room temperature for less than 2 hours. This helps the steak cook evenly on the grill.
Knowing how long to marinate steak makes a big difference in taste. Here’s a quick guide:
| Cut of Steak | Minimum Marination Time | Maximum Marination Time |
|---|---|---|
| Flank Steak | 2 hours | 24 hours |
| Skirt Steak | 30 minutes | 4 hours |
| Flap Meat | 2 hours | 24 hours |
By following these marination times, you’ll get steaks that are both flavorful and tender. Enjoy delicious, juicy steaks every time.
Simple Substitutions and Additions
Making a 3-ingredient steak marinade is easy. But, learning to change it up can make your cooking better. We have great ideas for you to try.
You can swap out olive oil for something new. Avocado oil tastes buttery and is great with meat. Canola oil is neutral but keeps the marinade’s taste.
Adding fresh herbs makes your marinade taste better. Try parsley, rosemary, or thyme. They add flavor and nutrients.
Spices can also make your marinade special. Use smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder. Dried spices like Italian seasoning or cumin add a unique twist.
Want to make your marinade fit your taste or diet? Try low sodium soy sauce instead of regular. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
Don’t stop there. Try balsamic vinegar or red wine for acidity and sweetness. Honey or brown sugar balance the flavors.
While swapping olive oil is a good start, mixing these ideas makes your marinade unique. Marinating makes your steak taste better and more tender.
Cooking for family or guests? These tips and substitutions will make your steaks delicious. Enjoy grilling!
Is This 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade Low-Carb or Keto?
When you follow a ketogenic or low-carb diet, you must pick the right ingredients. This 3 ingredient steak marinade fits the bill. It’s perfect for those on these diets.
This low-carb steak marinade has black peppercorns, cumin, garlic, and more. It uses light olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. Fresh rosemary needles add flavor and keep it keto-friendly.
The marinade is more than just low in carbs. It has black peppercorns for digestion, garlic for fighting inflammation, and rosemary for antioxidants. Light olive oil is a healthy fat, key for a keto diet.
Let’s look at why these ingredients are great for a low-carb and keto diet:
| Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Black Peppercorns | Aids digestion and enhances absorption of nutrients |
| Cumin | Contains beneficial antioxidants and is low in carbs |
| Garlic | Anti-inflammatory and boosts the immune system |
| Light Olive Oil | Healthy fat source, supports heart health |
| 100% Orange Juice (small quantity) | Provides flavor without significant carbs |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | Rich in vitamin C and low in carbs |
| Balsamic Vinegar | Low in calories, high in flavors |
| Fresh Rosemary Needles | Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds |
Marinate the steaks for at least three hours or overnight. This marinade is good for two 16-ounce sirloin steaks. It’s great for a low-carb or keto diet.
Choosing the right ingredients makes this marinade perfect for your diet. It’s full of flavor and meets your low-carb steak marinade or keto steak marinade needs.
Should You Marinate Your Steak?
Many people wonder why marinate steak. Marinating steak makes it taste better and feel softer. Knowing when and why to marinate is key.
Marinating adds a special flavor that’s hard to get other ways. Acidic things like balsamic vinegar or lemon juice help soften the meat. This makes the steak tender and full of flavor.
Chef Michelle Wallace likes to marinate beef ribeyes and pork chops with bourbon. Bourbon makes the meat softer. Adding onions, garlic, thyme, and honey makes the flavors mix well.
Here are some tips:
- Fatty meats like ribeyes get a lot from a marinade, thanks to sharp and spicy flavors.
- Don’t marinate meats like pork chops for more than 12 hours to avoid too much flavor.
- Take ribeyes out of the marinade after four hours to keep them just right.
But, you might not need to marinate all steaks. High-quality cuts like filet mignon or prime rib are great with just salt and pepper. Steaks that are already aged might get too much flavor from a marinade.
Marinating isn’t always needed. But knowing its benefits helps you decide. If you’ve ever thought about why marinate steak, it’s to make it taste better and feel softer. This makes your steak experience even better.
Tips for Grilling Steak to Perfection
Grilling steak to perfection is more than just turning on the grill. You need to follow some key tips. This ensures your steak is juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
One important step is using a meat thermometer. It helps you cook your steak to the right temperature. For example, 135°F for a medium-rare Texas-style flank steak. Don’t cut into the steak to check if it’s done. This can make it dry.
It’s also key to follow cooking times closely. The 3-3-2-2 method is great for a seared steak. Grill each side for three minutes, then two minutes on each side. Steaks that are 1 inch thick work best for this.
Letting the steak rest after grilling is also important. Resting makes the steak more flavorful and tender. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Grilling is not just about how you do it. The quality of the meat matters too. Ribeye steak, for example, gets very juicy and tender when grilled. Keep the grill at 450°F to 500°F for searing, then lower it to 350°F to 400°F for cooking.
| Steak Recipe | Recommended Cooking Time (Per Side) | Ideal Internal Temperature for Medium-Rare | Resting Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas-style Flank Steak | 4-5 minutes | 135°F (57°C) | 5-10 minutes |
| 3-3-2-2 Grilling Method | 10 minutes total | Varies by preference | 5 minutes |
| Ribeye Steak (by Arman Liew) | 4 minutes | 145°F (63°C) medium | 5-10 minutes |
Always choose higher USDA grades like Prime or Choice. They have more marbling, which makes the steak better. By following these tips and using a meat thermometer, you’ll get a perfect grilled steak every time.
Health Benefits of Ingredients Used
Looking into this three-ingredient steak marinade shows many health perks. Each part makes the taste better and helps your health a lot.
Olive oil is full of good fats. These fats help your heart by lowering bad cholesterol. It also has antioxidants that fight inflammation and may prevent chronic diseases.
Garlic is a key ingredient too. It’s packed with nutrients that are good for you. Garlic boosts your immune system and helps your heart by controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.
Rosemary adds special health benefits. It fights inflammation and has antioxidants. These help your digestion and memory. It also reduces stress on your body.
| Ingredient | Primary Health Benefits |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil | Heart health, antioxidant properties |
| Garlic | Immune boost, cardiovascular health |
| Rosemary | Anti-inflammatory, digestion aid |
This mix of ingredients makes a healthy marinade. It makes your steak tasty and adds to a healthy diet. The benefits of olive oil, garlic’s good stuff, and rosemary’s health perks all work together. They give you a tasty and healthy meal.
How to Store and Reheat Marinated Steak
Storing marinated steak right is key to keep its taste and texture good. Put the steak in a tight container and chill it. Flank steak stays fresh for 2-3 days. London broil can last 3-4 days.
For longer storage, wrap the steak in aluminum foil. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze leftover steak for up to 3 months.
When reheating steak, do it slowly to avoid it getting too hard. The best way is to warm your oven to 350°F. Put the steak in a dish that can go in the oven and cover it with foil.
Heat the steak in the oven for 8-10 minutes. This method is great for all marinated steaks, like flank steak and London broil. For more tips on safe reheating and using marinades again, click here.
Don’t microwave steak as it can make it tough and not cook evenly. If you want to use a stove, reheat the steak in a skillet over medium heat. Flip it often until it’s hot all the way through. This keeps the outside crispy.
Remember, the secret to enjoying leftover marinated steak is to store it right and reheat it gently. By doing these steps, your steak will stay tasty and soft, even after being stored and reheated.
Conclusion
We looked at how to make a great easy steak marinade with just three things. High-quality olive oil, fresh rosemary, and minced garlic are key. They make your steak taste amazing.
Choosing the right steak and marinating it right are important. You can use top cuts like Japanese Wagyu. The marinade makes it juicy and tender. Let the steak rest a bit after cooking to keep it juicy.
With these tips, you can make a fancy steak meal easily. This marinade will make your steak night a hit. So, get ready to grill and enjoy a tasty steak.
FAQ
What are the benefits of using a 3 ingredient steak marinade?
This marinade makes steak taste better without being too strong. It’s also good for diets that are low in carbs and keto. It’s easy to make and needs only a few things you might already have at home.
What roles do each of the ingredients play in the marinade?
Olive oil keeps the steak moist. Garlic adds a strong, savory taste. Rosemary brings a fresh, earthy flavor. Together, they make the steak tender and full of flavor.
Which cuts of steak are best for marinating?
Flank, ribeye, and sirloin steaks get better with marinades. Flank steak gets softer, ribeye’s fat gets tastier, and sirloin’s flavor gets richer. Choosing the right cut can change how the steak tastes and feels.
Can I customize the steak marinade recipe?
Yes! You can try new things by swapping olive oil for avocado or grapeseed oil. You can also add different herbs and spices to make it your own. This way, you can change the marinade to fit your taste.
What cooking methods work best with this steak marinade?
This marinade is great for grilling, broiling, or pan-searing. Always use a meat thermometer to cook it right. Letting the steak rest before you serve it is also key for the best taste.
How long should I marinate the steak for optimal flavor?
Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes but no more than 24 hours. This lets the flavors soak into the meat without making it too soft.
Is this marinade suitable for low-carb or keto diets?
Yes, this marinade is perfect for low-carb and keto diets. It lets you enjoy a tasty meal without breaking your diet.
What are the health benefits of the ingredients used in the marinade?
Each ingredient adds flavor and health benefits. Olive oil is good for your heart, garlic boosts your immune system, and rosemary fights inflammation. This marinade is great for your taste and health.
How should I store and reheat marinated steak?
Keep marinated steak in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, let it come to room temperature first. Then, heat it in a pan or oven to keep it juicy and flavorful.
