3 Ingredient Steak Marinade
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Instantly elevate any cut of steak with my simple 3 ingredient steak marinade recipe. It’s smoky, savory, and layered with umami flavors. I use it on everything!
What makes my air fryer steak or sous vide steak taste like something from a steakhouse? The steak marinade we use with it.
There is a misconception that steak marinades need to include tons of seasonings and sauces, but that is not the case. My 3-ingredient steak marinade recipe proves just that. It’s so simple but creates the most delicious steak and meat every single time. It’s been my go-to for over 10 years, so I’m glad to share it with you.
A great steak marinade only needs three components, with everything else optional: an acid (to tenderize), a fat (for moisture), and a flavoring. Because the steaks are always cooked in fat, you can double up on the flavor!
I tested one version of this marinade with soy sauce and another with Worcestershire sauce, and the Worcestershire-based marinade came out on top every time. It added depth without overpowering the meat, allowing the natural flavors of whatever protein I used to really shine.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Easy to make in bulk. I typically make a triple batch of this recipe and freeze the leftovers for months to come.
- Packs all the flavor. Worcestershire sauce adds umami, the garlic adds aroma, and liquid smoke adds an irreplaceable smoky flavor.
- So versatile. I know ‘steak’ is in the name, but I’ve used this marinade on everything from chicken to pork and even seafood, and it’s always done a fantastic job!
Ingredients needed
- Worcestershire sauce. The magic ingredient that works SO well with red meat.
- Minced garlic OR garlic olive oil. Freshly minced or jarred garlic, NOT garlic powder.
- Liquid smoke. The secret ingredient that gives the marinade a lovely, smoky, rich flavor without any seasonings.
- Butter or oil. To cook the steak. This is the ‘fat’ element of the mar
How to make steak marinade
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Mix the marinade. Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until combined.
Step 2- Marinade the steaks. Pour the marinade over four steaks (4-6 ounces each) and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3- Cook the steaks. Using tongs, remove the steak and shake off excess marinade. Place on a buttered or oiled hot grill or pan and cook until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
Step 4- Rest. Let the cooked steaks rest for 10 minutes, then drizzle any excess marinade over them.
My favorite steaks to use this with
There are no wrong answers when it comes to picking a steak to use with this marinade. That said, I find naturally tender steaks (like filet mignon or porterhouse steak) absorb the flavor best when marinated for at least 30 minutes. Ribeye steak and New York strip steak also.
If you’re cooking tougher cuts, like ranch steak or sous vide flank steak, I recommend marinating them for 2-4 hours.
In testing, the steaks I cook most often for my family, sirloin steak and skirt steak, tasted best after about 45 minutes and up to an hour.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Marinate for AT LEAST 30 minutes. Trust me, there’s zero harm in letting the steak marinade for longer, but it needs at least 30 minutes to soak up all those rich flavors.
- Don’t skip resting the meat. It’s essential to help the steak absorb and retain its juices.
- Slice against the grain. Cutting against the grain of the steak helps break down its fibers, making it less tough and chewy.
Variations
I’ve been making this marinade for years, and it really is versatile. As long as you stick to my 3-ingredient base, there are a ton of ways to change things up. Here’s some ideas:
- Infuse more flavor. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice, diced shallots, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add fresh herbs and spices. Depending on what I’m cooking, I like to add fresh rosemary, thyme, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add a touch of sweetness. Stir in two tablespoons of brown sugar or honey. This is SO good for leaner cuts like flank or skirt.
How to store leftovers
To store: Store covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Whisk the marinade before adding it to your meat in case there has been some separation.
To freeze: Place the marinade in a freezer-friendly container and store it in the freezer for up to two months. Let it thaw completely before using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
You actually don’t need oil in a steak marinade, especially if the cut has plenty of marbling. The acid is what helps the flavor penetrate, not the oil. In culinary school, I learned that as long as you cook the steak in fat (oil or butter), there’s no need to add any to the marinade.
For this marinade, I typically marinate the steaks for at least 30 minutes, but 4 hours gives the best flavor. Some recipes call for marinating overnight, but in my experience, unless it’s a massive slab of meat, letting it sit for more than 8 hours can cause the marinade to sink in too much and affect how juicy the steak stays.
If you can’t find liquid smoke, I’ve found that 1/2 a teaspoon of smoked paprika is a solid alternative.
More recipes to try using this steak marinade
3 Ingredient Steak Marinade
Video
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 clove garlic minced
Instructions
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and garlic in a small bowl and whisk together until combined.
- Pour the marinade over 4 steaks (4-6 ounces each) and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Use tongs to remove steak and shake off excess marinade. Place on a hot grill or pan and cook until the desired steak preference.
- Let the cooked steaks rest for 10 minutes, before drizzling excess marinade over the top.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published June 2022
Teriyaki, liquid smoke and dry rub paprika based chef spice is a great leave on marinade for Ontario lamb.
I will make this marinade for chicken also!
Truly the best steak marinade ever- so good with just 3 ingredients!
love this steak marinade so much! Who knew 3 ingredients could create this magic!