3 Ingredient Steak Marinade

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5 from 56 votes
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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!

Need more marinade recipes? Try my fajita marinade, pork tenderloin marinade, and chicken thigh marinade.

steak marinade with 3 ingredients.

What makes my famous air fryer steak or sous vide steak so perfect? The steak marinade we use with it. 

There is a misconception that marinades for steak need to have tons of seasonings and sauces in it, but that it 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.

What are the 3 main ingredients when marinating?

A basic marinade like this one has three key components to a perfect piece of meat: acid, oil, and a flavoring agent.

Table of Contents
  1. Why I love this recipe
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make 3 ingredient steak marinade
  4. Arman’s recipe tips 
  5. How to store leftovers
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. More recipes to try using this steak marinade
  8. 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade (Recipe Card)

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 an amazing job!

Ingredients needed

  • Worcestershire sauce. The magic ingredient that just works SO well with red meat. You can substitute this for soy sauce or tamari. 
  • 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 smokey and rich flavor without needing any seasonings. 
  • Butter or oil. To grill the steak.
ingredients needed for steak marinade.

How to make 3 ingredient 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 in a small bowl and whisk until combined.

Step 2- Marinade the steaks. Pour the marinade over 4 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 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 before drizzling excess marinade over them.

how to make a 3 ingredient steak marinade.

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. 

If you’re cooking tougher cuts (like ranch steak or sous vide flank steak), let it marinate for 2-4 hours.

Arman’s recipe tips 

  • Marinade 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 soak up and hold onto its juices.
  • Slice against the grain. Cutting against the grain of the steak helps break down its fibers and make it less tough and chewy.

Variations

  • 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.

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.

3 ingredient steak marinade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need oil in a marinade?

There is no need to actually use oil in a marinade, especially if there is marbling throughout. It is the acidic element which retains the flavor, not the oil.

How do I make my steak juicy and tender?

To guarantee juicy and tender steaks every single time, allow at least 30 minutes of marination time.

Can I substitute the liquid smoke?

Swap out the liquid smoke for 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.

More recipes to try using this steak marinade

3 ingredient steak marinade recipe.

3 Ingredient Steak Marinade

5 from 56 votes
This 3 ingredient steak marinade combines Worcestershire sauce, garlic and liquid smoke to create the BEST marinade ever! Perfect for any cut of steak. 
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 1 minute
Total: 2 minutes

Ingredients  

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

* One serving is 2 heaped teaspoons.
TO STORE: Store in the refrigerator, covered. Give the marinade a whisk 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 8kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.05gFat: 0.003gSodium: 116mgPotassium: 71mgFiber: 0.01gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mgNET CARBS: 2g
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Originally published June 2022, updated and republished May 2024

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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