Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly tender steak, marinated in a luscious blend of sweet balsamic vinegar, rich soy sauce, and fragrant olive oil. As it sizzles in the pan, the aroma of garlic and rosemary fills the air, teasing your senses and making your mouth water. The caramelized crust forms a delightful contrast to the juicy interior, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. This steak marinade is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that transforms a simple meal into a celebration. Get ready to impress your taste buds and those you love!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Steak Marinade
- Trust me, you’re going to love the sweet balsamic flavor!
- This marinade makes your steak incredibly tender.
- Pan-searing creates a delicious caramelized crust.
- It’s quick and easy—perfect for any weeknight dinner!
- This one’s a game-changer for your grilling game!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | With pan juices drizzled on top! |
Ingredients for Steak Marinade
Here’s everything you need to make a delicious steak marinade that guarantees tender and flavorful results!
- 12 ounces steak – your choice of cut
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar – provides a sweet and tangy flavor
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – adds depth and umami
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – helps in marinating and adds richness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – infuses flavor
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped – adds aromatic notes
- Salt and pepper to taste – essential for seasoning
How to Make this Steak Marinade
Get ready to create a delicious steak that will impress everyone!
1. Step
In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Step
Place the steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the steak is fully coated.
3. Step
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
4. Step
Remove steak from marinade, pat dry with paper towels.
5. Step
Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until smoking hot.
6. Step
Sear steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
7. Step
Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Step
Serve with any reserved pan juices drizzled on top.
Pro Tips for Making Steak Marinade
- Let the steak marinate for at least 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh rosemary for a more aromatic experience.
- Pat the steak dry before searing for a better crust.
- Adjust the soy sauce for a saltier or sweeter taste.
- Rest the steak for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.
How to Serve
- Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes for a creamy contrast.
- Pair with grilled asparagus or sautéed green beans for a fresh crunch.
- Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Enjoy with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing balance.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your steak marinade and leftovers with ease:
Storing Leftovers
- Cool the steak to room temperature.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled steak in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and type of steak.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.
For proper freezing and thawing practices, refer to this USDA guide: here.
Reheating
- Thaw the steak in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
- Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Steak Marinade
Equipment
- 1 Bowl For mixing the marinade.
- 1 Skillet Heavy skillet for searing the steak.
- 1 Resealable bag or shallow dish For marinating the steak.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 12 ounces steak Your choice of cut.
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar Provides a sweet and tangy flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Adds depth and umami.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil Helps in marinating and adds richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses flavor.
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped Adds aromatic notes.
- to taste salt and pepper Essential for seasoning.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Place the steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the steak is fully coated.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Remove steak from marinade, pat dry with paper towels.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until smoking hot.
- Sear steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
- Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with any reserved pan juices drizzled on top.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 5g |
You can visit our breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts recipes from here:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Desserts
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. How long should I marinate the steak?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for 2 to 4 hours in the refrigerator will enhance the taste even more. Just be sure not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity in the marinade can start to break down the meat too much.
2. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Absolutely! If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still create a delicious marinade for your steak.
3. What type of steak is best for this marinade?
This marinade works wonderfully with various cuts of steak, but for the best results, consider using ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak. These cuts are tender and will absorb the flavors beautifully, giving you a juicy and flavorful meal.
4. How do I achieve a perfect sear on the steak?
To get that perfect caramelized crust, make sure your pan is hot before adding the steak. Use a bit of oil to coat the pan, and let the steak sear without moving it for a few minutes. This will help develop a nice crust. Flip it only once to ensure even cooking and a beautiful sear on both sides.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to impress your taste buds with this delightful steak marinade! It’s simple, rewarding, and perfect for any occasion. The sweet balsamic sauce combined with garlic and rosemary creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. So fire up that pan, savor the aroma, and enjoy every juicy bite. Happy cooking!