This 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade is packed with bold, smoky, and tangy flavors. Balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke make any steak juicy and delicious!

Let me paint the scene. It’s a Saturday night, and I’m craving a perfectly juicy, flavorful steak. I go to the fridge, grab the steaks, and… realize I forgot to buy half the ingredients for my usual fancy marinade. No soy sauce. No Dijon mustard. No fresh herbs. Panic mode engaged.

But instead of throwing in the towel and ordering takeout (like I was very tempted to do), I got resourceful. I grabbed balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke—the only three things left in my kitchen that sounded remotely steak-appropriate. Mixed them together, threw the steaks in, and hoped for the best.

The result? One of the best steaks I’ve ever had.

The balsamic vinegar gave it this slightly sweet tang, Worcestershire sauce brought in a deep umami richness, and the liquid smoke? Chef’s kiss. It made the steak taste like it had been grilled over an open flame, even though I was cooking it on my stovetop.

Lesson learned: sometimes, simple is better.

Now, this 3 ingredient steak marinade is my go-to. No fuss, no long ingredient lists—just big, bold, smoky flavor in minutes. And trust me, once you try it, you won’t go back to complicated marinades either.

Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade Recipe?

It’s ridiculously easy – Three ingredients, one whisk, done.
Tons of flavor, no extra work – Bold, smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet.
Works on any cut of steak – Ribeye, sirloin, filet—you name it.
Great for grilling, pan-searing, or broiling – However you cook it, this marinade delivers.
Quick enough for weeknights, fancy enough for entertaining – The best of both worlds.

Ingredient Notes:

You’d think you’d need more than three ingredients to make a steak taste amazing, but nope. These three do all the heavy lifting.

Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a rich, slightly sweet tang and helps tenderize the meat. Plus, it caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
Worcestershire Sauce – Packed with umami goodness, it deepens the flavor and gives the steak that irresistible savory taste.
Liquid Smoke – The secret weapon. A few drops of this, and suddenly your steak tastes like it’s been grilled over an open fire.

Pro Tip: No liquid smoke? Smoked paprika will give you a similar effect!

How To Make 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade?

If you can mix three things in a bowl, you can make this marinade.

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together:

¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke

That’s it. No chopping, no measuring out 10 different spices—just a quick mix, and you’re ready to go.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place 4 steaks (about 4-6 oz each) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.

Pour the marinade over the steaks, making sure they’re well coated.

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Cover and refrigerate:

At least 30 minutes for a quick marinade.
Up to 8 hours for deeper, richer flavor.

Pro Tip: Flip the steaks halfway through so they absorb the marinade evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Remove the steaks from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.

Grill, pan-sear, or broil to your preferred doneness:

Medium-rare: 130-135°F
Medium: 135-145°F
Medium-well: 145-155°F

Once cooked, let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Trust me, this helps lock in all those delicious juices.

Take a bite and prepare to be amazed.

Storage Options:

Want to prep ahead? Here’s how to store it:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. Just pop a cube or two into a bag with your steak when you’re ready to marinate!

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to tweak it a little? No problem. Here are some easy swaps:

No balsamic? Try red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Want a little sweetness? Add 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar for extra caramelization.
Garlic lover? Mix in 1 teaspoon minced garlic for added depth.
Citrus twist? A squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice brightens up the flavor.
No liquid smoke? Smoked paprika works in a pinch.

What to Serve with 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade?

This marinade pairs well with just about anything, but here are some of my go-to sides:

Garlic Butter Mushrooms – Steak + mushrooms = match made in heaven.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Because you need something to soak up those juices.
Grilled Asparagus or Broccolini – A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich steak.
Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for making steak sandwiches with leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use this marinade on chicken or pork?
Yes! It works great on chicken breasts, pork chops, and even portobello mushrooms.

Do I need to add oil to the marinade?
Nope! The steak’s natural fat and the balsamic vinegar help keep it juicy.

Can I marinate overnight?
Yes, but don’t go past 8 hours—the vinegar might start breaking down the meat too much.

This 3 ingredient steak marinade is proof that sometimes, simple is best. It’s ridiculously easy, requires almost no prep, and delivers huge flavor.

So, are you trying this tonight? Got a favorite steak side dish? Let me know—I love hearing from fellow steak lovers!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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