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simple steak marinade quick dinner recipe

Quick Simple Steak Marinade for Weeknight Dinners

Avatar photoMarla Jennings
This easy marinade transforms your steak into a flavorful, tender delight perfect for quick dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl medium
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 resealable plastic bag

Ingredients
  

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp vinegar

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Gather all ingredients and mince the garlic finely for the marinade.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, and vinegar. Whisk until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
  • Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, seal the bag, and ensure the steak is evenly coated.
  • Let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.

Cooking

  • For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For pan-searing, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil.
  • Remove the steak from the marinade and cook on the grill or pan, 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
  • After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serving

  • Slice the rested steak against the grain and serve with your choice of side dishes.

Storage

  • Place any leftover steak in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Notes

Pro Tips: Avoid over-marinating to prevent mushy texture. Use a meat thermometer for precise cooking. Ingredient Substitutions: Swap vinegar with lemon juice for a citrusy note. How to Serve: Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Storage & Freshness: Store unused marinade in the fridge for up to a week. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the marinade a day in advance to save time.
Keyword easy steak marinade, quick steak recipes, simple steak marinade