3 Ingredient Steak Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Directions
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce, minced ginger, and garlic.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients well until evenly combined.
Step 3: Use this marinade to coat any steak of your choice. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrition Facts | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 127 | - |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 1350mg | 59% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31g | 11% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 1% |
| Total Sugars | 14g | - |
| Protein | 1g | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 23% |
| Calcium | 160mg | 12% |
| Iron | 7mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 1181mg | 25% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
History of the 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade
Marinades have been used for centuries to enhance the flavor and tenderness of meats. The 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade, while modern in its simplicity, draws on a long tradition of marinating meats to enhance their taste and texture. Worcestershire sauce, a key component of this marinade, has origins in England, where it was created in the 1830s by two chemists, John Wheeley Lea and William Henry Perrins. Ginger and garlic have been staple ingredients in culinary traditions around the world for thousands of years, revered not only for their flavor but also for their medicinal properties. The combination of these three ingredients creates a marinade that is both flavorful and easy to make, appealing to home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Regional Features of the 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade
Although this marinade is most commonly associated with American cuisine, its ingredients are found in various regional cooking styles. Worcestershire sauce has a deep-rooted history in British and global cuisine, especially in sauces and condiments. Ginger is often used in Asian cooking, particularly in Chinese, Indian, and Thai dishes, where it imparts warmth and complexity to savory recipes. Garlic, a universal ingredient, plays a central role in Mediterranean, Latin American, and Asian kitchens, offering both aromatic depth and sharpness. The fusion of these ingredients in a simple steak marinade speaks to the global nature of cooking, where diverse culinary traditions come together.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
Compared to other steak marinades, this recipe stands out due to its minimalism. Traditional steak marinades often include a variety of ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, herbs, and spices, making the preparation more complex and time-consuming. However, the 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade focuses on the balance of three core flavors: the umami richness of Worcestershire sauce, the spicy warmth of ginger, and the pungency of garlic. This simplicity makes it ideal for people looking to quickly marinate steaks without the need for additional ingredients. The lack of acids like lemon or vinegar in the marinade also differentiates it from more typical steak marinades, which often use these components to tenderize meat.
Where It Is Usually Served
This marinade is often used in casual American grilling settings, particularly during summer barbecues or family gatherings. It is perfect for steaks, but can also be applied to other meats such as chicken or pork. The dish is commonly seen in backyard cookouts, steak houses, and other casual dining establishments where grilling is central to the experience. The 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade is ideal for those who want to enjoy the simplicity of grilling without sacrificing flavor.
Interesting Facts about the 3 Ingredient Steak Marinade
- The use of Worcestershire sauce in marinades is thought to be an ancient technique of preserving meat by marinating it in vinegar, spices, and fermented fish extract.
- Ginger, a common ingredient in this recipe, has been used for thousands of years in cooking and medicine, particularly in China and India.
- Worcestershire sauces original formula was created by accident when its inventors, Lea and Perrins, were attempting to recreate a recipe from a local nobleman in India.
- The simplicity of this marinade makes it an excellent choice for people who are new to grilling or want a quick, flavorful solution for marinating their meat without the hassle of multiple ingredients.