Name: Baked Garlic Balsamic Steak Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5–2 lb steak (sirloin, flank, or skirt); 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

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If you have been searching for a truly mouthwatering way to enjoy a juicy steak, look no further than this Baked Garlic Balsamic Steak Recipe. This dish combines the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar, the comforting punch of garlic, and aromatic herbs that all come together to infuse every bite with irresistible flavor. Baking the steak locks in the juices while creating a beautiful caramelized crust, turning a simple protein into an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress guests, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of hearty and sophisticated without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large raw red steak placed on a dark textured rectangular wooden tray, with visible marbling of fat. Around the tray, there are several small clear bowls arranged in a neat formation, each containing different ingredients: coarse black and white pepper, sea salt, olive oil, chopped garlic, sliced white onions in a round wooden bowl, soy sauce, and a light yellow cooking oil. The setup is on a white marbled surface. The overall colors focus on red meat, white onions, golden oils, and the contrasting dark tray and spices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Crafting this Baked Garlic Balsamic Steak Recipe with just a handful of simple ingredients proves that you don’t need an extensive list to create incredible flavor. Each component plays an important role, from the tender steak cut you choose to the fragrant herbs that bring depth and aroma. Let’s explore what you’ll need to bring this delicious meal to life:

1.5–2 lb steak (sirloin, flank, or skirt): Choose a cut that has good marbling for maximum juiciness and flavor.
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich tangy sweetness that tenderizes and brightens the steak.
2 tbsp olive oil: Helps keep the steak moist and assists with the marinade’s coating.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings bold, savory notes that elevate every bite.
1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos: Provides umami depth and a slight saltiness to balance the vinegar.
1 tsp dried rosemary: Offers piney, aromatic hints that complement the meat perfectly.
1 tsp dried thyme: Adds gentle earthiness and complexity.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps the steak caramelize.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a mild heat that rounds out the seasoning.

How to Make Baked Garlic Balsamic Steak Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This marinade is where all the magic begins, blending tanginess, herbal fragrance, and umami into a luscious mixture that will soak into the steak.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place your chosen steak cut into a shallow dish or a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the steak is well coated on all sides, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, longer marinating up to several hours will deepen the flavor even more, making it extra tender and delicious.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare to Bake

While the steak marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F. Position a baking sheet for easy cleanup, and when ready, remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off before placing it on the sheet. This ensures the steak bakes evenly without becoming too wet.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the steak for about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on its thickness, for a juicy medium-rare to medium finish. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. For an added bonus, broil the steak for the last 2 minutes to create a gorgeous brown crust that seals in flavor and juices beautifully.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once out of the oven, let the steak rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is tender and succulent. Then slice against the grain and prepare to savor every bite of your Baked Garlic Balsamic Steak Recipe.

How to Serve Baked Garlic Balsamic Steak Recipe

The image shows a white round plate on a white marbled surface with a thick grilled steak. The steak is partially sliced into about six pieces, showing a pink inside and a dark, crispy outside with clear grill marks. Some small green herbs are sprinkled on top of the steak for garnish. Around the plate, there are lemon halves and coarse salt grains. The lighting highlights the juicy texture of the meat and the charred grill lines. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To complement the rich flavors of the steak, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to add a touch of bright color and fresh herbal notes. A few thinly sliced garlic chips or a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze can also elevate the presentation and enhance taste.

Side Dishes

This steak pairs wonderfully with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. The starches will soak up the savory juices, while fresh veggies add balance and freshness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting family-style meal, lay the sliced steak on a wooden cutting board alongside bowls of complementary sides and garnishes. You can also toss steak strips into a warm grain bowl with quinoa, avocado, and cherry tomatoes for a hearty, visually appealing dish. Serving with homemade crusty bread helps mop up every last bit of the garlicky balsamic sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, simply wrap any leftover steak tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day sandwiches or salads.

Freezing

If you want to keep leftovers for longer, freeze cooked steak slices in a freezer-safe container or bag. Properly stored, the steak maintains good quality for up to 2 months. Be sure to label it for easy identification.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until just heated through to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain moisture during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin, flank, or skirt steak are recommended for their flavor and texture, you can experiment with ribeye or strip steak as well. Just keep an eye on cooking times to avoid overcooking.

How long should I marinate the steak?

At minimum, marinate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. For best results, marinate for 2 to 4 hours. Avoid marinating longer than overnight, as the acidity in balsamic vinegar can start to break down the meat too much.

Is this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free. For gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or substitute with coconut aminos to keep it safe for those avoiding gluten.

Can I cook this steak on the grill instead?

You can, though the recipe is designed for baking to create that beautiful caramelized crust while keeping it juicy. Grilling will produce different flavor nuances but can absolutely be delicious as well.

What if I prefer my steak more well-done?

Simply increase the baking time by a few minutes and monitor closely until it reaches your desired doneness. Keep in mind the resting period to lock in juices, which will keep even a well-done steak tender.

Final Thoughts

If you want a delicious, straightforward way to elevate your steak nights, the Baked Garlic Balsamic Steak Recipe is a brilliant go-to. It takes simple ingredients and turns them into a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every tender, garlicky, balsamic-infused bite as much as I do!