It doesn’t get any simpler than this one ingredient easy pork steak marinade. Keep your pantry stocked with our secret ingredient, and you’ll be ready to marinate any type of pork to make it tender and flavorful after grilling.

Marinating your meat before grilling not only adds flavor but also can add extra moisture and tenderize the meat prior to cooking. Using a simple one ingredient marinade technique is a simple way to make your meal better.

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The Easiest Pork Marinade Recipe

What is this secret ingredient we use when we grill pork steaks? Condensed French Onion Soup.

I use this ingredient in so many different ways, including French Onion Sloppy Joes, French Onion Rice Casserole, French Onion Sliders, French Onion Shepherd’s Pie. Canned French Onion Soup is so very versatile, and I always keep several cans on hand in my pantry.

This pork steak marinade recipe is as easy as opening the can of soup, pouring it over the pork, refrigerating, and grilling.

Tips for a Perfect Grilled Pork Steak

Here are several secrets to a perfectly grilled pork shoulder steak:

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably several hours to overnight. Marinades contain ingredients to help break down the tough meat fibers.
Do not overcook; this is the trick to any grilled pork. It’s ok to have a little pink left in pork after grilling.
Let the meat rest on a plate for a few minutes before cutting so that all the pork juices reabsorb into the meat fibers; this keeps it juicy!

I always marinate pork before grilling. If you don’t have any French Onion Soup on hand, try my other Grilled Pork Shoulder Steak Marinade.

My family (including me) prefers pork steak over beef steak, and this recipe is one of the reasons why. The flavors of the French Onion soup absorb into the pork steak after marinating. Serve along side some summer vegetables (like Mom’s Cucumber’s and Onions) and some grilled Naan, and dinner is served.

How to Marinate Pork for Grilling

Step By Step Instructions

Place thawed pork in a deep pan (with a lid) or a large zip lock bag.
Pour Condensed French Onion Soup over meat, and turn to coat all sides of the pork.
Cover or seal tightly.
Refrigerate for a minimum 2 hours or overnight.
Grill and enjoy!

For the full instructions for easy pork steak marinade (one ingredient), scroll to the bottom of this page.

Recipe FAQs

This may be the easiest pork marinade ever! Use it on pork steak, pork chops, pork loin, etc.
The longer you let the meat marinate, the more tender and flavorful it becomes. Try prepping it the night before.
Condensed French Onion Soup is found in the same aisle as the condensed cream and tomato soups at the supermarket.
I use a large marinating container like this one or a large resealable plastic bag. Both allow you to flip and turn and shake the meat a few times to redistribute the marinade.
Check out our Amazon Store for our favorite pantry essentials, like French Onion Soup.

Recipe Variations

Here’s a list of ingredients to make your own pork marinade for pork steak, boneless pork chops or bone-in pork chops. Or, use it to flavor another protein such as chicken or beef.

Salt and black pepper is a must!
Olive oil, sesame oil or vegetable oil
Lemon juice, orange juice or lime juice
Vinegar such as apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar
Spices such as paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, onion powder or garlic powder
Sweet ingredients such as brown sugar, maple syrup or honey
Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
Herbs such as dill, parsley, oregano, thyme or rosemary
Mustard such as Dijon mustard, yellow mustard or stone ground mustard.

More Pork Recipes

Pork is one of our favorite ingredients and we have many recipes featuring our favorite pork cuts – roast, chops, steak, sausage and bacon. Check out our Pork Category to find them all!

Mom’s Baked Pork Ribs

Mom's Oven Baked Pork Rib follows a parboil and bake technique that results in a quick, tender barbecued pork rib. I recommend serving over rice to absorb the finger-licking good sauce.

Tuscan White Bean Soup with Pork Sausage

This Tuscan Sausage and White Bean Soup recipe is an easy meal to make and customize to your own tastes.

Baked Sour Cream Pork Chops

Sour Cream Pork Chops are an simple baked pork chop recipe that packs a punch of a flavor. With a few simple ingredients, you'll have a fork-tender pork chop that will please the whole family.

Easy Grilling Recipes

Interested in grilling something other than pork steaks?

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