To get the best juicy and tenderized steak, it is always advised to marinate it for some time. It makes the steak absorb all the spices, herbs, and moisturizer so that it does not get dry from the inside after cooking. Some people prefer to marinate the steak in the open, and some prefer it in the fridge. However, marinating for too long can result in a changed texture and taste of the steak. So, how long can steak marinate in the fridge?
According to USDA, it is safe to leave the steak to marinate in the fridge for as long as five days. It is best to cook the steak within this time period, as after five days, the meat will start to break down and become mushy. Moreover, the taste of meat will also change after five days.
On the other hand, if you use strong marinades, then cook it within two days, as meat may begin to disintegrate and become soft and mushy after two days.
The best recommended time to keep marinated steak in the fridge is 6-24 hours. You will get the best taste of steak in this time period.
Let’s get to know more about the time frame for marinating!
How long can you marinate steak in the fridge?
The safe time for marinating steak in the fridge is five days. The meat will stay safe to cook and eat within five days. After that, it is not recommended to use meat.
The USDA recommends marinating beef for six to 24 hours in the refrigerator, according to its guidelines. In this time, you can get the best taste and texture from the steak.
However, some marinades are stronger; they may start to break down the meat after only two days, which will make the meat mushy and soft. So, keep in mind to check the meat in case you use strong marinades.
What happens if you marinate steak too long?
The steak will taste sour if you marinate it for more than five days in the fridge. This occurs as a result of the sugar in the marinade decomposing and fermenting, which alters the meat’s chemical composition and imparts an unpleasant flavor.
Additionally, some molecules in the flesh begin to break down at a faster pace than normal in over-marinated beef, causing it to become mushy. The beef will lose its moisture if you marinate it for too long.
So, do not marinate the steak for more than five days in the fridge for safety.
How long can you marinate steak in soy sauce?
You can marinate the steak in soy sauce for a day if you keep it in the fridge. Soy sauce-marinated steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Soy sauce is a great addition since it enhances the flavor of the meat. It helps to soften and flavor the beef. Because it provides so much flavor, it’s the best thing about this ingredient.
How long can you marinate steak in vinegar?
You can marinate the steak in vinegar for a few hours if you purely soak it in the vinegar. However, if you use a few tablespoons of vinegar in a marinade that also contains olive oil and less acidic liquids, and the steak is not totally submerged, the typical marinating time of 24 hours should be fine.
How long can steak marinate at room temperature?
At room temperature, the safest time for marinating steak is not more than four hours. Ideally, you should only aim for two hours at a temperature more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Actually, at room temperature, the meat will process rapidly, and moreover, the marinades will make it process faster.
So do not marinate the steak for more than four hours at room temperature.
How long can chicken marinate in the fridge?
Chicken should be kept in the fridge for as long as two days after marinating. This is the maximum time; however, you should only marinate chicken between six to twenty-four hours for the best taste.
The longer you let an acidic marinade work on chicken, the more stringy and dry the surface texture will become; therefore, do not marinate chicken in the refrigerator for more than two days.
How long can seasoned meat stay in the freezer?
You can keep seasoned meat in the freezer for upto three months. It will be safe to consume even in the time frame of three months. However, it must be consumed within three months of being frozen; otherwise, the quality will degrade significantly.
When you want to use the seasoned meat, you should defrost it first and then consume it within hours. Freezing the meat will not cause any change in taste; rather, it will only provide an extra layer of protection.
How long can raw meat stay in fridge?
It is possible to keep most uncooked meat in the refrigerator for three to five days. There are, of course, exceptions to any rule. One to two days is the maximum amount of time you should keep ground beef and offal, such as liver and kidneys, in the fridge.
Bottom Line
So now you know how long can steak marinate in the fridge. Next time you are marinating the steak and looking forward to eating it after a few days, then keep it in the fridge but only for 3-5 days. The taste will stay the same, and you will be saved on time too.
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