The summer months are grilling season, and steak is one of the most popular foods to grill. But how long can a steak be marinated in the fridge before it spoils?
How Long Can You Store Marinated Steak in the Fridge?
Marinated beef can last up to two days in the refrigerator when stored properly [1].
The steak can be kept fresh and flavorful for a long time by properly marinating it and keeping it at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
How Long Can You Marinate Meat?
To ensure the perfect steak, marinating time is 2-4 hours. Before they begin to break, it will give the food time to absorb it.
Use only what you need, and marinate for no more than six hours. Additionally, the right techniques and marinades can add flavor to your food.
How To Properly Refrigerate Marinated Steak
The secret to storing marinated meat is to keep it tasty and fresh. Make sure the beef is marinated in an airtight container, put it in the refrigerator, and let it marinate for up to 24 hours.
To get perfectly cooked food, do not marinate it for an extended period of time.
After 24 hours, take them off and dry them with paper towels at room temperature. Discard the used marinade.
What Happens If You Leave Steak Marinating Too Long?
Steak benefits from marinades, which give it a delicious flavor, but if you leave it out for longer than a few hours, you risk getting a tough and unpleasant texture. If the marinade is too much, the protein may degrade and become mushy.
There are many marinade recipes. Try a quick one made with herbs, spices, oil, and vinegar if you’re in a hurry. You’ll achieve your desired strong flavors in this manner without going overboard.
How to Tell If Your Marinated Meat Is Bad
Trust your instincts when cooking steak; if there are any discolored patches or slimy residue, it’s time to toss it. For a beef steak recipe, fresh, wholesome meat is required.
Sliminess: While many marinades can enhance flavor, you should discard any meat that has a slimy texture. If the meat has turned slimy, it is already spoiled. Always check the expiration date and throw away any beef, chicken, or poultry recommended that has passed its expiration date to be safe.
Strong odors are the surest indicator of spoiled meat, so trust your nose. Always look at the expiration date, and discard the food if in doubt!
Can Marinated Meat Be Frozen?
Yes. You can freeze them for later enjoyment. When a recipe calls for it, simply place them in the freezer so that they are prepared for cooking.
Tips & Tricks When Marinating Raw Meat in the Fridge
- In most recipes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, or an acidic ingredient like red wine, balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice are combined with steak to marinate it. It will help tenderize the steak.
- Never combine the marinade for the steak with the raw meat at room temperature. [2]
- Before putting the steak in the refrigerator, evenly coat it with the marinade.
- Safely keep marinated steak out of the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours.
- When marinating beef in the refrigerator, use a shallow baking dish or zip-top bag.
- When it’s time to cook, pat the beef dry before salting and grilling it.
- Most steak recipes allow you to customize the marinade by adding a few spices.
Is it OK to marinate steak overnight?
Yes. Leaving marinated steak overnight will properly absorb the marinade. Place them in a freezer bag and allow the beef to marinate so that the spices can fully acclimate.
Can marinating the steak too long make it tough?
Yes, doing so for an excessively long time can make the food tough because the acidic marinade (typically lemon juice or vinegar) can cause the meat fibers to break down and give the dish a rough texture.
Should you refrigerate marinated steak?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, raw steak can be safely kept in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Let’s wrap it up
A great way to enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat in your dish is to marinate it. If you properly marinate and store your steak, it can last up to five days in the refrigerator.
To preserve the safety and flavor of your steak, use a shallow container with a tight lid and discard any marinade that is left over.
Every day of the week, with the right planning and attention, you can enjoy delicious food. We assure you that your steak still tastes as delicious as when you first marinated it.
References: