Meat needs to be marinated carefully and skillfully to produce succulent, safe meat that anyone would want to eat. Any competent chef is aware that there are numerous steps to marinating meat, but many people are unsure of how long they should keep the meat in the refrigerator. Before you start marinating your meat, there are a number of things to think about because a mistake could compromise the outcome. But don’t worry, we have all the advice and knowledge you require to prepare a beautiful piece of meat.
How Long Can Marinated Beef Stay in the Fridge?
The USDA states that 6 to 24 hours is the most recommended amount of time to marinate beef. While the beef that has been marinated can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days However, if you use strong marinades, they might start breaking down the meat fibers after two days, turning them into mush.
Therefore, the choice of timing depends on the recipe you intend to prepare, the marinade you use, and how potent of a flavor profile you may desire.
Tips for Refrigerating Marinated Beef
Always marinate beef in the refrigerator. Marinating at room temperature is not recommended. This is due to the risk of bacteria growing and spoiling the beef.
Here are some quick tips for refrigerating marinated beef –
- Do not marinate for too long. The ideal is to limit cooking time to 6–24 hours, or simply follow the directions on the recipe.
- Don’t reuse any marinade that has come into contact with raw meat after you remove the marinated beef. It could contain harmful bacteria.
- After more than two hours of sitting at room temperature, discard any leftover marinade. This can cause health issues.
- Don’t refreeze any beef that has been thawed. It could contain harmful bacteria. This is particularly valid if you thawed the beef in the water or in the microwave.
What Happens When Meat Marinates Too Long in the fridge?
The meat will begin to degrade and turn mushy if the marinade is left on it for too long. The meat’s internal enzymes will also begin to function, which will change the color and make it more tender.
We must first comprehend what marination is in order to comprehend this in detail.
Marinating is the process of reacting meat with acids like vinegar or lemon juice. what we apply to meat (like lemon, vinegar, etc. ) are called marinades.
Why marinate meat? Because it allows you to flavor and moisten it before you cook it. Olive oil, salt, and pepper can be used as a basic marinade, or it can be more elaborate with the addition of herbs, spices, and other ingredients.
Meat that has been marinated prior to cooking is more flavorful and tender.
However, if the meat is left in acid for too long, it will begin to spoil and emit an unpleasant smell.
Here are some great suggestions for marinating beef in unique marinades:
Can you Freeze Marinated Beef?
Yes, you can freeze marinated beef. However, the beef’s flavor and quality could be compromised. Make sure to store marinated beef in an airtight container or freezer bag when freezing it to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
It is advised NOT to freeze the marinated beef and marinade together.
Beef fibers can be damaged by the acid in marinades and ice crystals (which form as a result of freezing), which can turn beef mushy and alter its flavor and texture.
Storing Marinated Meat in the Refrigerator
When putting marinated meat in the fridge, there are a few things to remember.
- Always ensure that the marinade covers the meat entirely. Any exposed meat will quickly spoil and contaminate the remaining portions if there is any.
- Avoid stuffing the refrigerator shelves too full to keep the meat chilled and fresh.
- Avoid marinating in metal containers because they react with the acid in the marinades. Prefer plastic bags, glass or air-tight food-grade containers.
The marinated meat must be consumed within a few days to avoid spoilage.
How Can You Tell if the Marinated Beef is Bad?
It is likely that the marinated beef will begin to spoil and grow bacteria if it is kept in the refrigerator for more than five days. The meat has also gone bad if there are any indications of discoloration or sliminess on it. Furthermore, if the beef smells rancid or sour, it has likely spoiled and should not be consumed.
Although beef that has been marinated can last much longer when frozen, you should make sure that the marinade is taken off before freezing.
Does Meat Need Extra Time to Marinade if Kept Outside?
No, if kept outside, meat does not require additional marinating time. However, you shouldn’t because doing so can encourage the growth of bacteria that can result in food poisoning and cause meat to be left out at room temperature. The meat should ideally be kept in the refrigerator until it is time to cook it.
Make sure you don’t keep it for too long (more than two days is ideal, but 6-24 hours will do).
I hope this information helped you determine how long beef can be safely marinated in the refrigerator.
Please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.
Do share this with others who love beef recipes! References
How long should you keep meat in the fridge or freezer?
FAQ
Can you eat steak after 7 days in fridge?
Roasts, steaks, and chops made of beef, veal, lamb, and pork can be kept for 3 to 5 days. Meat, poultry, and seafood can be safely kept in the refrigerator for three to four days after cooking.
Does marinating meat make it last longer?
Food has a refrigerated shelf life. Marinating does not extend that shelf life. For chicken or turkey, the shelf life is one to two days. This includes the day of purchase and thawing time.
Can you keep marinated meat in the fridge?
Once your meat has finished marinating, store it in the refrigerator. As a result, the meat is kept at or below the safe meat temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This avoids any issues with bacteria growing on your meat.
How long can raw meat stay in the fridge?
Fresh beef, veal, lamb, and porkSteaks3 to 5 daysChops3 to 5 daysRoasts3 to 5 daysHamFresh, uncured, uncooked3 to 5 daysCold food storage chartFoodTypeRefrigerator (40 °F or below)