Marinating is not new and has been around for a long period.
But before delving further into the process, we will look at its origination and why it’s an important part of our meal enjoyment.
To be precise, steak is raw meat.
The term cuts across the board, but one unifying factor is that marinating meat increases its flavor.
The only pressing question is how long can you marinate steak.
Sometimes you might have bought a piece of meat you feel needs to improve.
But wait! Once you marinate, the overall results of the marinated meat will be amazing.
What’s to Marinade?
Marinade is a Latin word meaning to preserve meat using sea water.
A walk down history gives us a glimpse of who among the many ancient cultures marinated their meats first.
Available research indicates that Egyptians were the first people to use seawater to culture their meat.
Over the years, this has become the norm in kitchens worldwide and by top chefs. The whole process can be simple.
Currently, one can use available recipes to make an easy steak marinade.
Marinade means to season meat by enhancing flavor, increasing its moisture content, and helping steak acquire different tastes using acidic ingredients to help tenderize the meat.
These ingredients are things that are obtained easily from our pantries.
How much time does it take to marinate?
Marinated steak should be done within 24 hours in the fridge and not more.
When that time exceeds the standard set downtime, the meat becomes mushy and loses all its flavor.
And it might be bad for your health.
When the steak is over-marinated, it can acquire flavor from ingredients used during seasoning while at the same time totally losing on the meat’s original flavor each time marination is done overboard.
It is advisable to stay within the set recipe rules.
Why Do We Need Acidic Ingredients During Steak Marinating?
Acidic ingredients offer the best solution for marinade steak due to their content.
Because of that, precautions must be implemented to avoid having mushy meat.
The acid ingredients work fast during tenderizing; therefore, their use must be controlled.
When acid is left for too long in raw meat, it destroys its protein structure when its main aim is to infuse flavor.
Ask any chef where the secret lies in timing during marination, and the results will come just out of this world.
The simple truth is you don’t have to be a culinary artist or chef to learn the art of steak marinating.
Anyone with a desire and interest who loves the taste of good food will enjoy doing it with excellent results.
The acidic marinade has, over the years, been used and preferred by many, but interestingly can use other kinds of products or ingredients.
Some acidic products include vinegar, lemon or citrus juice, buttermilk, wine, and soy sauce.
Reading the requirements carefully for those using an acidic marinade is advisable.
Remember, each cut has different requirements, and such information is easily obtained from the packet; they greatly differ.
What are the Other Kinds of Best Steak Marinade Products?
A little information will go a long way, and the truth is an ideal time for marination should be followed to the latter.
Never ever marinate your meat; it’s not advisable.
Worcestershire sauce makes a good marinating recipe but can be very powerful and should not be used for more than 12 hours for excellent results.
Ground garlic, when used with pepper and salt, provides excellent results.
Soy sauce and lime juice are best used within 24 hours as they have higher acidic properties, which must control for excellent results.
During steak marinade, you must ensure that you manage your timing.
Some tips include turning the steak from hour to hour as it helps spread the ingredients inside and outside.
Cooking delicious dinners is the desire of each one of us. Steak preparation and marinade should be planned to avoid last minute rush.
Seasoning items like garlic and red wine will work wonders when correctly used.
Are There Other Timing Methods That are Recommended For Marinade Steak?
Yes, there are! You will forgive us if we set rules in stone. When it comes to kitchen matters, we are better off following instructions.
Below we will take a closer look at the timing and why they are important in each set scenario.
Steak is costly; along with your purchase, you will meet the names of different parts.
It is normal, and do not be surprised, as they will make part of an incredibly tasty meal when seasoned properly.
- First and foremost, if you realize that after 24 hours of marinating, you cannot grill or cook the meat, freeze it. It will be safe and will not over-marinade.
- Freeze-seasoned steak can last a whole six months.
- Secondly, acidic marinades work faster and should be cooked between 6 and 12 hours. By then, the meat would have been tenderized and ready for the next stage.
- Thirdly, when using salt, chefs recommend kosher salt. It absorbs easily on the meat.
- Fourthly and most importantly, there are different kinds of steak, and tenderizing them differs greatly. Marinating tough steak takes time, and using a fork allows seasoning liquid to flow inside.
- Fifthly, it is important to know some of the products you will come across; ribeye steak, hanger steak, sirloin steak, flank steak, and skirt steak.
- Lastly, tender meat cuts like filet mignon steak, New York strip steak, and ribeye steak require shorter marinade time. It should be Should marinate for up to 2 hours.
- One hour and 30 minutes at most will do.
Upon marinating the meat, you should thaw it for close to 6 hours if frozen and 2 hours from the fridge.
If for some reason, the seasoning marinade has been frozen for six months, you should re-marinate it for close to 30 minutes. Avoid using any acidic products.
When it comes to cooked steak, your preference will dictate whether you want to grill it or cook it.
Remember raw steak is easier to marinate, and always remember to use olive oil to line your cooking pan.
Another reason timing is necessary when it comes to marination is because when steak is over-marinated, it tends to dry out.
When steak dries out, it loses its moisture and luster.
Conclusion
We have learned different kinds of steak require different marinade times.
It is, therefore, important that you get your facts right.
And know the amount of seasoning to use per pound of steak.
Seasoning will greatly depend, as steak is not limited to beef; there are chicken, pork, fish, lamb, and the list continues with different time frames when seasoning.
Such require less marinating time and less acidic marinade ingredients. You better be sure to check the recipe for the best results.
Cover the marinated steak and never marinate in a dish.
Every culinary artist or homemaker wants to learn how long you can marinate steak.
