It takes care and skill to marinate meat so that it turns out tasty, safe meat that everyone would want to eat. A good chef knows that marinating meat takes a lot of steps, but many people don’t know how long they should keep the meat in the fridge. There are a lot of things to think about before you start marinating your meat, because one mistake could ruin the end result. Don’t worry, though; we have all the tips and information you need to cook a great steak.
Marinating beef is a great way to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat before cooking. But exactly how long can you safely store marinated beef in the refrigerator? Here are some guidelines to ensure food safety and quality when marinating beef.
Food Safety Guidelines for Marinated Meat
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends storing marinated raw meat in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days. After 2 days, the growth of harmful bacteria increases the risk of foodborne illness.
Here are some key food safety tips when marinating meat
- Always marinate meat in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
- Use a non-reactive container like glass or plastic. Acidic marinades can react with metal.
- Submerge the meat fully in the marinade.
- Keep the marinated meat in a container on the bottom shelf of the fridge furthest from ready-to-eat foods.
- Discard used marinade; never reuse marinade that touched raw meat.
For beef specifically, the USDA says marinating time in the fridge should not exceed 5 days.
How Long for Best Quality?
While marinated beef remains safe for consumption up to 5 days in the fridge, the texture and flavor will degrade over time.
- 1-2 days gives the best balance of tenderizing the meat without making it mushy.
- 3 days should be the max if you want beef that still retains some texture.
- After 4-5 days, the acids in the marinade start to literally “cook” the meat, resulting in overly soft beef.
Ideally, marinate beef no longer than necessary to allow the flavors to permeate and meat fibers to break down. For most marinades, the magic time is 12-48 hours.
Tips for Marinating Beef
Here are some safe ways to marinate beef that will still have the right texture and flavor:
- Choose fresh, high-quality beef, not meat that is about to expire.
- Pat meat dry before marinating so the marinade adheres.
- Marinate in the refrigerator in a glass baking dish or sealed plastic bag.
- Flip the meat in the marinade a few times to distribute evenly.
- Remove beef from the marinade after 1-2 days. Discard used marinade.
- Pat meat dry before cooking to prevent burning.
- Brush extra marinade on meat the last 5-10 minutes of grilling for flavor.
Signs Marinated Beef Has Spoiled
Always inspect marinated meat before cooking. Signs that the beef has spoiled include:
- Slimy texture
- Gray color
- Off putting sour or rancid smell
- Mold growth
If you detect any of these, throw the beef and marinade away. Do not taste meat that shows signs of spoilage.
Marinade Ideas for Beef
From Asian flavors to Mediterranean herbs, marinades take beef to the next level. Try these tasty marinades:
Mexican: Lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic
Greek: Lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, rosemary
Korean: Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, gochujang
Indian: Yogurt, curry powder, garam masala, ginger, garlic
Teriyaki: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic
Pesto: Basil, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Parmesan
Jerk: Lime juice, allspice, thyme, garlic, brown sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will beef marinate in the fridge?
For food safety, marinate beef up to 2 days in the fridge. For best texture and flavor, 1-2 days is ideal.
Can you marinate beef too long?
Yes, marinating longer than 2 days makes beef mushy in texture as the acids start to “cook” the meat.
Should marinated meat be refrigerated?
Absolutely. Marinate beef only in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
Can you freeze marinated beef?
It’s best not to freeze marinated meats. The marinade can damage the texture during freezing.
Can I reuse marinade on beef?
Never reuse marinade that touched raw beef due to contamination risks. Always discard it after marinating meat.
The Takeaway on Marinated Beef Storage
Marinating beef enhances flavor and tenderizes meat when done properly. Limit marinating time to 1-2 days in the fridge for food safety and best results.
Discard used marinade and dry meat before cooking. With the right marinade and storage, you can make deliciously flavored beef any night of the week.
Store Marinated Meat in the Fridge
The fridge is the best place to store marinated meat if it is intended to be consumed within 5 days. To store your marinated meat properly in the fridge, keep the meat in an airtight plastic container or keep it in a snap lock bag. According to Michigan State University, marinating meat in a metal bowl before storing it in the walk-in cooler could affect the meatâs quality due to the metalâs reaction with any acidic contents present in the marinade. To extend the length of time the meat will keep, place the container in the coldest part of your fridge (optimally at 40 °F or 4.4 °C) and leave the container closed to avoid contamination.
How Long can Marinated Meat Keep in the Fridge?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, marinating meat for too long (longer than 3-5 days) will eventually cause the meatâs fiber to break down, thus diminishing the natural taste and quality. So, in order to avoid an unpleasant meal, you must cook and consume meat within 5 days of marinating the meat.