How to Marinate Meat

By eHow Food & Drink Editor

Rate: (35 Ratings)

Marinating meat is one of the best ways to give it more flavor and to tenderize it at the same time. It's foolproof if you follow a few simple guidelines.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Trim the meat so that it's ready for cooking. You shouldn't have to cut or trim the meat after it's been marinated.
Step2
Mix together the marinade according to its recipe.
Step3
Notice whether the marinade contains these three key ingredients: acid (such as wine, lemon juice or vinegar), salt or alcohol. Each one reduces the amount of time the meat should marinate.
Step4
Combine the meat and marinade in a nonreactive, sealed container. Make especially sure not to use aluminum or cast iron, and try to avoid metal altogether, if possible.
Step5
Marinate in a sealable plastic bag if you can. You can turn these over often, ensuring that all surfaces get coated in the marinade.
Step6
Immediately place the container in the refrigerator. Never marinate meat at room temperature.
Step7
See tips for marinating times.
Step8
When ready to cook, be sure to treat the marinated meat with the same care you would treat any raw meat.
Step9
Discard the marinade after use.

Tips & Warnings

  • Any marinade that contains acid, alcohol or salt should not be used for very long, because it will chemically "cook" or denature the food in it. Marinate food in these marinades for less than 4 hours. Marinades that contain citrus juices, especially lemon or lime juice, should be used for only two hours or less. Marinades that contain no salt, acid or alcohol can be marinated overnight or, in some cases, longer.
  • Although marinades thwart bacterial growth and help extend food's life, remember that the food in them is still raw and must be treated as such.
  • Do not reuse a marinade.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 1/25/2006 Marinate steak or pork in Italian dressing for 2 hours. Use plastic bags.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 My father and stepmom taught me this one: Place the meat in a freezer bag, pour in the marinade, seal it with as little air as possible, squish it around, and throw it in the freezer for the next time you need it.

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eHow Article:  How to Marinate Meat

eHow Food & Drink Editor

eHow Food & Drink Editor

Category: Food & Drink

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