How Long To Marinate a Steak
This marinade will heighten the flavor of any cut of steak. But it's a myth that the longer a steak marinates, the better it will taste.
Firstly, the marinade will only penetrate the exterior of the meat no matter how long you let it sit. But also, acidic ingredients (like balsamic vinegar in this recipe) break down the muscle of the meat, which can turn the texture of the meat mushy when left too long.
That means that tender cuts of beef, like porterhouse, T-bone, ribeye (and of course, the tenderloin) can benefit from just 15 minutes of marinating. But they shouldn't sit in the mix for more than an hour.
On the other hand, tough, less expensive cuts of steak—like skirt, hangar, and flank—benefit from longer marinade times. Let those cuts bathe in this complex, umami-packed mix for 24 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
What To Do With Leftover Marinade
You cannot reuse steak marinade after the raw beef has been in it without cooking the marinade first. Raw steak will leave behind pathogens that can make you quite sick.
If you are determined to reuse the leftover marinade, you need to boil it. To do this, empty the marinade into a saucepan, and remove any pieces of meat. Bring to a boil, and boil for 5 minutes at 212°F.
The boiling will reduce the liquid in the marinade, so if it gets too thick, you can add beef or chicken stick to thin it out a bit more. The cooked marinade will make a great glaze for the finished steaks or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. soy or Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon or whole-grain mustard
- 1 Tbsp. honey, granulated sugar, or brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh green herbs (such as thyme, basil, rosemary, and/or oregano), or 2 tsp. dried green herbs
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 2 lb. steak, trimmed if needed
Directions
Combine steak marinade ingredients:
Add all ingredients except for the steak to a glass, ceramic, or other flat, non-metallic baking dish that's large enough to fit the meat.
Whisk to combine.
Alternatively, whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl and pour into a zip-top plastic bag.
Step 2: Add steak:
Turn to coat.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator, turning once at the halfway point.
How Long To Marinate Steak
Type of Steak How Long to Marinate
Tender cuts (porterhouse, T-bone, ribeye, strip, tenderloin) 15 minutes to 1 hour
Tough cuts (skirt, hangar, flank) Up to 24 hours
Step 3: Take steak out of marinade:
Remove steak and discard marinade.
Step 4: Cook steak:
Cook steak to desired doneness.
Let the meat rest before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
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