How Long Can You Marinate Steak? Easy Steak Marinade Recipes

Marinating steak is one of the best ways to infuse deep, rich flavors into your meat while tenderizing it for a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bite. But when you're grilling up a classic ribeye or experimenting with beef tenderloin, how long can you marinate steaks to seal in the tastes that make prime cuts delectable? We’ll walk you through the ideal times for marinating steak featuring delicious, easy steak marinade recipes so you can learn how to marinate a steak at home. With the FoodSaver® 2-In-1 Vacuum Sealing System and Quick Marinator, you can achieve the same great results in minutes, saving you hours of traditional marinating time. So let’s dig in.

• Wondering How Long Vacuum Sealed Meat Lasts? Learn how long to vacuum seal prime cuts to maintain quality and texture.
• How to Freeze Broccoli & Cruciferous Vegetables? Discover the most effective ways to freeze vegetables while keeping them fresh and full of nutrients.

How Long Can You Marinate Steak?

The amount of time you can marinate steak depends on the cut of meat, the ingredients in your marinade, and your desired flavor intensity. Generally, marinating steak for at least 30 minutes can yield flavorful results. However, using a FoodSaver® Quick Marinator, you can achieve the same deep flavor in as little as 20 minutes. Here's a general guide to how long you should marinate steak depending on the method:

• Traditional Marination: 1-8 hours
• Quick Marinator: 10-20 minutes
• Overnight Marination: 12-24 hours (for deep, rich flavors)

With certain steak marinades, be careful not to exceed 24 hours for most marinades as the acidity in the marinade can start to break down the meat, resulting in a mushy texture. Keep in mind that acidic marinades, such as those with vinegar or citrus, can be limited to shorter times (1-4 hours) to prevent this.

Steak Marinating Tips for the Perfect Steak

• How to marinate a steak: Always start by patting the steak dry before adding the marinade. This helps the flavors absorb better and ensures a good sear when cooking.
• Ideal marinating time: Aim for at least 20-30 minutes when using the FoodSaver® vacuum sealers for optimal flavor.
• Use a resealable bag: When not vacuum sealing, seal the steak in a resealable bag with the marinade, pressing out excess air for better flavor infusion.
• Place in the refrigerator: Marinate the steak in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The longer you leave it, the more the meat or vegetables will soak in the flavors.

Easy Steak Marinade Recipes

So what is a good steak marinade? A great steak marinade recipe combines elements of salt (like soy sauce or Worcestershire), acidity (such as vinegar or citrus juice), oil (like olive or sesame oil), and seasonings (garlic, herbs, or red pepper flakes). You can experiment with flavors and your FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer to find your favorite combination.

But first, try one of our flavorful and easy steak marinade recipes to make your steak delectable. They’ll add an extra punch of taste whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or oven-roasting your steak:

1. Spicy Garlic Serrano Steak Marinade

This easy steak marinade offers the perfect balance of spice and flavor for those who love a little heat. Adjust the number of Serrano peppers depending on how fiery you want your steak.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• ¾ cup Tabasco sauce
• 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons horseradish
• 1 Serrano pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 dash salt

Instructions:

1. Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Place 2 pounds of flank steak into your FoodSaver® Quick Marinator.
3. Pour the marinade over the steak, and vacuum seal.
4. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes (or up to 1 hour if using a traditional method).
5. After marinating, grill the steak to your desired level of doneness. The remaining marinade can be used for basting while the steak cooks.

2. Soy Ginger Steak Marinade

This soy-based marinade is perfect for steak kebabs, especially when paired with sweet fruits like pineapple. The fresh ginger adds a zing that complements the savory richness of the beef.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Add 1 ½ pounds of flank steak into your FoodSaver® Quick Marinator.
3. Pour the steak marinade over the meat, and vacuum seal.
4. Marinate for 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours traditionally. For a citrus twist, squeeze fresh lime juice over the steak as it grills.

3. Fast Steak Marinade

Don't have a lot of time? Don't worry! With this delicious recipe and the FoodSaver® vacuum sealing system, you'll be enjoying flavorful steaks in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Stir all of the ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Place your steak in the marinator and pour the mixture on top. Be sure to completely cover the meat.
3. Seal the container and let it sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the meat from the container and cook it to your preference. Serve with a side of veggies and enjoy!

What Cut of Steak Works Best for Marinating?

Cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, and ribeye are ideal for marinating. These steaks have strong, beefy flavors that pair well with bold marinades. Thinner cuts like skirt steak absorb the marinade quickly, making them perfect for shorter marination times. Thicker cuts, like ribeye, can be marinated longer to ensure the flavors penetrate deep into the meat.

By following these tips and trying out the provided steak marinade recipes, you can elevate your steak dishes and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home. Whether you're a grilling pro or just getting started, FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealers makes the process easy, ensuring your steak is always perfectly seasoned and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you marinate steak?

Yes! Marinating steak helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors. Even a short marination time can make a noticeable difference. Using a FoodSaver® Quick Marinator can make this process even faster, allowing you to enjoy well-marinated steak in just 20 minutes.

How long can you marinate steak?

Steak can typically be marinated for 1-8 hours. With the FoodSaver® Quick Marinator, you can reduce the marination time to just 10-20 minutes without sacrificing flavor. Avoid marinating steak for more than 24 hours, especially in acidic marinades, as this can cause the meat to break down and become mushy.

Can you freeze marinated steak?

Yes, you can freeze marinated steak! After marinating the steak, vacuum seal it with your FoodSaver® 2-In-1 Vacuum Sealing System and freeze. This method preserves both the flavor and texture of the meat. When you're ready to cook, simply thaw the steak in the fridge or under cold water, and it’s ready to hit the grill or pan.