How Long Can You Marinate Meat? 48 Hours Explained

Discover if marinating meat for 48 hours is safe and learn the best practices for different cuts.

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Marinating meat for 48 hours is generally safe, but it can depend on the type and cut of meat. For tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak, longer marination can help tenderize the meat. However, for more delicate meats like chicken breasts, marinating too long can make the texture mushy. Aim for 6-24 hours as a safer bet for most meats.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Is it safe to marinate chicken for 48 hours? Marinating chicken for 48 hours is generally not recommended, as it can lead to a mushy texture. A marination of 6-12 hours is ideal.
  2. What meats can benefit from long marination? Tough cuts like flank or skirt steak benefit from longer marination, which helps to tenderize them.
  3. What happens if you marinate meat too long? Marinating meat for too long can break down the proteins excessively, resulting in a mushy texture.
  4. How do I know the right marinating time for different meats? For most meats, a marination time of 6-24 hours is safest, but tougher cuts can handle longer durations.