Marinades are a great way to add flavor and moistness to meats.
However, many people do not realize that marinades contain acid, which can affect the texture—and even safety—of the meat it comes into contact with.
If you do not plan on using leftover marinade within an hour or two of when you made it, immediately throw it away.
This is because the acids in most marinades break down raw food proteins and create “leuconostoc bacteria,” (source) which produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.
This process produces a rotten egg smell and can render your meat inedible within an hour or so.
Some types of fruit juices and acidic liquids such as wine, vinegar, lemon juice, or orange juice can also cause spoilage.
But if you do plan to use your leftover marinade, follow the food safety tips below.
Food safety tips for what to do with leftover marinade
- Marinate your meat in a glass, plastic, or stainless steel container. Do not use aluminum or iron containers because acids and salts will react with these materials and can leach metal ions into your food—which could be poisonous.
- Thaw your meat on a plate so that any juices released during thawing don’t contaminate other foods in the fridge.
- Pour off any excess marinade before cooking your meat and then boil it first as some of the bacteria may still remain on raw meat even if you have poured off all of the liquid.
- Use leftover marinade for basting, in sauces, or to dip with your meat after it is cooked.
- Boil the marinade before brushing overcooked meat so that you do not burn yourself on boiling liquid when grilling or broiling.
- If you are using a gas grill, be sure to turn off the bottom burner once you place food on top of it, as excess heat can cause harmful bacteria to form in the remaining marinade.
An alternative choice
If you don’t want to use up all of your favorite marinade recipes, make some delicious marinated vegetables by following these simple steps:
- Rinse your vegetables and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Place vegetables in a bowl or plastic grocery bag.
- Pour your favorite marinade over the vegetables until they are covered.
- Turn your vegetables several times so that all of the pieces get a chance to soak up some of the flavors from the sauce.
- Let stand for 10-15 minutes, then cook as you normally would.
How do you make marinade?
To make a marinade, start by boiling the ingredients in a saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a complete, rolling boil to ensure that all of the bacteria are killed.
Foodborne bacteria die at 165 degrees F (75 degrees C), so this is your target temperature. (source)
What is a marinade made of?
A marinade is made up of oil, acid, and flavoring.
These work together to change the taste and texture of your food. (source)
What can I use as a marinade?
Marinades are things that you put on the meat.
You can use things like oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, or something sweet.
You can also use herbs, garlic, and onions. (source)
Can you eat marinade if you cook it?
Yes, you can eat the marinade AFTER you cook it with your dishes.
Marinating can be a safe way to flavor your food.
But bacteria from the food could have been transferred into the marinade, so cooking it first is best.
This will kill any harmful bacteria that could make people sick. (source)
Marinade vs marinate: what’s the difference?
A marinade is a sauce that you put on food before cooking it.
To marinate means to soak the food in the sauce.
What oil is best for marinating?
I suggest using 1 part of canola oil, and one part of extra-virgin olive oil.
How do you turn a rub into a marinade?
Turn a rub into a marinade by adding oil and vinegar.
To make a homemade marinade, add half a cup of oil and a bit of vinegar to the rub.
The longer you leave it, the better it will taste. (source)
What is instant marinade?
The instant marinade is a new way to make marinades.
You mix the powdered compound with water and then mix it with oil.
This costs less than other kinds of marinades.
What are the different types of marinades?
Marinades are liquids that make meat more tender.
There are 3 types of marinades: acid, dairy, and others.
Acid marinades include wine, tomato, vinegar, and citrus juice because they work to loosen the proteins in the meat so that the juices can be absorbed.
Dairy marinades include yogurt, milk, and cheese which all work to soften the protein bonds in the meat too.
Other marinades might be soy sauce or sugar water. (source)
What type of acid is used in bourbon marinade?
Acids that are often used in bourbon marinades are lemon juice, beer, or vinegar.
You should use about 1/2 cup of acid for every cup of oil used.
Remember that the more acid you use, the less time the meat should be marinated. (source)
Which marinade is simple that tenderizes and adds flavor?
A mustard marinade is a quick, easy way to tenderize and add flavor to your food.
It works especially well on poultry and pork. (source)
What is an acid-based marinade?
An acid-based marinade is a mixture of acidic ingredients, such as wine, vinegar, tomatoes, or citrus juice.
Acids can make chicken tougher.
Marinating for 2 hours is usually enough time to tenderize the chicken.
Dairy-based marinades include buttermilk or yogurt. (source)
Is it OK to bake chicken in its marinade?
Yes, it is ok to bake your chicken in its marinade.
You need to put your chicken in a dish with no oil before baking it.
You can marinate for two hours to eight hours before you cook it. (source)
Conclusion
When preparing to use leftover marinades, it’s important not only to ensure that the food is cooked thoroughly but also that you follow the above food safety tips.
Remembering proper storage and reheating methods can help prevent any potential illnesses from ruining your next meal.