Marinating steak is a great way to add flavor and tenderness to cuts of beef before cooking. Many marinade recipes call for marinating steak for 30 minutes or up to an hour before cooking. But is 30 minutes really long enough to let the marinade penetrate and tenderize the meat? Here is a closer look at how long you should marinate steak and what factors impact the marinating time.
How Long to Marinate Steak
The recommended marinating time for steak depends on a few key factors:
- Thickness of the steak – Thicker steaks need longer marinating times than thinner steaks. A good rule of thumb is about 30 minutes per 1/2 inch of thickness.
- Tenderness of the cut – Tougher cuts like flank steak benefit from longer marinating times up to 8-12 hours. More tender cuts like ribeye may only need 30-60 minutes.
- Type of marinade – Marinades that contain acid ingredients help break down tissues and speed up marinating. Non-acidic oil-based marinades may require longer time.
Based on these factors, here are some general marinating time guidelines:
| Steak Cut and Thickness | Recommended Marinating Time |
|---|---|
| Flank steak (1 inch thick) | 2-4 hours |
| Skirt steak (3/4 inch thick) | 1-2 hours |
| Ribeye, strip steak (1 inch thick) | 30-60 minutes |
| Tenderloin (2 inches thick) | 1-2 hours |
Does 30 Minutes Marinate Steak Enough?
For most tender cuts of steak that are about 1 inch thick, marinating for 30 minutes is typically enough time for the marinade to penetrate into the meat. The acid and enzymes in ingredients like wine, citrus juice, vinegar, and yogurt help break down muscle fibers and connective tissue in the steak to make it more tender and flavorful in a 30 minute timeframe.
However, thicker cuts and tougher steaks may need longer for the marinade to work effectively. Marinating a 2-inch ribeye or tenderloin steak for only 30 minutes likely won’t be enough for the interior parts of the steak to benefit. And very tough steaks like flank steak don’t get tender enough after just 30 minutes.
Tips for Effective 30 Minute Marinating
While 30 minutes can be sufficient marinating time for many steaks, here are some tips to help a marinade penetrate as deeply as possible in a short timeframe:
- Use thin cuts of steak (1 inch or less). Thinner cuts allow marinade to penetrate both sides more quickly.
- Slice slashes into the steak so marinade can penetrate into the middle. Cut 1/4 inch deep slashes across the grain on both sides.
- Use a zip-top plastic bag to marinate. Removing air allows liquid to contact all surfaces.
- Massage the bag occasionally to work marinade into steak.
- Use a marinade with acid ingredients like wine, vinegar, lemon juice to speed up tenderizing.
Marinating Steak Longer than 30 Minutes
While 30 minutes can be enough for quick weeknight dinners, marinating steak longer has some benefits:
- Better flavor – Longer marinating allows more time for flavors to be absorbed into the meat.
- Increased tenderness – Enzymes have more time to help break down connective tissues.
- Works for thicker cuts – Interior of steak will have time to marinate.
- Works for tougher cuts – Flank steak and skirt steak greatly benefit from longer times.
For best results, marinate tougher steaks for at least 2-4 hours. Marinate thicker steaks (over 1 inch) for at least 1-2 hours. And marinate super thick steaks (2 inches+) overnight for maximum tenderizing power.
Marinade Recipes for 30 Minutes
Here are some flavorful marinade recipes you can use to marinate steaks for just 30 minutes:
Rosemary Garlic Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
Asian Ginger Marinade
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Southwestern Chili-Lime Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Marinating Steak Safely
When marinating raw steak, be sure to follow safe handling guidelines:
- Marinate steak in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
- Marinate in a sealed bag or covered dish to prevent contamination.
- Discard used marinade – don’t reuse due to raw meat juices.
- Wash anything that touched raw meat before using again.
Conclusion
Marinating steak for 30 minutes can be enough time for thinner, tender cuts to absorb flavor and become more tender. Using an acidic marinade helps speed up the process. But for best results with thicker or tougher steaks, a longer marinating time is recommended. Marinating in the refrigerator helps infuse steak with flavor while keeping it safe to enjoy.