Marinating Basics
Learn about the balance of acid, fat, and aromatics in a marinade, timing by ingredient, and food safety during marinating.
What Will You Learn in This Lesson?
- Set a balanced ratio of acid, fat, and aromatics in a marinade
- Limit the acid level in a marinade so it does not damage the texture
- Use the appropriate marinating time for each ingredient (fish, chicken, red meat, or vegetables)
- Handle marinade that has touched raw meat safely
- Use a portion that has not touched raw meat as a sauce during cooking
Equipment You’ll Need
Required
- Glass or stainless steel container
- Lidded storage container or plastic wrap
- Measuring spoon set
- Silicone brush
- A dedicated shelf in the refrigerator
Optional
- Vacuum-sealable storage bag
- Digital kitchen scale
Alternative
- If you do not have a scale: measure level amounts with spoons and a glass
- If you do not have a vacuum bag: use a resealable bag after pressing out as much air as possible
Safety
- Do not serve sauce in the same container used to marinate raw meat.
- Keep raw meat that is marinating on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, below other foods.
- Do not use marinade that has touched raw meat in a sauté or sauce before boiling it first.
- Do not leave marinade at room temperature for more than 2 hours; refrigerate it when that time is up.