How Long Can You Marinate Steak in Soy Sauce?

How Long Can You Marinate Steak in Soy Sauce

If you are like me, you might also want to marinate steak before cooking it. For busy days, I like to marinate steak in soy sauce just to save time.

Many of you guys asked me if how long can steak be marinated in soy sauce. In this post, I will answer the query.

If you ask the same question, then this post is perfect for you. Just continue reading.

So, how long can you marinate steak in soy sauce? In my case, I marinate steak at least 30 minutes to an hour during busy days. But if you have enough time, you can do it for 4 hours to maximize flavor.

If you plan to cook the steak for the next day, then placing it in the fridge overnight is the best option. Steak marinated in soy sauce can last in the fridge overnight. The good thing about soy sauce is that it makes the steak very tasty.

Soy sauce is rich source of amino acids that are essential for the human body. The red meat tastes even better when combined with soy sauce. It tenderizes the steak making it soft and delicious. The best thing is that it adds a lot of flavor to your dish.

Soy sauce can be used when cooking steak in a pan, oven or on the grill. However, you need to use soy sauce sparingly to avoid making your meat too salty.

How to marinate steak in soy sauce?

Marinating steak in soy sauce is easy. Here are the simple steps you can do.

First, you need to pour 1/2 cup soy sauce into a bowl or flat plate.

Next, place the steak in the bowl with soy sauce and cover it. Use plastic wrap for easy storage. Ensure that the meat is fully submerged in the solution. If possible, let it stay overnight in your fridge before cooking it.

After 30 minutes or an hour, remove the steak from the bowl. Rinse it quickly under running tap water to remove excess soy sauce. Just pat dry. You can now cook your steak as usual!

But in many cases, I don’t wash the marinated steak. I love to capture that flavor. But this is my personal preference.

The purpose of washing is to minimize the saltiness of the steak. But it is completely up to you.

Does soy sauce tenderize steak?

Yes, soy sauce can tenderize the steak. It does this by breaking down the proteins in the meat. This makes it softer and easier to chew, which is why you may notice that your steak is slightly more tender after marinating for 30 minutes.

So, if you are looking for a softened piece of meat, marinating your steak only 30 minutes will do the trick.

However, if you want it really soft and juicy, marinate it up to an hour before cooking.

Is there a certain thickness to the steak where it will take longer to tenderize?

Yes, in most cases, it will take up to an hour of marinating before your steak is completely broken down and as soft as you want it.

This is because the steak needs time for the soy sauce to fully break down its protein structure.

However, if the steak is too thick, it may take longer time to become as soft as you want. This is because thicker pieces of meat require more time to break down their protein structure.

If you have thin steak, 30 minutes should be more than enough time to soften it. I recommend that you pick the slice not thicker than an inch to marinate. This is the best way to go especially if you are in a hurry.

What else should you know about marinating steak in soy sauce?

I think I already have mentioned the things you need to remember when marinating steak in soy sauce.

But there are things I want to add. It is worth noting that if your steak is already tenderized, it will not absorb the flavor of the soy sauce as well.

If you prefer a bolder taste, try marinating first before cooking or even just season with salt and pepper beforehand.

In contrast, if your steak is not tenderized, it will absorb the flavor of the soy sauce much better. The marinade will penetrate deeper into the meat, allowing you to enjoy a more flavorful piece of steak.

Final Thoughts

Marinating your steak in soy sauce for 30 minutes will give you a nice, tender piece of meat. However, if you want it even more tender and soft, marinate up to an hour before cooking.

If the steak is too thick, it may take up to an hour of marinating before it becomes as soft as you want your steak.

If you want a bolder and flavorful steak, try marinating overnight or up to 24 hours in the fridge before cooking.

To get the perfect steak, try to find one that is about an inch thick.

Learn more about marinating here.

Related Questions

How long can you marinate steak in vinegar?

Steak can be marinated in vinegar for up to 30 minutes. However, the steak may get too soft if it is left in there any longer.

How long can you marinate steak in beer?

You can marinate your steak with beer for up to an hour.

How long can steak marinate in olive oil?

Typically, only 15 minutes of marinating with olive oil is considered safe. Anything longer may actually start to cook the steak before it is even cooked. If you prefer a bolder taste and flavor, try marinating overnight in the fridge.

Can you marinate steak in Jack Daniel’s?

Yes, you can marinate your steak in Jack Daniel’s for up to 30 minutes. Anything longer than that will start to cook the steak before you even put it on the grill.

How long can I marinate steak in lemon juice?

It is recommended that only 20 minutes of marinating with lemon juice is enough for your steak to get a nice tangy flavor.