Expert: Carol Schlitt - 7/4/2007

Question
I have some steaks that I put in marinade straight from the store but my plans have abruptly changed and I'm not going to get a chance to cook them for about 3-4 more days is that safe and will they taste ok?

Answer
Hi Brady,

If the steaks are fresh when you start and you don’t go past the grocers "use-by" date, you should have no problem. If there isn't a "use-by" date but a "sell-by" date then you have 2-3 days past the "sell-by" date for safe cooking of the meat.

The longer you marinate meat the flavor will be more intense and the texture could become more soft -- depending upon the acidity of the ingredients used. German Sauerbraten is marinated 3-5 days in a strong vinegar solution to achieve it's characteristic flavor so it is possible to marinate meat in the refrigerator for an extended period of time.

Carol