Marinating Food: How Much Is Too Much?
When marinating food, you definitely don't want to overdo it. As in many cooking categories, too much of a good thing can definitely be a bad thing.
But how much is too much?
Too Much Time?
How long you marinate your dish will depend on a number of variables. You must evaluate what you're marinating (meat? vegetables?), the quantity you'll be marinating, and how strong you want your flavors to be. The ingredients in the marinade will also play a role in the amount of time.
Marinades typically consist of an acidic ingredient like vinegar, lemon juice, wine or yogurt, plus oil and spices. The acidic ingredient softens the food, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the sauce. (Marinating 101)
You'll want to be careful with acidic elements of marinades, though, because they can break down meats and cause them to toughen.
Unless you have a wealth of personal experience to draw on, we recommend finding a good recipe and sticking to the recommended times as you plan how long to let your dish marinate. After you've tried the dish a few times, you can adjust accordingly.
Too Much Flavor?
While marinades generally take a few hours to prove effective (and most are better overnight), there is such a thing as overwhelming your dishes with flavor. Whether you allow the dish to marinate too long of you pack the marinade with strong (or conflicting) flavors, it is possible to overdo it when it comes to taste.
That's why we'd recommend once again that unless you have a little experience, you stick with proven recipes your first few times. Once you have established a baseline of what works for you, start to experiment with more (or bolder) flavors.
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Posted in: Cooking Tips & Recipes