

Marinaded this flank steak with 1/2 cup olive oil, juice from a couple limes, and some dry seasoning (salt, Uncle chris) overnight in the refirgerator. Olive oil has changed consistency, is this still ok? Did I leave it in there too long? Should I have waited to add lime juice? Previous "lower tier" cuts have been tough, trying various ideas to improve flavor.
by learningdiy

32 Comments
You’ll be fine.
This is the proper way to do it
Over night is ok if you started marinating at night but i’d recommend less than 20 hours. Yes the lime juice or acidity is what can make it mushy. Good luck and enjoy!
It’s totally fine. Just as various oils have different smoke points, they also become solid at different temperatures (ie butter in the fridge, on the counter and in the pan goes from rock solid to soft to liquid).
I would bring this out onto the counter an hour or so before grilling to let it warm up, and you’ll see the oil revert to its previous state.
It’s the best way to do it actually
Yes but not for the whole 24 hours because the acid from the marinade will begin to break down the meat n cook your steak making the texture chewy or mushy. 10 to 20 hrs should be ok
A 24 hour marinade is perfect
Why wouldn’t it be fine? The evoo solidified and the lime juice will break it down so it’s tender. I would recommend grilling it instead of pan sear but if you are cooking it in a pan, make sure to let it dry out on a rack for a few hours to get some of the moisture out. Otherwise you won’t get a good sear on it
Thats what youre supposed to do when you marinade meat let it soak in for a while.
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As long as it’s in the refrigerator it’s fine.
Now let it come to room temp before cooking
FYI: olive oil is only “liquid” at room temp. If you put just olive oil in the fridge, it will always look like this as it partially solidifies. Nothing to do with your marinade or steak.
Yea just be careful with the lime
Depends on if you think its okay to be happy.
I always do 24 hours if I have time.
JFC I thought this was a moldy pillow.
No, you have to give it to me now for proper disposal
I’ve marinated for 24 hours vacuum sealed. Just let it sit out for a bit before grilling.
No
Skirt is an elite cut in my house. lol
The acid in the lime may cook the steak a bit but it should still taste great
My brother-in-law will leave steak up in the attic for a week before he cooks it
You accidentally followed best practice for marinating. Let it warm up and you’re good to go. Also play around with your marinade, there is a lot of options, most of them good. Experimenting is half the fun.
That’s how it works. Good job!
It’s the best way
It’s preferable. The funky greenish color you’re seeing is the olive oil in it solid state. Totally normal, once this gets to room temperature or it cooking the oil will revert back to its liquid state.
If you’re making arrachera, marinading overnight is mandatory. Otherwise it’s just carne asada with skirt instead of flank.
Yes. I tend to do it in the morning though.
I think 24 hours is generally considered the max recommend.
Off topic but I’m Mexican so I’m going to throw down my marinade for skirt steak. I also do measure shit so I’m sorry.
1 lbs of skirts streak
1 shiny lime. Make sure it’s SHINY and smooth
1/2 a yellow onion cut in slices
A bunch of cilantro
I like to throw minced garlic in
1/2 a modelo
Salt
A little soy sauce
I also like to throw some sazon seasoning in but if you can find it throw some msg, chili powder, cumin, and some garlic powder
Marinading overnight is great. Just keep in mind the lime juice that you added. Since it is acidic, it will break down the proteins, so too much time and your meat will be mushy
Olive oil solidifies when it gets cold – totally normal and safe.