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How Long to Marinate Meat

How long to marinate meat? Chicken: 2-24 hours. Complete guide.

By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026

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Quick Answer

Chicken: 2-24 hours. Beef: 4-24 hours.

Marinate Meat Guide

Chicken: 2-24 hours. Beef: 4-24 hours. Lamb: 4-24 hours. Pork: 2-24 hours. Prawns: 15-30 minutes MAX. Acidic marinades (citrus, vinegar) for shorter times. Oil-based for longer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long to marinate meat?

Chicken: 2-24 hours. Beef: 4-24 hours. Lamb: 4-24 hours. Pork: 2-24 hours. Prawns: 15-30 minutes MAX. Acidic marinades (citrus, vinegar) for shorter times. Oil-based for longer.

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Sources & References

1
Mad Scientist BBQ (YouTube)
Jeremy Yoder's detailed BBQ experiments and science-based cooking methods.
Video
2
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Official Australian food safety guidelines and safe cooking temperatures.
Government
3
America's Test Kitchen (YouTube)
Rigorously tested steak cooking methods with scientific precision.
Video
4
Guga Foods (YouTube)
Premium beef experiments — dry ageing, wagyu, and creative steak techniques.
Video