Can You Marinate Steak In Pineapple Juice?

When it comes to steak, there are a lot of different ways you can marinate & cook it. One popular way is to marinate the steak in pineapple juice.

But, can you really marinate steak in pineapple juice?

Let’s find out!

Can You Marinate Steak In Pineapple Juice

Yes, you can marinate steak in pineapple juice with good results. Pineapple juice is a great marinade because it is acidic and sweet. The acidity helps to break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender. The sweetness balances out the savory flavors of the meat and prevents it from tasting too gamey.

Pineapple juice also contains Bromaline.

Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down protein. In meat, it acts to break down the connective tissue, making the meat more tender.

Of course, you can use pineapple juice along with other acids, such as juice, vinegar, wine, etc. but it can also be used as a very effective stand-alone acid in your marinade.

You can flavor the marinade using seasoning, herbs etc, based on the final recipe you have in your mind.

Here is a long list of 40+ herbs and seasonings you can use with steak>

How Long Marinate Steak In Pineapple Juice?

According to USDA, you can safely marinate the steak in pineapple juice for 48 hours in the fridge. But in the case of Pineapple juice, thanks to the presence of Bromaline, you should not marinate for more than 3-4 hours. It turns mushy very fast.

As a rule, the longer you marinate the steak, the more tender it will be. Just be sure not to marinate it for too long, as the acidity can start to break down the steak and make it mushy.

In most cases, the time needed to marinate is much shorter than 48 hours. Overnight works the best for most recipes. But with pineapple juice, it is best to go for shorter times.

But if you are on a tight deadline, 1 hour works great too.

Anything shorter than that, you may not get a tender and flavorful steak, as you may want.

Here is a great experiment by Guga Foods on pineapple (not pineapple juice, which is much lower in strength) and steak. But it does show how powerful pineapple can be!

Can You Marinate Steak In Pineapple Juice Overnight?

No, you should not marinate the steak in pineapple juice overnight. Thanks to Bromaline, there is a good chance of the steak turning mushy.

3-4 hours is one of the most recommended time periods to marinate the steak in pineapple juice.

How To Marinate The Steak In Pineapple Juice?

The process of marinating steak in pineapple juice is the same as with any other marinade.

Here is a quick step by step guide –

1. Begin by trimming any excess fat off the steak (this is optional).
2. Next, cut the steak into strips or cubes, depending on your preference. if you choose larger chunks, then you will have to marinate for longer durations.
3. In a large bowl or ziplock bag, combine the pineapple juice with any desired seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.). Do not put in reactive cookware.
4. Add the steak to the marinade and make sure each piece is coated evenly.
5. Let the steak marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours if you have the time.
6. When you’re ready to cook, remove the steak from the marinade and discard any remaining liquid. Cook asap!
7. Grill, broil or pan-fry the steak until they reach the desired level of doneness. Enjoy!

Quick & Easy Pineapple Marinade Recipe For Steak

You can prepare pineapple marinade in numerous ways. It all depends upon your tatse.

Here is a quick and easy recipe for preparing –

Ingredients –

• 1 cup Pineapple juice (fresh juice is preferred),
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar,
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar,
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 garlic clove,
• 1/2 tsp black pepper,
• 1/3 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt (as per taste)

Pineapple juice is used as the acid base of the marinade and also helps to add sweetness & tanginess. The brown sugar adds sweetness and helps to thicken the marinade.

The apple cider vinegar helps in tenderizing meat and also gives the marinade a tangy flavor.

The garlic adds savoriness. The salt helps to balance out the flavors and bring out the sweetness of the pineapple.

The black pepper and cayenne pepper add a bit of spice to the marinade.

Final Words

I hope this quick guide will help you prepare and use pineapple marinade for your next steak dish!

Do share your feedback on how it went.

Share it with your friends and family who love steak!