Does Italian dressing tenderize meat? Really, learning how to tenderize meat and chicken, in particular, can take your cooking to another level, and marination plays a role here.
Italian dressing is one outstanding marinade, which may be used as a tasty shortcut to achieve wonderfully juicy and flavorful steaks.
So, does Italian dressing tenderize chicken as well? Should you rely on it as a tenderizer for chicken and maybe some tough cuts of beef?
If you use it for marination, Italian dressing can definitely help tenderize meat because it combines vinegar, oil, herbs and spices.
The Idea of Marinating Meat with Italian Dressing
You can certainly use Italian dressing as a marinade for chicken and meat if you have ever wondered about that possibility.
It works amazingly well because it has acid, oil, and flavor, the three most important components of any good marinade.
Fact: When looking for the best marinade, you can always make use of any pourable dressing, including Italian dressing.
Knowing more about Marination
Meats are marinated before being cooked by immersing them in a seasoned marinade.
To be properly marinated, the meat must be exposed to an acidic medium.
Or you might use an enzyme extracted from a fruit, such as:
- Mango
- Papaya
- Kiwi
The technique of marinating meat involves more than merely covering it with a tasty sauce.
Marinades can be used on a wide variety of meats, including pork and, of course, chicken, and work together to enhance their flavor and tenderize the meat.
Some seasonings, like salt, can be rubbed into the meat’s surface to add a whole new dimension of flavor.
But, you need to ensure that you use the right balance of acid and meat to make the marinade work, which is when Italian dressing shines greatly.
Fact: It is possible to get good results by marinating chicken in Italian dressing for as little as 30 minutes, but it may not always work out the way you like.
Marinating Chicken with Italian Dressing
If you are feeling a bit confused and hesitant to use Italian dressing as a marinade, don’t.
The truth is that steaks and chicken benefit greatly from marinating in Italian dressing.
And that is mainly because the Italian dressing uses the perfect combo of herbs, vinegar, oil, and spices.
Does Italian Dressing Tenderize Meat or Not?
Italian dressing is a potent tenderizer that is full of taste and aroma.
It works amazingly well when you add it to different dishes, including:
- Casseroles
- Salads
- Pasta
You can experiment with different spices and herbs in your dressing, but stick to the tried-and-true classic for optimal results.
Benefits of Using Italian Dressing as a Marinade
Most people would turn to Italian dressing to tenderize chicken, but others do it for many other benefits.
For instance:
Juiciness
Marinating chicken in Italian dressing is highly recommended for those who want to avoid dry chicken.
White meats are typically drier than red meats. Therefore, the chicken will not get dry and flavorless since the marinade will trap moisture.
Crispy Skin
When cooking chicken with skin, you will benefit a lot from using Italian dressing, as it can make it crispier.
If you want the best results, you may even consider going with papaya or mango for a crispy coating.
Be sure to apply some salt to the skin to enhance the flavors.
Quick Cooking
Marinating chicken is a great idea in case you do not want to spend a lot of time cooking.
In fact, you can reduce the cooking time by at least 1/3 if you have marinated your chicken properly.
An Important Consideration
A good reason to try Italian dressing to marinate chicken is that you can continue adding more while grilling or barbequing.
Moreover, if there is any left, you can turn it into a sauce and serve it with vegetables or salads.
How to Make Italian Dressing Marinade for Chicken
There is no “right” technique to make Italian dressing marinade, and there is always plenty of room for variation depending on individual preference.
Nevertheless, you can make your own marinade using the following ingredients:
- ¼ cup of white vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Half a cup of olive oil
- A tbsp of water
- A tsp each of oregano and salt
- ½ tsp each of dried parsley and sugar
- ¼ tsp of black pepper
- A clove of garlic
Instructions
- To begin, gather your dry ingredients, such as spices and herbs, in a large dish.
- Incorporate some chopped garlic cloves into the mix.
- In that bowl, pour some olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice.
- Zest a lemon and add it to the mixture while whisking everything together.
Mix well and your chicken marinade is ready. For optimal taste and tenderness, marinate chicken for at least 12 hours.
Marinating and Tenderizing Steak with Italian Dressing
If you have tried Italian dressing for something else in the past, you will definitely love it as a marinade too.
Similarly, you can always get things done using Italian dressing if you do not have your regular marinade available for tenderizing a steak.
And to top it all, you do not have to face any trouble or waste time making your own Italian dressing marinade.
How to Do It?
Steak can be marinated in Italian dressing in a number of different ways.
But, one of the most frequent and efficient methods is to put the dressing in a bag and the steak in it.
Leave it there for some time until the dressing’s tastes permeate the steak, making for a more tasty and tender meal.
After coating the steak, let it rest for at least four to five hours. It is important to allow the flavors to come together like this.
Once this time has passed, the steak can be cooked to your liking.
Here are the steps to help you marinate steak and tenderize it properly:
- First, make the dressing and experiment with different flavors by adding herbs and spices.
- Take a plastic bowl to keep the steak.
- Use the dressing to properly coat the steak.
- Use enough coating to avoid leaving patches on the steak.
- Rub it if you have to for even coating.
- Cover the bowl properly and put it in the refrigerator.
- Leave it there for at least 5 hours, or overnight if you can.
Should Your Rinse Italian Dressing Marinade Off Steak?
No, you do not have to. Steak can be cooked directly from the marinade, without rinsing.
If you do decide to rinse the steak, make sure to use paper towels or something to pat it dry before cooking.
It is important to understand that in the presence of water, the steak will begin to steam and won’t sear.
So, overall, it is better not to rinse the dressing after you have marinated the steak. In fact, it will help the steak to stay moist.
Fact: Wings are usually marinated in more acidic sauces because this helps the exterior skin to become crispier.
How Long is Enough to Tenderize Meat with Italian Dressing?
The steak should be marinated for at least five to seven hours, preferably overnight.
This will allow the marinade’s taste to permeate the meat, making for a tender and more flavorful steak.
If you only have an hour, marinating the steak for that long will still yield good results.
The overall marinating time for steak depends on the marinade’s intensity as well as the final recipe and flavors’ goals.
Be cautious not to overstuff the meat with enzymes or acids when seasoning, as this might alter the meat’s texture.
The Marination Duration Based on Chicken Pieces
When used properly, a marinade can make the meat more tender, add moisture and taste, and even improve the quality of the cut.
Timing is essential for successful marination. And the time depends on whether you are marinating a piece of chicken or whole chicken.
For instance:
| Chicken Pieces | Marination Duration |
| Wings | 24 hours |
| Tenderloins | 12 hours |
| Thighs | 24 hours |
| Breasts | 2 days |
| Drumsticks | 12 hours |
Fact: Meat needs just a couple of hours to absorb the seasoning, but chicken can be seasoned and stored in the fridge for up to two days.
Takeaway
Does Italian dressing tenderize meat? Yes, it certainly can, if you are willing to use Italian dressing for marination.
In fact, Italian dressing marinade can tenderize the meat and also impart rich flavors to the meat.
It works exceptionally well for chicken, but you should be careful about the marination duration.
Do not leave it for too long or the flavors won’t appear as expected.