Marinade Calculator
Calculate the right amount of marinade for your meat.
Enter the weight and marinade ratio to get exact liquid amounts.
Marinade Amounts
Marinade quantity depends on the weight of meat and the desired coverage ratio. The meat should be fully submerged or well coated.
General rule:
Marinade volume = Meat weight × Ratio (typically 1/2 cup per pound)
Standard marinade ratio (by volume):
- 3 parts oil (olive, sesame, etc.)
- 1 part acid (vinegar, citrus juice, wine)
- Seasonings to taste (garlic, herbs, salt, pepper)
Recommended marinating times:
| Protein | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Fish / Seafood | 15 min | 1 hour |
| Chicken | 30 min | 12 hours |
| Pork | 1 hour | 24 hours |
| Beef | 2 hours | 24 hours |
| Tofu / Vegetables | 30 min | 8 hours |
Tips:
- Do not exceed maximum times — acid breaks down proteins and makes meat mushy
- Always marinate in the refrigerator, not at room temperature
- Never reuse marinade that touched raw meat (unless boiled first)
- Use a zip-lock bag to minimize the amount of marinade needed