Meat in Frig?

[Bucktown]

I am new to cooking meat (DH was a vegitarian). How long can I keep meat (flank steak) in the frig before it goes bad? I was hoping to cook it tonight but I'm out of butchers twine. The package says 'Sell by 1/29'. I bought it Sunday.

TIA!

[diam124]

I usually go by the sell date +1 day. I have no idea why really, but I assume it is always safe by the sell date and then I add 1 day because I don't think meat instantly goes bad in one day. (as long as the meat has been stored at the correct temperature). Sell date + 2 days I toss.

[laura]

Well I would try to cook it tonight, but I've waited longer before. I just know that if I go past the "sell by date", I am taking a chance that the meat will have turned and I will have to toss it. You should be able to clearly smell and/or see if it has gone bad.

How about a cooking method that does not involve twine? We grill or broil flank steak sans twine w/ no problems.

[Bucktown]

Thank you ladies!

laura~ I was planning on making braciole with it which requires browning the meat on all sides first before putting it in the oven. Guess I'll drag the kids out for some twine. :)