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Basting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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basting

[หˆbeษชstษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

cooking

The act of moistening food with melted butter, oil, or juices while it is cooking.

Synonyms

coat, moisten, saturate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
basting

Commonly used in cooking, especially when you are talking about applying liquid to meat while it cooks to keep it moist.

  • While roasting the turkey, make sure to do regular basting with its own juices.
  • Basting the ribs with barbecue sauce will give them a fantastic flavor.
moisten

Used when you need to make something slightly wet, commonly in baking or when handling materials like soil or fabric.

  • Moisten the cloth before cleaning the surface.
  • Make sure to moisten the cake layers with syrup to keep them from drying out.
saturate

Used when you want to make something completely soaked with liquid. It often implies that the item cannot absorb any more liquid.

  • The heavy rains will saturate the ground, making it difficult to plant.
  • You need to saturate the sponge with water before washing the car.

Examples of usage

  • She basted the turkey with butter every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
  • The chef basted the steak with garlic-infused oil for extra flavor.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Techniques

  • This technique helps keep meat moist during cooking by adding flavor and preventing dryness.
  • In addition to meats, you can baste vegetables and baked goods to enhance their taste and appearance.
  • Common liquids used for basting include broth, butter, and sauces, each adding unique flavors.

Historical Origins

  • The practice of basting dates back to ancient cooking methods, found in historical recipes from various cultures.
  • Basting was traditionally done using animal fats, while modern methods often utilize oils and marinades.
  • In the 17th century, cookbooks began to include specific basting techniques for roasts, highlighting its importance in culinary traditions.

Science of Cooking

  • Basting not only adds flavor but helps create a crust on meats through the Maillard reaction, which enhances overall taste.
  • Heat and moisture from basting maintain a more consistent cooking temperature, crucial for evenly cooked dishes.
  • The steam produced from basting can also help to cook food more thoroughly and evenly, especially in enclosed cooking environments.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have unique basting traditions; for instance, South American asados often use chimichurri as a baste.
  • Holiday dinners, like Thanksgiving in the USA, spotlight basting as a way to prepare turkey, creating family bonding moments.
  • In some regions, basting can be a ceremonial act, often tied to cultural celebrations or rituals during food preparation.

Origin of 'basting'

The word 'basting' originates from the Middle English word 'basten', which means 'to sew with large stitches'. It was later used in the context of cooking to refer to the act of moistening meat while roasting. Over time, 'basting' has become a common culinary term used to enhance the flavor and juiciness of various dishes.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,390, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.