Marinade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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marinade
[หmรฆrษชหneษชd ]
Definitions
cooking
A sauce, typically made of oil, vinegar, spices, and herbs, in which meat, fish, or other food is soaked before cooking.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| marinade |
Used when you need to soak or flavor meat, fish, or vegetables before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
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| sauce |
Used to accompany or coat various types of food, enhancing the flavor. Sauces can be used in cooking or served at the table.
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| dressing |
Primarily used with salads or as a topping for cold dishes. Dressings are often liquid or semi-liquid.
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| seasoning |
Refers to the use of herbs, spices, and other flavorings added to food to enhance taste. Typically used during the cooking process.
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Examples of usage
- The chicken was left to marinate in the marinade overnight.
- I like to use a citrus-based marinade for my grilled shrimp.
cooking
To soak meat, fish, or other food in a marinade to enhance its flavor before cooking.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| marinade |
When you want to soak food, usually meat or vegetables, in a seasoned liquid to enhance its flavor before cooking.
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| souse |
To soak food in a liquid, often vinegar or brine, usually for preservation or flavoring. This term might come across as old-fashioned or less common.
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| pickle |
To preserve vegetables, fruits, or other foods in vinegar or brine. This can also refer to the preserved food itself.
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| flavor |
To add taste to food, often using spices, herbs, or other seasonings.
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Examples of usage
- You should marinade the steak for at least an hour before grilling.
- She always marinades her tofu in a soy sauce mixture.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Culinary History
- The practice of marinating dates back thousands of years, with the ancient Egyptians using vinegar to preserve fish.
- In ancient Roman times, marinades were commonly used to enhance the flavor of meats before cooking.
- Different cultures have developed unique marinades, with Asian cuisines often using soy sauce while Mediterranean cuisines prefer olive oil and herbs.
Science of Cooking
- Marinating can help tenderize tougher cuts of meat due to the acids in the marinade breaking down proteins.
- The length of time food marinates impacts flavor absorption โ a few hours can enhance taste, while overnight can lead to deeper flavors.
- Salt in the marinade helps to draw out moisture, allowing flavors to penetrate the food more effectively.
Cultural Significance
- In Latin American cuisine, marinades known as 'mojo' often include garlic, citrus, and spices for vibrant flavors, commonly used in dishes like pork and chicken.
- Many barbecue traditions around the world feature marinades that reflect regional tastes, from spicy jerk chicken in the Caribbean to teriyaki in Japan.
- Marinades can serve as a symbol of hospitality, as preparing food with special attention is often a way to show care for guests.
Nutritional Aspects
- Marinades can enhance the healthfulness of grilled meats by providing antioxidants, especially from herbs and spices used in the mixture.
- As marinades often contain oil, they can contribute healthy fats when made with olive oil or avocado oil.
- Using homemade marinades allows control over added sugars and salts, making it easier to create healthier meal options.
Origin of 'marinade'
The word 'marinade' comes from the French word 'mariner' which means 'to pickle'. The concept of marinating food in a seasoned liquid dates back centuries, with various cultures using different ingredients to enhance the flavor of their dishes. Marinating is a common technique in cooking, especially for meats and seafood, to tenderize and infuse flavors into the food before cooking.