Marinating: meaning, definitions and examples

Culinary Techniques

• Different liquids like vinegar, oil, and citrus juice are commonly used for soaking, each adding their own unique taste.
• Marinating can really change the texture of meat, making it more tender and juicy by breaking down tough fibers.
• There are two main types of marinades: wet (liquid) and dry (spice rub), each offering different flavors.

Cultural Practices

• In many cultures, marinating is an essential step in cooking; for example, the Japanese often use soy sauce and mirin.
• Barbecue traditions around the world highlight unique marinades, like jerk spices in Jamaica or tandoori mixes in India.
• The concept of marinating goes back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations using it to preserve food and enhance flavors.

Health and Nutrition

• Marinating can not only enhance flavor but also reduce harmful bacteria in meats, improving overall food safety.
• Certain marinades, especially those with acidic components, can break down fat, making dishes lighter without sacrificing taste.
• Using herbs and spices in marinades can also add beneficial antioxidants to food and improve its nutritional value.

Food Science

• When food marinates, it undergoes chemical changes that help flavors absorb better; salt can help draw out moisture and flavor.
• The ideal marinating time can vary; delicate foods like fish may only need a short soak, whereas meats can benefit from longer periods.
• Heat from cooking can activate flavors, making the marinating process an important step in flavor development.

Food Safety

• Always marinate in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to avoid foodborne illnesses.
• If using a marinade as a sauce after cooking, it must be boiled first to kill any bacteria that may have transferred from raw food.
• Marinating times can differ widely; longer isn’t always better, as some acidic marinades can make food mushy if left too long.

Ranking #37,894, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

• ...
• 37891 hobnobbing
• 37892 piranha
• 37893 phantasmagoric
• 37894 marinating
• 37895 decider
• 37896 jujube
• 37897 superciliousness
• ...