Marination - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

culinary process

Marination is the process of soaking foods in a seasoned liquid before cooking. This technique is used to enhance the flavor and tenderness of various ingredients, particularly meat, fish, and vegetables. The ingredients are typically immersed for a period ranging from a few minutes to several hours, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the marinade.

Synonyms

seasoning, soaking.

Examples of usage

The chicken was left in marination overnight for better flavor.
Marination helps to tenderize tough cuts of meat.
The steak was marinated in garlic and herbs before grilling.
I prefer marination with citrus juices for a fresh taste.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Techniques

There are two main types of marinade: wet, featuring liquids like oil, vinegar, or citrus, and dry, which combines spices and herbs.
Marinating can significantly enhance flavor and tenders meat by breaking down proteins, making it juicier.
Different cultures have unique marination methods, such as Korean bulgogi marinade using soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.

Health and Nutrition

Using acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus in marinades can reduce the formation of harmful compounds in grilled foods.
Herbs and spices used in marinades not only increase flavor but also often come with antioxidants and other health benefits.
Marination can sometimes help in reducing the amount of salt needed in cooking, as it infuses flavor into the food.

Cultural Significance

In Middle Eastern cuisine, marination plays a critical role, often incorporating yogurt to tenderize meats and add depth of flavor.
In South Asian cooking, marination is vital for dishes like tandoori chicken, where spices and yogurt create a rich taste.
Different regions have adapted marination practices to reflect local ingredients, showcasing culinary creativity.

Science of Cooking

During marination, osmosis occurs; flavors penetrate the food as salt and other solutes move through the cell membranes.
The ideal marination time varies by protein type—chicken may require a few hours, while tougher cuts of beef could benefit from an overnight soak.
Temperature plays a crucial role; marinating food in the refrigerator helps prevent bacterial growth while enhancing flavors.

Origin of 'marination'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'marinare', which means 'to make brine', a salty water solution used in preserving food.
The term first appeared in English culinary texts around the 18th century, reflecting its growing importance in cooking.
Today, variations of marination are utilized globally, demonstrating cultural diversity in flavors and techniques.

The word 'marination' is derived from the verb 'marinate', which comes from the French term 'mariner', meaning to pickle or preserve in brine. Its roots trace back to the Latin word 'marinara', meaning 'of the sea', reflecting the technique's origins in coastal cuisines where fish was commonly soaked in acidic mixtures. The practice of marination can be traced back millennia, with ancient civilizations utilizing vinegar, wine, and various spices to enhance the flavors of their food. Today, marination has evolved into a fundamental culinary technique that allows for a vast array of flavor combinations, influenced by various cultural traditions around the world.

Marination Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations