Marinate is pronounced "mair eh nate"
Description
Marinating is a process in food preparation where ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or tofu are soaked in a liquid mixture to enhance flavor and tenderize the food. The marinating liquid typically consists of ingredients such as oil, vinegar, citrus juice, herbs, spices, and salt, which help infuse the food with flavor. The length of marinating time can vary depending on the type of food being marinated and the desired flavor intensity, ranging from a few minutes to several hours or overnight. Marinating is a popular technique in cooking, especially for grilling, roasting, or baking dishes.
Application Areas
- Grilled meats
- Vegetable skewers
- Tofu dishes
- Seafood
- Chicken and pork
Treatment and Risks
- Over-marinating can result in the food becoming mushy.
- Under-marinating may not fully infuse the flavor into the food.
- Marinating in acids for too long can cause the food to become tough.
Examples
- Marinated chicken wings
- Grilled vegetables marinated in balsamic vinaigrette
- Citrus-marinated shrimp
- Soy-marinated tofu
Similar Concepts and Synonyms
- Soak
- Infuse
- Flavor-enhancement
- Season
Summary
Marinating is a food preparation technique that involves soaking ingredients in a flavorful liquid mix to enhance taste and texture. Commonly used for meats, vegetables, and tofu, marinating can improve the overall taste of a dish and is popular in various cooking methods such as grilling or roasting. However, it is essential to be mindful of marinating times to avoid negative outcomes such as mushy or tough textures.
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