marinate
UK: ˈmærɪneɪt | US: ˈmærəneɪt
vt. to soak food in a seasoned liquid before cooking to enhance flavor or tenderness
vi. (of food) to undergo soaking in a seasoned liquid
The word traces back to Latin marinus (sea), as early food preservation relied on saltwater brining. Over time, "marinate" expanded to include any flavored liquid soak, reflecting culinary evolution beyond salt-based methods. The suffix -ate standardizes it as a verb in English.
Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices overnight for maximum tenderness.
The chef recommends marinating tofu for at least 30 minutes.
Fish fillets marinate quickly due to their delicate texture.
Avoid over-marinating red meat, as acids can break down its fibers.
This recipe uses citrus juice to marinate the shrimp.