During cooking, what effect does marinating have on meat?

Marinating has a significant impact on meat by both infusing it with flavor and contributing to its tenderness. The process of marinating typically involves soaking the meat in a mixture of acidic ingredients (such as vinegar, citrus juice, or yogurt), oil, and various herbs and spices. The acidity in the marinade helps to break down the proteins in the meat, which can lead to a more tender texture after cooking. Additionally, the flavors from the marinade penetrate the meat, enhancing its overall taste. This combination of flavor infusion and tenderization is what makes marinating a popular technique in culinary practices.

Other considerations about marinating include the importance of time; meat that is marinated for an appropriate duration will benefit more from the process than meat that is only marinated briefly. If marinated too long, however, the texture can become mushy, but when done correctly, marinating is a beneficial technique that enhances the final dish.