4 Ways To Flavor Food

Quick Links:

Features

August 25, 2011

Some of the most delicious dishes are flavored pre-cooking. Here are ways to do it.

If you think flavoring food is just a matter of adding spices and seasoning while cooking, think again. Some of the most delicious dishes are flavored pre-cooking. Here, four ways to do it.

Photography by Miguel Nacianceno

Liquid marinade
General rule: It should contain an acid like vinegar to tenderize meat, an oil to prevent drying, and flavoring like pepper. Asian cooking makes do with any one or two of these, like soy sauce and garlic. For marinade recipes click here

Spice rub
This is a form of dry marinade. Spices, herbs, and seasonings are usually rubbed on meat, poultry, or fish, and are left to sit for 20 minutes or overnight. Like the liquid marinade, it can be used on all kinds of food.

Brine
A solution of water and salt used to season, pickle, or preserve food. Usually used for chicken, pork, and seafood.

Basting
The sauce is usually applied to food while it is cooking, and it's best applied in the final 10 to 20 minutes of cooking. Great for just about anything.