What is the purpose of a marinade in food preparation?

A marinade serves the essential purpose of soaking food to enhance flavor and tenderness. By combining ingredients like acids (such as vinegar or citrus juice), oils, herbs, and spices, a marinade penetrates the food, allowing it to absorb these flavors over time. The acid in the marinade can help to break down proteins, making the meat or vegetables more tender, resulting in a more enjoyable texture and taste when cooked. This technique is especially popular in marinating meats before grilling or roasting, as it not only improves the overall flavor profile but also helps in retaining moisture during the cooking process.

Cooking food thoroughly, serving food in a hot broth, or drying out the food are not the primary functions of marinades, as they do not address the enhancement of flavor or the tenderizing effect that is achievable through the marinating process.