marinade
n. C / U B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmɑɹɪˌneɪd// UK //mˈæɹɪnˌeɪd// mari·nade
n. a mixture of liquid, oil, and spices used to soak food in before cooking. It helps the food stay moist and adds flavor.
n. a liquid mixture of oil, vinegar, and seasonings in which food is soaked to enhance flavor and moisture. Often used in the preparation of meats, vegetables, or seafood.
I let the chicken sit in the marinade for two hours.
The chef prepared a spicy marinade using soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to flavor the beef before grilling it.
While some recipes call for a quick soak, others require the food to remain in the marinade for several hours or even overnight to achieve maximum penetration of the acidic and aromatic components.
Borrowed from French marinade.