What is the primary purpose of marinating meat?

• A. To cook meat more quickly.
• B. To seal in juices during cooking.
• C. To enhance flavor and tenderness.
• D. To remove fat from the meat.

Answer: (C)

Marinating meat primarily aims to enhance flavor and tenderness. The marinade carries flavorful ingredients into the meat, and acids or enzymes in the mixture help soften proteins and break down tissue, which makes the meat easier to chew and more aromatic when cooked. Salt in the marinade also helps season and can improve moisture retention, but the main purpose is flavor infusion and texture improvement, not speeding up cooking, sealing in juices, or removing fat.