Unmarinated

The adjective 'unmarinated' describes something, typically food, that has not been soaked or steeped in a flavorful liquid mixture, known as a marinade, before cooking. This lack of marination means the item hasn't absorbed additional flavors, tenderized, or had its surface enhanced by the marinade's components (e.g., acids, oils, herbs, spices). It implies a state of rawness in terms of flavor enhancement, though the base ingredients might still be naturally flavorful. An unmarinated item is often perceived as having a blander taste profile compared to its marinated counterpart. The term is frequently used in culinary contexts but can also extend metaphorically to describe things lacking an enriching or preparing influence.

Unmarinated meaning with examples

• The grilled chicken, cooked directly on the flames, tasted disappointingly bland. Its lack of a vibrant flavor profile immediately suggested it was unmarinated, missing the juicy tenderness and infused taste that a good marinade provides. Next time, a quick soak in lemon juice and herbs would transform the dish considerably.
• For a quick weeknight meal, the salmon filets were simply seasoned and cooked. Their unmarinated state, though convenient, resulted in a relatively straightforward fish flavor. While acceptable, the addition of a marinade with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic would've elevated the simple preparation.
• Preparing the vegetables for the stir-fry was a rushed affair. The bell peppers, broccoli, and onions were quickly chopped and thrown into the wok. Consequently, the vegetables, unmarinated and unprepared for the cooking process, yielded a comparatively simple flavor, rather than being enhanced with tasty goodness.
• The chef, aiming for simplicity, presented the steak unmarinated. The steak’s inherent quality was evident but also quite evident were the missing dimensions a marinade would have imparted, such as the complexity of herbs, the sharpness of citrus, and the depth of umami.
• The tofu was an integral ingredient to the soup. However, the tofu had been taken straight from the package. Being unmarinated, the otherwise mild-tasting bean curd didn't impart any additional flavor, instead simply absorbed the broth without much influence.