What does the process of marinating meat typically involve?

Marinating meat involves soaking it in a liquid mixture that often includes acidic components such as vinegar, citrus juice, or wine, along with various seasonings and spices. This allows the flavors from the marinade to penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste and tenderness. The acidity in the marinade can also help break down proteins, which can further contribute to a more tender texture.

This method is commonly used to infuse meats with flavor before cooking or to prepare the meat in advance, making it a popular technique in many cuisines. The other options do not accurately describe marinating: coating with breadcrumbs is typically a method for breading, cooking in a sauce implies that the meat is already being prepared through heat rather than flavor enhancement, and dry rubbing with spices refers to the application of spices directly onto the meat surface, which is different from the soaking process characteristic of marinating.