baste

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "baste" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in cooking to refer to the process of moistening food, especially meat, while it cooks, usually with its own juices or a marinade. Example: "To ensure the turkey stays juicy, remember to baste it every 30 minutes during roasting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Baste with the liquid for a minute or two, cover with foil and roast for 25-30 minutes, by which time the meat will have cooked to a rosy pink.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(Makes 6 generously weighty cakes) 6g fast-action dried yeast (approx 1 tsp) 150ml warm water 250g self raising flour (or strong white bread flour, if you have it) ½ tsp table salt 1 tsp cinnamon 100g sultanas or other mixed dried fruit 50g butter, diced small 100g lard, diced small 1 egg to baste, optional 50g sugar Combine the yeast with 50ml lukewarm water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's the baste, the dry ageing, the smoke, the seasoning, the wood.

Independent

Baste regularly with a regular brush or herb brush, stacking and flipping the meat if the flames get out of control.

Independent

Cook for 5 minutes each side, then baste with the marinade and move to a cooler part of the barbecue.

Independent

Take the legs out of the fridge, place in a roasting tray, baste with goose fat, dress with thyme, and a halved bulb of garlic.

Independent

For a chicken he recommends you do a dry rub with your favourite spices, put it on to smoke (not over the direct heat) and then in the last hour of cooking open it up and baste it three times.

Independent

Baste two or three times while cooking using any remaining honey and the juices rendering on the tray.

Independent

Make a baste using a quarter of a cup of olive oil, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 10 crushed garlic cloves, and finely chopped savoury herbs such as rosemary, thyme, marjoram, oregano, sage.

Independent

Often decorated with tasseled fringes, all the clothes seem to have been made of plant fibres – especially lime baste, the fibrous material immediately beneath the bark of the lime tree.

Independent

Baste then flip the lamb to skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "baste" in a recipe, specify the frequency and type of liquid to use for clarity. For example: "Baste the chicken every 20 minutes with pan drippings."

Common error

Avoid over-basting, which can lead to soggy skin on roasted meats. Ensure the oven temperature is high enough to allow the skin to crisp up between basting intervals.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "baste" is as a verb, indicating the action of moistening food during the cooking process. As supported by Ludwig, "baste" is commonly found in cooking contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

35%

Food

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "baste" is a verb primarily used in cooking, referring to the act of moistening food during the cooking process to enhance flavor and prevent dryness. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in culinary contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, lifestyle, and food-related content. While "baste" is generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid over-basting to prevent soggy results. Alternatives such as "moisten" or "coat with juices" offer similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance. Understanding proper usage ensures delicious and well-prepared dishes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coat with juices

Describes the action of covering food with its own liquids or a prepared sauce.

brush with

Indicates applying a thin layer of liquid using a brush.

cover in sauce

Describes the action of coating food in sauce.

moisten

Refers to making something slightly wet, often used more broadly than "baste".

spoon over

Suggests a more deliberate and controlled application of liquid using a spoon.

drizzle over

Implies a light and even application of liquid.

glaze

Suggests applying a glossy coating, often sweet.

marinate

Soaking food in a seasoned liquid before cooking for flavor and tenderizing.

dress

To coat food with dressing.

lard

To insert strips of fat into meat before cooking.

FAQs

How is "baste" typically used in cooking?

"Baste" is used to moisten meat or other food during cooking with pan drippings, melted butter, or other liquids to add flavor and prevent drying.

What are some alternatives to the word "baste" in a recipe?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "moisten", "coat with juices", or "drizzle over".

What's the difference between "baste" and "marinate"?

"Baste" refers to the process of moistening food during cooking, while "marinate" involves soaking food in a seasoned liquid before cooking to infuse flavor and tenderize.

Is it necessary to "baste" meat while roasting?

While not always necessary, "baste" can help keep meat moist and flavorful during roasting. Some cooking methods, however, like using a covered roasting pan, may reduce the need to baste frequently.