Name the process that involves soaking food in a seasoned liquid before cooking.

The process of soaking food in a seasoned liquid before cooking is known as marinating. Marinating involves immersing food, typically meats, fish, or vegetables, in a mixture that usually includes an acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), oil, and various seasonings such as herbs, spices, or aromatics. This process enhances the flavor of the food as well as tenderizes the proteins, allowing the marinade to penetrate the food and impart its flavors during the soaking time.

In contrast, poaching is a cooking method that involves gently simmering food in liquid, but it does not specifically refer to soaking in seasoned liquid beforehand. Searing refers to the technique of quickly browning the surface of food in a hot pan to develop flavor through caramelization, and it does not involve a soaking process. Brining, while similar to marinating, specifically involves soaking food in a saltwater solution, which primarily focuses on flavor enhancement and moisture retention rather than the broader spectrum of flavors provided by a marinade.