What is the term for moistening food with butter or pan drippings while cooking?

The term for moistening food with butter or pan drippings while cooking is basting. Basting is a culinary technique that involves spooning or brushing liquid over food as it cooks to enhance moisture and flavor. This method is commonly used for meats, especially during roasting, to prevent drying out and to add richness to the dish. By applying the fat from the cooking process, such as butter or drippings, it helps to keep the surface of the food moist, promotes an appealing color, and can enhance the overall taste of the finished dish.

In contrast, marinating refers to soaking food in a seasoned liquid before cooking to impart flavor. Grilling is a method of cooking food over direct heat, and searing is a technique used to create a flavorful crust on food by cooking it quickly at high temperatures, usually at the beginning of the cooking process. While these terms are related to cooking methods, they do not specifically refer to the action of moistening food during cooking, which makes basting the correct choice in this context.