Tips for Tenderizing Meat
1. Beat it with a tenderizing hammer. The reason tenderizing meat in this way works is because by battering it with a tenderizing hammer you are beginning the mastication process and breaking down the cell structure of the meat. A small points here, only use this method of tenderizing meat directly prior to cooking as the meat becomes more susceptable to freezer burn and turning brown.
2. Marinade in an acidic substance such as vinegar or citrus juice – tenderizing meat in this way works because vinegar is an acid and therefore disolves the membranes around the cells and unwinds the long proteins in the muscle. You need to be aware when when tenderizing meat in this way that the vinegar is going to flavour the meat so here’s a couple of quick tips – wine vinegar will leave a slightly bitter taste to the meat whilst cider vinegar will give it a sweeter tang. Armed with this knowledge you can make a decision based on the type of recipe you are putting together.
3. According to eHow, fresh pineapple juice contains a powerful tenderizer in the form of the enzyme bromelin. I haven’t tried tenderizing meat like this but I would imagine a marinade of pineapple would add a sweet, fruity flavour to the dish so ideal for moroccan or caribean dishes.
4. For tenderizing larger cuts of meat, the best method is slow cooking in a moist environment (like a stew or pot roast) over a long period of time.
5. Apparantly baking soda is used in many Chinese restaurants to give a tender, silky feel to smaller cuts of meat. Simply coat the cut meat in baking soda (about 1 tsp per 450g of meat) and work it in with your fingers. Leave for no longer than 15 minutes (you don’t want the baking soda to flavour the meat) and then wash thoroughly.
can you use natural yoghurt to tenderize meat before cooking a curry.How do they get their meat so tender in indian cooking?
Hi Deborah, Thanks for your comment. According to articles I’ve read, the yoghurt itself simply provides flavouring, keeps the meat moist and provides a silky texture to the outer layer of the meat.
In Indian cookery many of the fresh spices that are used contain natural enzymes (such as ginger) – I suspect that it’s this that helps tenderize the meat. I suspect, this coupled with good cuts of meat is what makes the meat tender.
I hope this helps 🙂
Kiwi fruit does the same as pineapple!
Raw papaya skin or pomogrenate skin can act as a strong tenderising agent. These two have nuetral taste and can be used in any type of cooking.
Deborah hi,
Soured Yogurt is acidic and can be used as a mild tenderisor. Papaya skin and lemon juice are primarily used as tenderisers in Indian cooking.
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Excellent article!
I am a chef with experience, but about bromelain and soda softening meat, did not know.
I soften hard smoked sausage, watering and burning alcohol.
It turns the simplest grilled on a plate.
Photo at the bottom of the page.
Thanks for the info!