Brilio.net - Chicken meat is a food ingredient that is often used as a side dish in several culinary creations in various parts of the world. The many creative dishes that can be prepared from chicken make it a popular choice in various culinary cultures. Apart from that, chicken meat is also known to have a soft texture and is easy to process, making it suitable for various cooking methods , from frying, boiling, grilling, to making soup or adding to salads.
One of the processed meats that is often used is in shredded form. In some dishes, such as soup, soto, or various stir-fries, shredded chicken is usually used. Of course, beforehand, this chicken meat has been boiled or steamed first so that it is easier to shred.
Using shredded chicken basically makes processed chicken easier to eat. Apart from that, the spices used can be absorbed more completely. Unfortunately, there is one drawback that many people often experience when they want to make shredded chicken, namely when they want to shred the meat.
Shredding chicken meat is usually done manually by hand. However, because it is considered complicated and takes quite a lot of time, there are those who use special tools, such as a portable chicken shredder (a tool for shredding or chopping meat) or a mixer. A number of these tools can really make the process of shredding chicken easier.
However, if you have difficulty getting this tool, don't worry, there are other tricks you can do to shred chicken meat to save more time and energy. Well, this trick was shared by TikTok user @ummu_balqis_haura. Through one of the uploaded videos, he admitted that he only used one simple tool.
As reported by BrilioFood on Wednesday (3/4), the tool used was plastic wrap. So, chicken meat that has been boiled or steamed can be allowed to cool first. After that, immediately put it in plastic wrap.
photo: TikTok/@ummu_balqis_haura
Next, close the plastic clip. Then massage the chicken meat until it separates from the bones. Do this process for a few minutes until the chicken meat is completely separated from the bones.
photo: TikTok/@ummu_balqis_haura
If it is separated, press the chicken meat so that it separates more like a shredded shape. After that, open the plastic clip. Then remove the chicken meat and bones onto a plate or container. Separate the flesh and bones, OK?
photo: TikTok/@ummu_balqis_haura
Then, if you feel there is still lumpy chicken meat, you can shred it with two forks. Or you can also shred it manually using your fingers. Guaranteed, this method will make shredded chicken more optimal and of course save time and energy.
Shredded chicken meat can also be used directly for cooking. In the video, TikTok user @ummu_balqis_haura immediately puts it in soto sauce . Well, you can also cook it directly into various other menus that are no less appetizing, you know.
How to tenderize free-range chicken quickly.
Tenderizing free-range chicken can be a challenge because its texture is chewier compared to regular chicken. Here are several ways to quickly tenderize free-range chicken meat:
1. Beat the meat.
Use a tool such as a meat mallet or split the meat with a blunt knife to pound the chicken meat. This will help soften the meat fibers.
2. Soaking in salt water.
Soak the chicken pieces in salt water for about 30 minutes before cooking. The salt will help tenderize the meat.
3. Soaking in acid solution.
Soak the chicken in an acidic solution such as lime juice or vinegar for 1-2 hours before cooking. The acid will help tenderize the meat.
4. Marinate with spices.
Marinate the chicken with spices such as soy sauce, garlic, ginger or paprika for several hours before cooking. These spices can help tenderize the meat.
5. Fast baking.
Bake the chicken pieces in the oven at a high temperature for a few minutes before cooking them whole. This will help tenderize the outside of the meat.
6. Small cuts.
Cut the chicken into small pieces or thin slices to shorten cooking time and help tenderize the meat.
7. Proper cooking technique.
Choose the right cooking technique such as boiling, steaming, or grilling with methods that retain the meat's moisture.
8. Use papain.
Papain is an enzyme found in papaya that can help tenderize meat. You can add papaya pieces to the chicken stew.
9. Use flavorings.
Flavorings such as micin or chicken stock can help tenderize the meat and give it a more delicious taste. However, the use of flavorings should not be excessive for health.