Which is the most effective? Comparison of 3 ways to marinate meat so it is not tough without boiling

foto: Pixabay/tomwieden

Although many people choose to boil the meat first, there is actually a more practical way to make the meat tender.

Brilio.net - Who is not annoyed when the meat that has been cooked with great difficulty is still tough and difficult to chew? This problem is often experienced, especially when cooking beef or goat. Although many people choose to boil the meat first, there is actually a more practical way to make the meat tender - namely with the right marinating technique.

In this article, you will learn about three marinating methods that have been proven effective in tenderizing meat. Each method has its own advantages and uniqueness, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Using certain fruits to tenderize meat is nothing new. Our ancestors have long used pineapples and kiwis to make meat easier to chew. But do you know why this method works?

Pineapples contain the enzyme bromelain, while kiwis contain the enzyme actinidin. Both of these enzymes work by breaking down the protein in meat fibers. The result? Meat that was previously tough becomes more tender and easier to chew.

How to use it is quite easy. You can puree pineapple or kiwi , then coat the meat with the pureed fruit. Just let it sit for 30 minutes, and the meat is ready to be cooked.

Excess:
- Fast marinating process (only 30 minutes)
- Easily available and natural ingredients
- The meat results are very tender
- Can add a fresh aroma to meat

Lack:
- Must be punctual in marinating
- If it takes too long, it can destroy the meat.
- The taste of the fruit can affect the cooking
- Not suitable for all types of cooking

This second method may sound strange to some people. Marinating meat with milk or yogurt? How is that possible? It turns out that this method has long been used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine to get tender and delicious meat.

The secret to this method lies in the lactic acid content in milk and yogurt. Lactic acid works gently to soften the meat fibers. Unlike fast-acting fruit enzymes, this process takes longer - at least 1 hour, but can be overnight for best results.

Excess:
- The resulting meat texture remains firm but tender
- Gives a creamy taste to meat
- Suitable for various types of cooking
- Safe for long-term marinating

Lack:
- Long marinating time (1-8 hours)
- Need space in the refrigerator
- More expensive than other methods
- Not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant

If you need a super-fast way to tenderize meat, sprinkling baking soda could be the answer. This method may sound unconventional, but its effectiveness has been scientifically proven.

Baking soda works by neutralizing the acidity of the meat and loosening the protein bonds in its fibers. The process is simple: sprinkle baking soda evenly over the surface of the meat, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly before cooking.

Excess:
- Fastest process (15-30 minutes)
- Materials are easy to get and cheap
- Does not change the original taste of meat
- Save space

Lack:
- Must be rinsed very thoroughly
- Texture may vary slightly
- If it is not clean it can affect the taste
- Not suitable for large pieces of meat

Marinate with Fruit:
- Minimum time: 30 minutes
- Maximum time: 45 minutes
- Ideal time: 30 minutes

Marinate with Milk/Yogurt:
- Minimum time: 1 hour
- Maximum time: 8 hours
- Ideal time: 4-6 hours

Marinate with Baking Soda:
- Minimum time: 15 minutes
- Maximum time: 30 minutes
- Ideal time: 20 minutes

Each marinating method has different characteristics and results. The choice of method should be adjusted to:

1. The time you have
2. Type of dish to be made
3. Size of meat pieces
4. Desired level of tenderness

For quick or last-minute cooking, the baking soda method can be the best choice. If you want soft results and have little time, marinating with fruit can be the solution. Meanwhile, for special dishes that require perfect texture and have more time, marinating with milk or yogurt will give the best results.

Most importantly, make sure to follow the recommended marinating time. Too long or too short can affect the final result of the meat. By understanding the characteristics of each method, you can choose the marinating technique that best suits your needs.

(brl/tin)