How to Use a Meat Tenderizer & The Different Types
Meat Tenderizers 101
There’s nothing more disappointing than biting into a cut of meat that looks perfectly succulent … only to realize that it’s hard and chewy. This can be especially frustrating if you spent a pretty penny on the ingredients—or worse, you’re hosting dinner guests.
If this sounds familiar, it might be time to learn how to tenderize meat. As the name suggests, the process of tenderization makes meat more tender, ensuring your homemade meat recipes are supple. Think of it as having your meat and eating it too.
What Do Meat Tenderizers Do?
But how do meat tenderizers work, exactly? Let’s start with a quick science lesson: The tissue in meat is made of collagen, a type of protein. This collagen (and the bonds between them) contributes to the texture of meat. The more collagen there is in a cut of meat, the tougher it generally is. Examples of tough, high-collagen cuts include brisket and chuck steak.
That’s where meat tenderizers come in. A meat tenderizer is designed to break down the bonds between the collagen proteins, which causes the meat to soften.
Types of Meat Tenderizers
Meat tenderizing can be done one of two ways: physically or chemically.
Physical (mechanical) meat tenderizers involve kitchen tools.
These gadgets allow you to pound or pierce the meat, which mechanically separates collagen bonds. There are also two main types of physical meat tenderizer tools: mallets and bladed/needled models.
Chemical meat tenderizers involve added ingredients.
This option usually relies on the action of enzymes, or molecules that break the bonds between things like—you guessed it—collagen proteins. Examples include acidic fruit juices like lemon, lime, or pineapple juice.
Physical (mechanical) meat tenderizers involve kitchen tools.
These gadgets allow you to pound or pierce the meat, which mechanically separates collagen bonds. There are also two main types of physical meat tenderizer tools: mallets and bladed/needled models.
Chemical meat tenderizers involve added ingredients.
This option usually relies on the action of enzymes, or molecules that break the bonds between things like—you guessed it—collagen proteins. Examples include acidic fruit juices like lemon, lime, or pineapple juice.
How to Tenderize Steak With a Mallet
To tenderize steak with a meat mallet, start by placing your steak between two layers of wax paper or plastic wrap. This will prevent the meat from sticking to your work surface (i.e., a cutting board). Next, hold the handle of the meat mallet in your dominant hand, making sure the spiky or textured surface is facing the steak. Starting in the center, strike the steak several times, slowly moving out toward the edges. You can use your other hand to hold the cutting board in place, but be sure to keep it away from the mallet. (Safety first, friends.) Continue pounding the steak until the meat is flat and develops an even, uniform thickness.
And just like that, you’ve tenderized steak with a meat mallet. It also doesn’t hurt that the process is an excellent way to let out some steam after a long day. How’s that for productive meal prep?
How to Tenderize Meat Without a Mallet
If you don’t want to buy a new kitchen tool, you can make do with items you already have on hand. Popular options for pounding meat include a rolling pin, cast-iron skillet, mortar, and even cans of food. See you never, tough meat!
Meaty Dinner Ideas and Dinner Recipes From HelloFresh
If you’re looking to try out your new tenderization skills, start with our collection of steak recipes, chicken recipes, and pork recipes. Want to get more specific? Try these favorites.
Try a little tenderness—with meat, and with your time and money—by signing up for HelloFresh today!