10 Ways to Tenderize Your Steak You Probably Didn't Know
Yes, Coca Cola does the job just as good
12 February 2014
There's nothing worse than serving sizzling steaks that haven't been prepared correctly. Especially if you're feeding a group of your friends suffering from major hunger-pangs.
And if you do serve meat that hasn't been under the hammer, prepare for your guests to turn into fire-fighters; trying to hack their way through the bits of sinew, separating that first bite from the rest of the meat.
For those that have managed to get the first bite, life isn't much easier as they chew an chew... But what went wrong? The meat is a perfect pink in the middle and it smells absolutely divine but why is it so tough?
The answer? Collagen.
Yes the same stuff that you may want injected into your lips is also causing the meat to be a little tough and impossible to eat. The collagen has to be broken down before the meat is cooked for it to be tender and juicy.
What most people do is sprinkle some meat tenderizer onto their beef before cooking, or they pound each of the steaks to release the bonds of collagen.
Now you might not have any meat tenderizer at home or you just can’t be bothered to go out and get some so here are some great alternatives to use for tenderising that meat.
1 – Give it a good pounding
Pounding your steak will losen the collagen and make the meat more tender immediately. Don't fret if you don't have a mallet; you can use a rolling pin or the back of a small plate. It can be a light pounding but a pounding none the less.
2 – Kiwi fruit
Not only is kiwi a delicious fruit packed with vitamin c, it also contains an enzyme called actinidin that helps to break down the collagen in meat. Tenderising the meat is so easy you could do it in your sleep.
Just cut the kiwi in half and rub the fruit side over every inch of the steak. Allow the steak to tenderize in the juices for an hour before grilling the softest and tastiest steaks ever. You cannot go wrong with a kiwi fruit tenderiser.
3 – Coffee
Not only will this bitter beverage get your day going and give you that jump start that you need, it will also tenderize your steak to perfection. It can also be used as a rub to flavour your grill. Marinade the meat in black coffee for two hours before grilling for a great tenderized steak.
You can also mix coffee grounds with your favourite herbs and rub it onto the steaks for grilling, the flavour is mind blowing.
4 – Pineapple
Marinade the steaks in pineapple juice for an hour before grilling. Pineapple contain the enzyme Bromelain which helps break down the collagen in the meat resulting in a jucy steak that you could slice with a butter knife.
Pineapple also goes great with steaks, grill some fresh pineapple rings after you have grilled your steaks. The fruit picks up all the flavour off the grill and the taste is mind blowing. Try it next time you are having a barbecue.
5 – Coca Cola
Not only can you serve a coke with the steaks you can also tenderize the steaks in the cold drink. Use regular coke and marinade the meat for an hour before grilling. The steaks will come out fabulously soft and juicy.
6 – Baking soda
This tenderizer takes a long time to work but if you are preparing for a barbecue the next day you can sprinkle baking soda onto your steaks and leave in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. Make sure you rinse your steaks before grilling.
7 – Beer
Has tannis and alpha acids so it's great for tenderizing steaks. It also add an amazing flavour to the meat. The steak should be marinated for at least an hour before cooking.
8 – Tea
Tea also has tannis which is a natural tenderizer. Make a couple of cups of strong black tea and allow them to cool before you marinade your steak in them. Like coffee this will give the steak a great earthy flavour. Season the steak just before cooking.
9 – Apple cider vinegar
Vinegar is highly acidic and you could use any vinegar to tenderize your steak, however apple cider vinegar has a great flavour. Rub it onto the meat and allow to soak for a few hours before preparation. The meat will be cooked to perfection; full of flavour and juicy steaks.
10 – Ginger
Ginger contains a proteolytic enzyme that naturally breaks down protein, thus softening the steak. It also has a very strong and distinct flavour so be sure that you're a ginger lover before you try it.
So there you have it. Ten alternative and interesting ways to tenderize your steaks before grilling them for your friends and family.
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