Chinese cuisine has long used baking soda to tenderize meat. Why?
- It changes the pH of the meat, allowing the muscle fibers to relax.
- It prevents the fibers from contracting during cooking, resulting in juicy, tender, and flavorful meat in record time.
How do I use baking soda to tenderize meat?
- Prepare the meat: Cut it into thin strips to maximize the effect of the baking soda.
- Sprinkle: Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 800 g of meat. Mix thoroughly.
- Let it rest: Cover and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the meat under running water to remove any baking soda residue. Dry it carefully.
- Cook as usual: The meat is ready to be seared, simmered, or grilled, and it will be incredibly tender!
A Chinese-restaurant recipe for marinated, stir-fried meat
Ingredients:
(for 4 people)
- 800 g of meat (beef, chicken, or lamb)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cloves of chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper and ground chili pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 bell pepper, cut into strips
Preparation
- Use the baking soda method to tenderize the meat.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan and quickly sear the meat. Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft.
- Add the meat, garlic, spices, and ketchup. Mix well.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
A fresh side dish to balance the meal
Ingredients:
- ½ shredded cabbage
- 6 sliced radishes
- 250 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bunch of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- A pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Mix all the ingredients and serve this refreshing salad as a side to your meal.
Why adopt this method?
- Saves time: No more long marinating or endless cooking times.
- Guaranteed results: Tender meat guaranteed, even with cuts known to be tough.
- Natural method: No chemical additives, just baking soda and a proper rinse.
Conclusion
Thanks to this simple and effective trick, you'll never look at meat the same way again.
Try it today and enjoy!
