This is how you can make meat juicy and tender at home (2024)

Any kind of meat, be it lamb, chicken or pork can be made tender, succulent and juicy with the right techniques. Tenderizing means breaking down the fibers in the meat to soften the texture, making it more succulent and flavorful. You can tenderize meat in a number of ways with the use of natural ingredients in the kitchen. While preparing your favorite meat dishes, tender meat is always the goal. Here is a list of ingredients from your pantry that will help in tenderizing meat which you may never have heard before. Have a look!

The green papaya contains an enzyme known as papain and this is the compound which has the ability to break down meat fibers. So, papain breaks down collagen, which is the main protein that connects tissues. This works usually on all types of meat such as lamb, chicken and pork. You just need green papaya with the skin and some water, that’s the magic! Gently massage the paste onto the meat. Use 2 tbsp of the paste for every pound of meat.

The enzyme called bromelain in pineapple breaks down meat protein, softening the tissues in meat before cooking it. This tropical fruit is one of the few marinade ingredients that genuinely tenderizes your meat while imparting a rich flavour. To successfully tenderize steak without ruining its taste and texture, pour pineapple juice over the meat and marinate it for 1-2 hours, depending upon the type of meat. Do not use canned or cooked pineapple.

Beers can add rich, caramel-like flavor to the meat with minimal cooking time. One of the most effective ways to tenderize your meat is by using beer. Beer contains alpha acids and tannins that help break down fibers in meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Marinate using beer for an hour or more before grilling.

Marinating your meat with buttermilk about 20-40 minutes before you grill it is a guaranteed way to make it perfectly tender. The lactic acid in buttermilk weakens the protein structure of the meat, making it too soft and tender. This marinade works great for all types of meat.

Due to the high level on tannins found in tea, this brewed beverage works well as a marinade and a meat tenderizer. Simply marinate your meats with freshly brewed black tea along with brown sugar or any herbs to bring a unique and earthy flavor to the dish!

This may sound weird, but it works magically. Slathering baking soda/water paste on meat raises the pH on the meat’s surface, making it harder for the proteins to bond. Refrigerate for a few hours, and rinse well before cooking.

Apart from drinking it, you can use it as a meat marinade. The acid in the cola will help in tenderizing the meat, making the meat soft and flavorful. Marinate steak in cola for 30 minutes to add a natural sweetness to your marinade.

Lemons are highly acidic, making them a great meat tenderizer. A thick coating of lemon juice applied one hour before cooking will draw water from the meat, thus, improving the meat's texture. Adding too much of this marinade could actually toughen the meat.