How to Quickly Tenderize Steak: 8 Proven Methods

Introduction

Steak tenderization is the process of making steak more palatable and easier to chew by breaking down the muscle fibers in the steak. It’s an important step that helps enhance the flavor and texture of steak, making it more enjoyable to eat. There are several methods for quickly tenderizing steak, and each one has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll explore eight effective ways to quickly tenderize steak.

Using a Marinade

Marinades are a great way to quickly tenderize steak. The acidity in the marinade helps break down the muscle fibers, making the steak softer and more flavorful. A good marinade should contain some type of acidic ingredient, such as vinegar, citrus juice, or wine. You can also add herbs and spices to the marinade to give the steak some extra flavor. To apply the marinade, place the steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the steak is completely covered, then let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. The longer the steak sits in the marinade, the more tender it will be.

Pounding the Steak with a Meat Mallet

Another quick and easy way to tenderize steak is to pound it with a meat mallet. A meat mallet is a tool with a flat or ridged head that is used to flatten and tenderize meats. When pounding the steak with a meat mallet, make sure to use a gentle, even pressure. Start at the center of the steak and work your way outwards. Avoid using too much force, as this can cause the steak to become tough. For best results, use a wooden or plastic meat mallet.

Salting the Steak and Letting it Sit

Salt is another great way to quickly tenderize steak. Salt breaks down the proteins in the steak, making it more tender. To use salt for tenderizing steak, sprinkle the steak generously with coarse sea salt on both sides. Let the steak sit for 30 minutes before cooking. This method works best with thicker cuts of steak, such as ribeye or strip steak.

Slicing the Steak Thinly

If you don’t have time to marinate or salt the steak, you can still quickly tenderize it by slicing it thinly. Use a sharp knife to cut the steak into thin slices. This will help the steak cook faster and also make it more tender. For best results, use a high quality chef’s knife. Make sure to slice against the grain of the steak, as this will help break down the muscle fibers and make the steak more tender.

Using an Acidic Ingredient

Acidic ingredients, such as citrus juice or vinegar, can be used to quickly tenderize steak. The acidity helps break down the muscle fibers in the steak, making it more tender. To use an acidic ingredient, mix it with some oil and herbs, then brush the mixture onto the steak. Let the steak sit for 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add the acidic ingredient to a marinade for added flavor.

Braising the Steak

Braising is a great way to quickly tenderize steak. Braising involves cooking the steak in liquid, such as stock, wine, or beer. The liquid helps break down the muscle fibers in the steak, making it more tender. To braise steak, place the steak in a pan and add enough liquid to cover the steak. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cover the pan. Cook the steak until it is fork-tender, about 30 minutes.

Cooking the Steak on Low Heat

Cooking steak on low heat is another great way to quickly tenderize it. This method involves cooking the steak at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. This helps break down the muscle fibers in the steak, making it more tender. For best results, cook the steak at a temperature between 250°F and 300°F for 30 minutes or more. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak.

Conclusion

Tenderizing steak doesn’t have to be a long and complicated process. With the right techniques, you can quickly and easily make your steak succulent and juicy. The eight methods outlined above—using a marinade, pounding the steak with a meat mallet, salting the steak and letting it sit, slicing the steak thinly, using an acidic ingredient, braising the steak, and cooking the steak on low heat—are all effective ways to quickly tenderize steak.