Ahead of Eid al-Adha, Here are 10 Ways to Make Meat Tender Easily and Using Natural Ingredients

Kapanlagi.com - Meat is a delicious food that is loved by many people. In Indonesia, meat is usually consumed during big holidays or important celebrations. Such as major holidays, weddings, circumcision ceremonies, and traditional ceremonies.

However, cooking meat is not easy. If cooked incorrectly, the meat will be difficult to consume and also tough. But don't worry, KLovers, there are natural ways to make meat tender that are practical and do not take up much time. Curious about how to do it?

According to various sources, here are 10 natural ways to make meat tender that are easy and practical. Let's check it out.

1. Pineapple

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The first natural way to tenderize meat is by using pineapple. This is certainly not something unfamiliar if you often cook meat curry using pineapple. Because both beef and chicken meat can become more tender and soft with pineapple.

That's because there is an enzyme called bromelain that can make the meat more tender. The method is quite simple, you just need to marinate the meat with mashed pineapple for 10 to 15 minutes. Or you can also mix curry or meat curry using pineapple. Besides giving a fresh taste, pineapple can also make the meat tender and soft.

2. Tea

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Besides being a hot or cold drink, it turns out that tea can also be a natural way to tenderize and soften meat. This is because tea contains tannins that function to naturally and practically tenderize the meat.

The method of tenderizing meat using tea is quite easy. You just need to make 1-2 cups of strong-colored tea, then let it cool. After that, soak the meat in the tea for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Lemon

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The natural way to make meat tender is by using lemon. This method has been widely practiced by Europeans and Americans for a long time. In addition to giving a fresh taste and aroma to the meat, lemon can also be a natural ingredient that is easy to use to make the meat softer and tender.

The way to use lemon to make meat tender is by squeezing lemon juice onto the meat, then refrigerate it for 1 hour and the meat is ready to be cooked. Alternatively, you can also roast the meat by adding pieces of lemon to make it softer and have a fresh aroma.

4. Coffee

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Not only tea, it turns out that coffee can also be used as a natural way to make meat tender, which is easy and practical. This is because the natural content in coffee can naturally make the meat tender. Of course, the way to process meat using coffee is quite simple.

The way is by adding coffee powder to the meat that will be roasted. In addition to making the meat tender, coffee can also provide a strong smoky aroma. You can also marinate the meat using strong coffee, and soak it for 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Cola

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Cola can also be a natural way to tenderize meat. Cola has the same function as beer and wine, which can make the meat softer and more tender. This is because cola contains acid that can make the muscle of the meat softer. In addition to tenderizing, cola can also give a sweet taste to the meat.

The method is quite easy, you only need to soak the meat in cola for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Once done, you can directly process the meat.

6. Tomato Sauce

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Another natural way to tenderize meat is by using tomato sauce. This is because tomato sauce contains a high amount of acid, which can soften the muscle in the meat. The method is also quite easy, you just need to apply tomato sauce to the meat and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking.

In addition, you can also use tomato sauce as an ingredient for making grilled meat, or you can mix tomato sauce and barbecue sauce to enhance the flavor before grilling.

7. Kiwi

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Having a high level of acidity certainly makes kiwi fruit a natural way to tenderize meat. But besides that, kiwi fruit also contains plant enzymes that can dissolve protein and connective tissue in meat, making it softer and more tender when consumed.

The method is quite easy, you can simply apply mashed kiwi fruit to the meat for 1 hour before cooking. Or you can also rub pieces of kiwi fruit on the meat for 20 minutes, then let it sit in the refrigerator for 1 hour before cooking.

8. Orange Juice

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Besides cola, it turns out that orange juice can also be a natural way to tenderize meat. Having a high level of acidity, soaking the meat in orange juice makes the muscle fibers become tender.

The method is quite easy, you just need to soak the meat in orange juice for 30 minutes before cooking. But remember, if you use too much orange juice, it will make the meat tough. So there's no need to use too much orange juice. You can also use lemon juice or pineapple juice if there is no orange juice available.

9. Yoghurt

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Natural way to tenderize meat is by using yogurt. This is because yogurt has a high acid content, and the calcium content in yogurt can activate enzymes in the meat that can break down proteins, making the meat tender.

You can spread yogurt on the meat and let it sit for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Or you can also use yogurt as an easy and practical meat ingredient.

10. Papaya Leaves

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And the last natural way to tenderize meat is by using papaya leaves. This is because papaya leaves contain an enzyme called papain that can break down proteins, making the meat tender.

You can wrap the meat with papaya leaves, and let it sit for 1 hour before cooking. Or you can also use mashed papaya fruit, then apply it to the meat. And let it sit for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Papaya fruit also has the same functions and benefits as its leaves. So you can use either one.

Those are 10 natural ways to make meat tender and soft. The above ingredients are safe to use because they are natural, and they can also be used as additional seasonings to give the meat a delicious and unique taste. Enjoy trying it out.

(kpl/dhm)