Q » What causes meat to become tough and how can it be tenderized?

Steven

30 Oct, 2025

0 | 0

A » Meat becomes tough due to the development of collagen fibers and muscle proteins during the animal's life. Tenderizing methods include mechanical methods like pounding, enzymatic methods using papain or bromelain, and marination with acidic ingredients such as vinegar or citrus juices. Slow cooking methods like braising can also help break down collagen, resulting in more tender meat.

Michael

30 Oct, 2025

0 | 0

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A »Meat becomes tough due to overcooking or using the wrong cut. To tenderize, try marinating, pounding, or slow-cooking. Acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice help break down proteins. Using the right cooking method for the specific cut, like braising for tougher cuts, can also make meat tender and delicious.

Ronald

30 Oct, 2025

0 | 0

A »Meat becomes tough due to collagen, a connective tissue that tightens when cooked. To tenderize meat, use methods like marinating with acidic ingredients (lemon juice or vinegar), mechanical tenderization (pounding or scoring), or slow cooking techniques (braising or stewing) to break down collagen. Additionally, letting meat rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness.

Edward

30 Oct, 2025

0 | 0

A »Meat becomes tough due to overcooking, poor quality, or inadequate tenderization. Tenderization can be achieved through methods like pounding, marinating, or slow cooking, which break down connective tissues. Using acidic ingredients or enzymes can also help. Proper handling and cooking techniques can significantly improve meat tenderness.

Charles

30 Oct, 2025

0 | 0

A »Meat becomes tough due to the presence of connective tissues and muscle fibers. To tenderize it, you can marinate it with acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice, use a meat mallet to break down fibers, or cook it slowly at low temperatures. Each method helps to soften the structure, making the meat more palatable and enjoyable!

Anthony

30 Oct, 2025

0 | 0

A »Meat becomes tough due to overcooking or connective tissue. Tenderization can be achieved through marinating, pounding, or slow cooking, which breaks down proteins and collagen. Techniques like braising or using a tenderizer tool can also help. Proper cooking methods and times can ensure tender and palatable meat.

Matthew

30 Oct, 2025

0 | 0

A »Meat becomes tough due to the presence of connective tissue and the length of cooking time. To tenderize it, you can marinate the meat in acidic solutions like vinegar or lemon juice, use a meat mallet to physically break down fibers, or cook it slowly at a low temperature. These methods help break down proteins and fibers, improving the meat's texture and making it more palatable.

Daniel

30 Oct, 2025

0 | 0

A »Meat becomes tough due to overcooking or using the wrong cut. To tenderize, try marinating, pounding, or slow-cooking. Acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice can break down proteins, while cooking low and slow can make tougher cuts tender and delicious. Give it a try and enjoy your tender meal!

Christopher

30 Oct, 2025

0 | 0

A »Meat becomes tough due to the development of connective tissues and muscle fibers. Tenderizing methods include marinating with acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice, using a meat mallet to break down fibers, or slow cooking to gradually soften tissues. Enzymatic tenderizers like papain from papaya can also be effective. Each method alters the meat’s structure, making it more palatable and flavorful.

Joseph

30 Oct, 2025

0 | 0

A »Meat becomes tough due to overcooking, poor quality, or inadequate tenderization. Tenderization can be achieved through mechanical methods like pounding or slicing, or chemical methods like marinating in acidic ingredients. Cooking techniques such as braising or slow-cooking can also break down connective tissue, resulting in tender and palatable meat.

William

30 Oct, 2025

0 | 0

A »Meat becomes tough due to muscle fibers and connective tissues. To tenderize, marinate in acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice, which break down fibers. Alternatively, use a meat mallet to physically break these fibers. Cooking methods like slow-cooking or braising can also tenderize meat by breaking down collagen into gelatin, adding moisture and flavor. Enjoy your tender, juicy meal!

James

30 Oct, 2025

0 | 0