The Ultimate Guide to Tenderizing Beef: A Simple Trick to Transform Your Meat

Beef is a highly nutritious food that can be prepared in a myriad of ways, making it an excellent choice for family meals. One common issue many people face when cooking beef is its unpleasant odor. Improper handling can result in a loss of the desired savory flavor.

To eliminate the beef’s pungent smell, try the following methods:

– Use ginger to neutralize the beef’s odor

This method is simple and effective. Take a small knob of ginger, roast it, and scrape off the outer skin. Mash the ginger and apply it to the surface of the beef for a few minutes, then rinse the meat with cold water. The ginger’s aroma will overpower the beef’s unpleasant smell and also help tenderize the meat.

– Use salt to neutralize the beef’s odor

A trick many chefs employ is to rub a moderate amount of salt onto the surfaces of the meat. Afterward, rinse the beef with cold water, and the unpleasant smell should be significantly reduced.

– Neutralize the beef’s odor with shallots

Shallots not only help eliminate the beef’s odor but also enhance the dish’s flavor. Instead of using only garlic when marinating the beef, add a roasted shallot and mash them together. The shallot will neutralize the odor while adding a delightful aroma to the dish.

– Use hot water to eliminate the beef’s odor

For stews, braises, or boiled beef dishes, you can try blanching the meat. Place the beef in a pot of cold water and gradually heat it up—there’s no need to bring the water to a boil. The warm water will help remove the beef’s odor. Cooking it for just a few minutes is enough before turning off the heat, removing the meat, and rinsing it with clean water. Avoid boiling it for too long, as this will overcook the beef and reduce its sweetness.

– Use clear liquor to neutralize the beef’s odor

Clear liquor is often used to eliminate food’s pungent or fishy smells, enhancing their flavor. Apply a small amount of clear liquor to the beef, ensuring it covers all surfaces. Marinate the beef with the liquor for about 15 minutes, then rinse it with clean water before cooking.