Choosing the Right Cut and Proper Meat Handling
Not all beef cuts are suitable for stewing. Ideal options include: short ribs, tendons, oxtails, skirt steak, or brisket – which have plenty of connective tissues and collagen, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful stewed beef.
Prior to cooking, gently pound the meat with a meat mallet to tenderize and loosen the fibers. When cutting, always cut across the grain to prevent toughness in the cooked meat.
Marinate Beef with Fresh Pineapple or Pineapple Juice
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down protein structures in meat, making it tender in a short time. Simply marinate the beef with pineapple juice for 10 minutes before cooking, and you’ll notice a significant difference in the tenderness of the meat without having to stew it for long.
Note: Avoid over-marinating as it may cause the meat to become mushy.
Use Tea Leaves or Dried Tea Residue during Stewing
A lesser-known folk secret is to use fresh tea leaves or dried tea residue to tenderize beef during stewing. Simply wrap a handful of tea leaves in a thin cloth bag and add it to the pot while stewing. The tea helps neutralize the beef’s strong odor while expediting the tenderizing process and enhancing its flavor. Once cooked, simply remove the tea bag.
Add Hawthorn Fruits (Crataegus)
Hawthorn, also known as Crataegus, contains enzymes that break down proteins and fats, quickly tenderizing meat. When stewing beef, add one or two fresh or dried hawthorn fruits to the pot. Besides tenderizing, hawthorn aids digestion and imparts a subtle, refreshing flavor to the dish.
Replace Stewing Liquid with Beer
A professional chef’s trick is to use beer instead of water when stewing beef. Beer contains mild acids and natural yeast, which help soften the meat’s muscle fibers quickly while imparting an appealing aroma to the dish. You can use beer for marinating or add it directly during the stewing process.
Once you’ve selected the right cut and applied one of the above tips, season to your liking and stew for about 30 minutes (or until desired tenderness). With ingredients like pineapple, tea, beer, or hawthorn, you can bid farewell to tough beef stews and welcome tender, juicy, and flavorful dishes.
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