Preparing meat before cooking is essential to ensure food safety and hygiene in culinary practices. Cleaning the meat not only helps remove dirt, mucus, and residual blood from the surface but also minimizes the risk of bacterial contamination and preserves the natural flavor of the meat.
When cooking meat, especially pork, many people have the habit of blanching it in boiling water to remove impurities and harmful chemicals. Some even wait for a few minutes after pouring the boiling water over the meat before removing it. There is a belief that this practice will help eliminate any toxins or dirt present in the meat.
However, according to PGS.TS Nguyen Duy Thinh, a former lecturer at Hanoi University of Technology, this is an extremely wrong habit. Putting meat into boiling water causes it to contract, and any impurities or toxins inside cannot escape.
The surface proteins of the meat will coagulate when exposed to high temperatures, rendering the meat incapable of expelling contaminants. Thus, blanching meat in boiling water before cooking is not a proper meat cleaning method and may have the opposite effect, making the meat even more toxic.
To properly clean meat, consider the following suggestions:
1. Rinse the meat with clean water
This is the first and most basic step in meat cleaning. When you buy meat, make sure to rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt and surface impurities. Rinsing multiple times helps reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and is crucial for ensuring hygiene in food preparation.
2. Use diluted saltwater
Diluted saltwater is effective in cleaning meat and removing mucus and residual blood. Lightly rub the meat with a small amount of saltwater, and then rinse it with clean water. Saltwater disinfects and gently cleans the meat without stripping it of its nutrients.
3. Soak the meat in rice washing water
Rice washing water is excellent for removing dirt, excess fat from the meat’s surface, and reducing its fishy odor. Simply soak the meat or bones in rice washing water for about an hour, and then rinse them with cold water. This method yields cleaner meat with an enhanced aroma when cooked.
4. Soak the meat in white vinegar
White vinegar is a natural cleanser that can help soften muscle tissue and remove excess blood from the meat. Mix a small amount of white vinegar with water and soak the meat for about 15 minutes before rinsing it with clean water. This technique not only cleans the meat but also preserves its natural flavor.
5. Skim off the foam and scum while boiling meat
When boiling meat, it is crucial to remove any foam and scum that forms on the surface, as they contain impurities and unnecessary proteins. Doing so results in clearer, cleaner broth, improving the meat’s color and flavor. This simple step significantly contributes to ensuring the quality and safety of the cooked meat.
When boiling meat, start with cold water, and feel free to add onion, spices, and herbs to enhance the flavor. During the cooking process, if you notice any foam or scum forming, skim it off to maintain a clear and clean broth.
Note:
To avoid the risk of purchasing contaminated pork, consumers should buy from reputable sources with clear quarantine stamps from authorities. Avoid buying from street vendors or unknown sources that lack proper hygiene and safety standards. For the best quality, it is recommended to shop for pork in the morning, as the afternoon selections may include meat that has been sitting out all day.
According to Doi Song Phap Luat
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