tenderize

Thân thiện

The chef uses a mallet to tenderize the beef.

Definition

Verb: To make meat or other food softer and easier to chew or cut, typically by applying a physical process (like pounding), a chemical process (like marinating), or a commercial product (a tenderizer).

Usage

The verb "tenderize" is used specifically in the context of food preparation. It describes the action of breaking down tough fibers to improve texture. * You tenderize a piece of meat. * A marinade can tenderize chicken. * Chefs often tenderize tougher cuts before cooking.

Examples

• "You should tenderize the steak with a mallet before grilling it."
• "The acidic lemon juice in the marinade helps to tenderize the fish."
• "This recipe suggests using a natural enzyme, like papaya, to tenderize the meat."

Advanced Usage

• Culinary Science: In a technical context, "tenderize" refers to the denaturation of proteins and the breakdown of connective tissue (collagen) through enzymatic, mechanical, or acidic action.
• Figurative Use (Rare): While uncommon, it can be used figuratively to mean making someone or something more sensitive or vulnerable.
  • Example: "The heartfelt stories began to tenderize his cynical outlook."

Variants and Related Words

• Tenderizer (noun): A substance or tool used to make meat tender.
  • Example: "A meat mallet is a common kitchen tenderizer."
• Tenderization (noun): The process of making something tender.
  • Example: "The tenderization of the meat took several hours."

Synonyms

• Soften
• Break down
• Mellow (when referring to flavor or texture through aging)

Antonyms

• Toughen
• Harden

Related Phrases

• To tenderize meat: The most common and direct collocation.
• Tenderizing agent: A substance that causes tenderization (e.g., vinegar, yogurt, commercial powder).

Học thuật

Verb

1. make tender or more tender as by marinating, pounding, or applying a tenderizer
   • tenderize meat

Từ đồng nghĩa

• tender
• tenderise