This article provides an overview of the meat pounder tool that is useful for tenderizing meat. Marinated and tenderized meat is always better. Meat is tenderized by either beating it or slow cooking to make it easier to chew or cut. If you imagine how tender short ribs get after braising slowly, that’s the act of tenderization. Next, we’ll discuss all the details about the meat pounder tool and the available options on the market.
What is the meat Pounder tool?
A meat pounder tool is a kitchen tool used to tenderize meat. Classic recipes call for meat pounders when they need skinny, tender meat, and they are convenient for pounding tough meats like abalone. Kitchen supply stores sell meat pounders; you can also use a mallet or hammer to approximate a meat pounder in an emergency.
Meat pounder tools are usually lightweight so that they don’t damage the meat as they are used. Some of them have ridged surfaces designed to penetrate the meat; these surfaces also make the meat’s surface uneven, allowing it to absorb sauces and marinades more easily. Typically, both sides of the cut of meat are pounded with a meat pounder to ensure complete penetration, and then the heart can be marinated or dredged in breading for cooking.
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How to use Meat pounder Tool?
The term “meat pounder” is often interchanged with “meat mallet.” However, a meat pounder usually has a shorter handle than a tenderizer, a circular head, and a smooth surface, similar to a hockey puck. To get a thin piece of chicken, a meat pounder is your best choice since it won’t tear the meat like a tenderizer.
A meat pounder is not challenging to use. A critical point to remember is that you can pound meat too much. If you are too heavy-handed with a meat pounder, you can pierce holes in thin cuts of meat, making them hard to handle or cook. Instead of pulverizing the meat, the idea is to tenderize it, making it more enjoyable to eat.
Top 3 Meat Pounder Tool
Norpro meat pounder
- Brand: Norpro
- Color: Black/Silver
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Weight: 26 Ounces
- Product Dimensions: 3.25″L x 3.25″W x 4.75″H
Norpro Meat Pounder Tool perfectly tenderizes your meat like a professional. This tool is ideal for tenderizing your steaks and roasts; this tool is perfect for flattening your chicken and other meats. The product is durable, heavy-duty stainless steel over iron; this tool pounds your meat into uniform thickness for even cooking. The handle of this pounder is comfortable and provides an easy grip that won’t strain your wrist. Works for left or right-hand use. The Norpro Stainless Steel Meat Pounder makes meat uniformly thick so it can be cooked evenly. Despite its weight, it is compact enough for precise work.
Aliglow Meat Pounder Tool
- Brand: Aliglow
- Handle Material: Plastic
- Color: Sliver-white
- Product Dimensions: 9″L x 2″W x 2″Th
- Item Weight: 0.66 Pounds
The tool has two sides that provide you with two benefits. Use the textured side for optimum results when pounding and flattening meat or the smooth side for pounding and flattening cutlets. You can create juicy, tender steaks that are easier to chew and digest with this tool. It is designed with a soft handle that decreases pressure and is suitable for left- and right-handed users. The tool’s weight is just right as it’s light enough to lift without strain but heavy enough to get the job done. Additionally, you can use the pounder tool for various purposes such as crushing ice for cocktails, loosening frozen vegetables, crushing garlic, crushing hard candy-like toffee or peppermint, and even smashing ice cubes for drinks and making bread crumbs.
Fantes Meat Pounder
- Product Dimensions – 5 x 3.33 x 3.33 inches
- Manufacturer – HIC Harold Import Co.
- Material – Stainless Steel
- Price – $20.99
Fantes Uncle Giuseppe’s Meat Pounder quickly flattens tender meats into thin cutlets. The pounder is made from stainless steel, which is sturdy and durable, and won’t transfer flavors or odors between uses. The weight of the Fantes Meat Pounder is 2 pounds with a 3.25-inch pounding surface; it won’t transfer flavors or odors. In addition, the product is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Finally, it will help you to trim off easily excess fat and chill meat. All you have to do is cover your meat with plastic wrap and firmly strike the flat surface with a meat pounder. Then, your tenderized chicken for a delicious crispy chicken sandwich is ready to cook.
How to clean a meat Pounder Tool?
After each use, it is essential to clean your meat pounder tool because you are using the device with a slice of raw meat. You can use hot water, bleach, or some similar disinfectant to clean the tool. Suppose you are considering purchasing a meat pounder tool that will be easier to clean. In that case, I’ll suggest you look for a pounder that does not contain a lot of holes and crannies for bacteria to hide in, or you can go for a safe dishwasher option that will do your cleaning for easy.
Conclusion
Using a meat pounder tool is the best way to pierce several holes in the meat to tenderize it. When you use the ideal meat pounder tool, the meat will be juicier. You should know that the holes a pounder create on a piece of meat or chicken serve several purposes. The options above describe some of them. What you choose depends on your requirements. The information in my article should prove helpful if you are considering purchasing the Meat pounder tool.
Cleaning your Top 3 Meat Pounder Tool is essential for maintaining its hygiene and performance. By following simple cleaning methods, you can ensure its longevity and safe use for preparing delicious meals.
FAQs
Rinse the meat pounder immediately after use with warm, soapy water. Use a sponge or brush to remove any food particles, and thoroughly rinse and dry it before storage.
While some meat pounders are dishwasher safe, it’s advisable to hand wash to preserve its quality. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding dishwasher suitability.
For tough residues, soak the meat pounder in warm, soapy water for a while before gently scrubbing with a brush or sponge. Avoid harsh abrasives that might damage the tool.
It’s not recommended to use bleach or strong chemicals as they can damage the surface or leave harmful residues. Stick to mild dish soap and water for cleaning.
It’s a good practice to dry the meat pounder thoroughly after cleaning. Applying a light coat of cooking oil or food-grade mineral oil occasionally can help prevent rusting and maintain its condition.