ADVERTISEMENT
**How I Cook Meats So Tender: Tips and Techniques for Perfectly Tender Cuts Every Time**
### 1. **Choose the Right Cut of Meat**
The first step to tender meat is selecting the right cut. Not all cuts are created equal when it comes to tenderness. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best cuts for tender meat:
– **Beef:** Cuts like **ribeye**, **filet mignon**, and **tenderloin** are naturally tender due to their fine muscle fibers and low connective tissue. These cuts require less cooking time and can be pan-seared or grilled to perfection.
– **Pork:** **Pork tenderloin** and **baby back ribs** are both incredibly tender and can be cooked in various ways, from grilling to slow-roasting.
– **Chicken:** For tender chicken, the **thighs** and **drumsticks** are superior. The darker meat is naturally more tender and juicy compared to chicken breasts.
– **Lamb:** **Lamb chops** and **lamb shank** are tender cuts that benefit from slow roasting or braising to bring out their best flavor and texture.
### 2. **Use a Marinade**
Marinating meat before cooking is a great way to tenderize it while adding flavor. Marinades typically contain **acidic ingredients** (such as lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt), which help break down the muscle fibers and connective tissues in the meat. Here are some ingredients commonly found in marinades that help tenderize:
– **Acidic ingredients** like vinegar, citrus juice, or wine.
– **Enzymatic tenderizers** like pineapple, papaya, and kiwi, which contain natural enzymes that help break down protein fibers.
– **Oil** to add moisture and help distribute the flavors.