Grandma's trick that tenderizes even the toughest meat in minutes
How many times have you bought a meat that looked beautiful in the butcher's shop, but turned into a rubber on your plate? Everyone has experienced this. But what almost nobody knows is that there is an ancient trick, used by grandmothers, butchers and experienced cooks, that tenderizes tough meat in just a few minutes, without the need for long marinades, bicarbonate or chemical tenderizers.
And the best part: this trick uses an ingredient that almost everyone has at home. Want to know what it is? Come and see!
The trick: soften with green papaya (or ripe pineapple)
Yes, that's right: green papaya or pineapple. These two ingredients have natural enzymes that break down the fibers of the meat, leaving it tender without altering the taste.
- Green papaya contains papain, a powerful enzyme that dissolves tough meat fibers.
- Ripe pineapple has bromelain, which has a similar effect.
This knowledge comes from our grandmothers' cooking and the popular cultures of the countryside, where meat was not thrown away and everything was used creatively and wisely.
How to use the trick at home (in 3 steps)
1. Grate a small piece of green papaya or ripe pineapple
You only need 2 to 3 tablespoons of the juice or grated pulp.
2. Spread over the raw meat
Pour the juice or pulp over the raw meat and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
Warning: don't leave it on too long, otherwise the meat may fall apart.
3. Rinse and season as usual
Once it has acted, quickly rinse the meat to remove the excess and proceed with normal preparation (grilling, roasting, sautéing, etc.).
Extra tip: works best on tough cuts
This trick is ideal for
- Topside
- Palette
- Muscle
- Beef
- Breast
Cuts that normally require long cooking are tenderized in minutes with this natural technique.
Variations for those without papaya or pineapple
If you don't have these ingredients at home, you can try simpler variations, such as:
- Vinegar or lemon juice: these make the meat softer, but require more time.
- Milk or natural yogurt: soften the collagen, but require 1 to 2 hours of rest.
- Dark beer or cola: they work, but can alter the taste - modern tricks with folk roots.
Simple and effective
This ancient trick with papaya or pineapple is simple, cheap and surprisingly effective. While many people still struggle with tough meats in the kitchen, you can apply this traditional secret and serve softer, juicier and more flavorful dishes - no mystery and no frills.
Try it next time and see for yourself: grandmothers really knew what they were doing!
Mirella Mendonça