How to Tenderize Steak With a Mallet
When it comes to tenderizing steak, a meat mallet is the way to go. Also known as a meat hammer or meat pounder, a meat mallet is used to soften meat using mechanical force. It looks like your typical hammer, but with a box-shaped head and spiky or textured surfaces. You can find meat mallets at your local supermarket or specialty kitchen supply stores.
To tenderize steak with a meat mallet, start by placing your steak between two layers of wax paper or plastic wrap. This will prevent the meat from sticking to your work surface (i.e., a cutting board). Next, hold the handle of the meat mallet in your dominant hand, making sure the spiky or textured surface is facing the steak. Starting in the center, strike the steak several times, slowly moving out toward the edges. You can use your other hand to hold the cutting board in place, but be sure to keep it away from the mallet. (Safety first, friends.) Continue pounding the steak until the meat is flat and develops an even, uniform thickness.
And just like that, you’ve tenderized steak with a meat mallet. It also doesn’t hurt that the process is an excellent way to let out some steam after a long day. How’s that for productive meal prep?