Of the meat hammer is one of the kitchen appliances, without the well-equipped kitchens do not get along. That also under the name tenderizerKitchen utensils or plait iron serve well in the preparation of chips and tough meat.

Of the meat hammer and its function

On meat hammer consists of a relatively long handle, which is wider below, and a hammer-like head. However, it is not like a tool hammer oblique, but just cut. At the two ends are usually more or less pronounced serrated ends. Most one side is very jagged, while the other has only slight points. Is used the meat hammer to flatten pieces of meat, such as chips, flat and thus make thinner and larger. Tough meat breaks the knock with the meat hammer the cells on, making it easier to cut later and less tough. In grilled meat, the use of a meat hammer is ideal, because it allows spices to be squeezed into the meat, making it more aromatic. In this case, the heavily serrated side is used, while the smoother hammer side is used especially for Breitklopfen, the so-called plating. Butchers are available in different sizes, both in the stem length and in the size of the hammer head. For the normal household a small meat mallet is usually enough.

Meat hammer made of metal or wood

The best known are meat mallets made of wood, mainly beech wood, which are provided with a round or angular hammer head. The knocking pages are either made of wood or metal. Meat tenderizers made of stainless steel or cast iron are more likely to be used in modern kitchens. They are often provided with an eyelet at the end and can be hung up easily. Meat mallets made of metal are heavier and must therefore be used more carefully, so that the meat is not processed too much. For the spikes are slightly rounded and gentler for the meat.

For which pieces of meat is the meat mallet suitable?

A meat mallet is not suitable for every type of meat. Delicate pieces of meat such as poultry meat or fish are generally not processed with a meat mallet. They would tear it up. The meat juice would be lost and the piece of meat would be very dry and tough when roasting. Ideally, the meat hammer is used in the preparation of chips. The pork is tender and very thin, so it can be roasted quickly. The meat maller performs very well with meat preparations such as roulades. Here, the tapping ensures that the meat slice is very thin and can be rolled and filled well. At the same time the meat is seasoned by the tapping. If a steak is to be prepared, the slice is gently beaten only with the flat side to get a slightly thinner and wider piece of meat. The fabric structure should not be broken. Basically, meat hammers are particularly suitable for pieces of meat that are very rich in connective tissue and therefore naturally more viscous.

Help with the purchase decision

A meat mallet made of wood has some small disadvantages. The hammer head is put on and can fall off after a long period of heavy use. Wooden mallets can not be cleaned in the dishwasher, but must be rinsed by hand and dried carefully so that the wood does not crack. But they are very good in the hand and feel comfortable. The meat mallet made of metal is usually worked in one piece, or both parts are firmly screwed. Stainless steel versions such as the WELLGRO meat tenderizer 26 cm not only look classy, ​​they can also be used in the kitchen after use dishwashergetting cleaned. In addition, they are usually a little heavier, so the meat tapping requires less effort.

This should be taken into account when buying

It is important that the meat mallet is well in the hand while beating meat. The stem should not be too thin at the end of the handle. The length of the head and the weight of the head should be balanced to make it easy to work with the meat mallet. Those who often prepare meat are better served with a heavier meat tenderizer. It is essential to ensure that the stem and head are firmly connected. The wood must not be cracked under any circumstances. Metal meat mallets must be smooth, with no cracks or sharp edges. Also make sure that the meat mallet fits in the kitchen drawer or can be hung on an eyelet.