The Baking Soda Tenderizing Experiment: Does It Actually Work?

TLDRIn this video, we conduct an experiment to test whether using baking soda as a tenderizer for steaks is effective. We compare steaks treated with baking soda, salt, and a combination of both, with a control steak seasoned only with salt. While the baking soda does make the steaks more tender, it also imparts a strange flavor that we don't enjoy. Ultimately, we conclude that while it does work to tenderize the meat, the off flavor makes it less desirable in a grilled steak.

Key insights

💡Using baking soda to tenderize steaks does make them more tender.

👅The steaks treated with baking soda have an off flavor that we don't enjoy.

🥩Dry brining with salt is a great way to tenderize and enhance the flavor of steaks.

🔬The combination of baking soda and salt results in a steak that is more tender but still has an off flavor.

For the best-tasting steak, we recommend dry brining with salt and avoiding the use of baking soda.

Q&A

Does baking soda really tenderize steaks?

Yes, baking soda does make the steaks more tender. However, it also imparts a strange flavor that may not be desirable.

What is dry brining and how does it work?

Dry brining is the process of seasoning meat with salt and letting it rest in the refrigerator. The salt helps tenderize the meat by drawing out moisture and then allowing it to be reabsorbed for improved flavor and texture.

Can baking soda be used as a tenderizer for other meats?

Yes, baking soda can be used as a tenderizer for other meats as well. However, it is important to note that it may also affect the flavor of the meat.

What is the purpose of the control steak in the experiment?

The control steak is seasoned only with salt and serves as a basis of comparison to determine the impact of using baking soda as a tenderizer.

What is the best method for tenderizing and enhancing the flavor of steaks?

Dry brining with salt is a highly effective method for tenderizing and enhancing the flavor of steaks. It is recommended to avoid using baking soda due to its off flavor.

Timestamped Summary

00:00In this video, we conduct an experiment to test whether using baking soda as a tenderizer for steaks is effective.

08:38We taste the steaks and find that while the baking soda does make them more tender, it also imparts a strange flavor.

11:18We compare the steaks and find that the combination of salt and baking soda results in a steak that is more tender but still has an off flavor.

13:40We conclude that for the best-tasting steak, it is recommended to dry brine with salt and avoid using baking soda.