Embrace modernity or follow tradition? We put it to the test for you! If the muffled sounds of pork chops being clobbered soft on a lazy Sunday is a familiar one in your household, we get it. Nothing beats tender pork chops, potatoes, and cucumber salad when the weekend rolls around. But is all that thumping necessary? Our expert Michał sets out to discover if tender chops and Sunday serenity can find a way to coexist – with the help of an electric meat tenderizer.
Embrace modernity or follow tradition? We put it to the test for you! If the muffled sounds of pork chops being clobbered soft on a lazy Sunday is a familiar one in your household, we get it. Nothing beats tender pork chops, potatoes, and cucumber salad when the weekend rolls around. But is all that thumping necessary? Our expert Michał sets out to discover if tender chops and Sunday serenity can find a way to coexist – with the help of an electric meat tenderizer.
How did both methods stack up in our test?
Here’s how we set up the experiment: Michał prepared 18 pork chops in total, half with a manual tenderizer, and half with an electric one. He then compared the time it took for the meat to become tender and evaluated the results. Afterwards, he prepared both variations and handed over the taste test to a specifically selected jury.
The comparison
With the classic manual meat mallet, Michał took approximately 3 minutes and 40 seconds for his 9 pork chops. With the electric meat tenderizer, it took less than 60 seconds. When it comes to efficiency, the electric tenderizer can’t be beat. But how did the pork chops look?
The manual meat mallet effectively broke down the fibres, resulting in tender meat. The surface area increased noticeably, while the thickness decreased significantly. In contrast, pork chops from the electric meat tenderizer remained smaller but became thicker and more tender. Unlike the traditional meat hammer, the electric device doesn’t crush the fibres. Rather, it cuts them – giving the meat an exceptionally delicate texture.
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Manual meat tenderizer – with hand crank – Royal Catering
169.00 GBP139.00 GBP -
Electric Meat Tenderizer – 200 W – 98 rpm – Royal Catering
259.00 GBP239.00 GBP -
Electric Meat Tenderizer – 350 W 559.00 GBP
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Meat Cutting Machine – 550 W – Royal Catering – Stainless steel
1,149.00 GBP979.00 GBP
The taste test
All our chops underwent the same preparation: both sides were seasoned with a salt and pepper, then coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Both variations were then fried in lard until deliciously golden brown on both sides. Lastly, Michał removed any excess fat. And then it was time for the tasting.
The result
And the winner is: chops from the electric meat tenderizer! The modern solution impressed our panel both in prep speed as well as the taste test. Tenderizing the meat was much quicker than with the meat mallet. And although the chops remained smaller overall, they better retained their shape and unbelievably tender to boot. The breading was also more successful. Both the egg and the flour and breadcrumbs adhered better to the surface of the chops – ideal if you’d like the breadcrumbs to stay on the meat and not in the pan.
Michał Orłowski – chef at renowned restaurants in Sydney and Warsaw. Experienced and professional restaurateur. Michał began his gastronomic journey as a teenager. He first discovered his passion for all things culinary while working as a barman over the summer. Over the years, he accumulated experience, deepened his knowledge, and honed his craft.
In 2007, he travelled to Australia where he perfected his skills. Upon his return to Europe, he served as the head chef at the restaurant Lars, Lars & Lars in Poznań.
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