tenderize

verb

ten·​der·​ize ˈten-də-ˌrīz How to pronounce tenderize (audio)
tenderized; tenderizing

transitive verb

: to make (meat or meat products) tender by applying a process or substance that breaks down connective tissue
tenderization noun
tenderizer noun

Examples of tenderize in a Sentence

The marinade helps to tenderize the meat.
Recent Examples on the Web This tenderizes the leaves and helps neutralize some of the bitterness often associated with collards. Adrienne Cheatham, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 On some spears, especially fresh, pencil-thin stalks, the woody ends may tenderize once cooked. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2024 Instant espresso powder lends big flavor while dissolving seamlessly into a blend of Worcestershire sauce, liquor, and vinegar to create a braising liquid that easily tenderizes the tough cut. Inés Anguiano, Bon Appétit, 13 Feb. 2024 That means that sweet tea brine will not necessarily add the flavor of tea so much as add sugar, liquid, acids, and tannins that can help tenderize the ham and enhance its inherent good flavor. Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2024 Most thin cuts of beef will work in this recipe, but avoid cube steak, which has already been pounded and tenderized more than is best for this recipe. Pati Jinich, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2024 This side of beef has been tenderized for brief but meaningful flings. Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2024 Buttermilk: Because of its slight acidity, marinating in buttermilk (and hot sauce for an extra kick) helps tenderize the chicken without drying it out. Melissa Gray, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2023 Buttermilk also tenderizes the gluten, making for a softer, less tough biscuit. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tenderize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

tender entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tenderize was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near tenderize

Cite this Entry

“Tenderize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenderize. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tenderize

verb
ten·​der·​ize ˈten-də-ˌrīz How to pronounce tenderize (audio)
tenderized; tenderizing
: to make (meat or meat products) tender by using a process or substance that breaks down connective tissue
tenderization noun
tenderizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on tenderize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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