The Effect of Tenderization of Roasted Meat on Pre-Soaking in Miso-Based and Soy-Sauce-Based Seasoning

The effect of seasoning on meat tenderization was evaluated by comparing unsoaked meat, meat soaked in soy-sauce-based seasoning (SBS), and meat soaked in miso-based seasoning (MBS) upon roasting. Results show that the compressive stress of MBS-treated meat was lower than that of SBS-treated meat. Water retention, determined from the weight change after roasting, was significantly higher for MBS-treated meat. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed gaps between the muscle fascicles of MBS-treated meat, with swelling of the fascicles. Sensory evaluation indicated that roasted meat pre-treated with MBS was tenderer than SBS-treated meat. Miso addition increased the total sugar content of the meat, improving water retention; this lowered the compressive stress and compressibility, and changed the structure of the muscle fascicles and tissues, thus maintaining the tenderness of the meat.