Boiling meat seems to be a simple way to prepare, but if done incorrectly, the meat easily becomes smelly or has a dull color that is less attractive. According to culinary experts, just paying attention to a few small steps can make the boiled meat much more delicious.
Blanch the meat in boiling water before boiling
According to suggestions from BBC Good Food, blanching the meat quickly in boiling water for about 1–2 minutes helps remove dirty foam and odor. Then wash it again with clean water before starting the main boiling.
Add ginger or onions to the pot
Chopped ginger or a few shallots when put in a boiler will help remove the fishy smell of the meat. This is a familiar cooking tip to make the meat more naturally fragrant.
Boil the meat over medium heat
According to the culinary section of Serious Eats, if cooked too hard, the meat is easily dried and loses its sweetness. Medium heat helps the meat cook evenly and maintain its tenderness.
Do not boil the meat for too long
Boiled meat for too long will become dry and lose its natural sweetness. Usually, pork belly or thigh meat only needs to be boiled for about 20-30 minutes depending on the thickness.
Soak the meat in warm water after boiling
A small tip shared by many chefs is that after turning off the heat, you can soak the meat in boiling water for a few minutes to keep the meat soft and beautiful color.
According to recommendations from the United States Department of Agriculture, meat needs to be cooked thoroughly to ensure food safety. When boiled properly, the meat is not only delicious but also retains its natural sweetness.