Most people think of a meat mallet as just... a hammer. But the truth is, it has two sides - literally. And each has its own purpose, and it's not just there to make it look more convincing.
No, a hammer for meat It's not just a prop for home cooking experiments or a tool for releasing anger. It's actually a rather thoughtfully designed kitchen hero that deserves more attention – like when we pull it out of the drawer once a year in all seriousness before preparing a Vienna steak.
Two sides of the same hammer – and no, they're not there to make it look better
Have you always struck with the “toothed” side of a hammer because it looks more decisive? You’re not alone. But in reality, each side of a hammer has its own specific purpose – and no, it’s not just a design quirk.
- Toothed side It's made for tougher stuff—like pork chops that like to pretend to take three days to chew. This side helps break down the connective tissue and keeps the meat from becoming a tough challenge during cooking.
- Smooth side It's a gentle kind – like an aunt who untangles a tangled yarn with feeling. We use it with softer meats, like neck, because it breaks down the fibers nicely without the meat falling apart before it even lands in the pan.
So, the next time you're swinging a hammer in the kitchen with all the passion you have for a cooking show, just take a moment to think: which side is the right choice today? Your steak will thank you. So will your teeth.
A little about hygiene (and why wooden hammers belong in a history museum)
If you swear by wood hammer, because it reminds you of childhood or because it “smells like home,” it’s time for a serious conversation. Wood is a porous material, which means that bacteria can easily get into it and stay there. And that – let’s be honest – is not exactly a recipe for carefree cooking.
Therefore, you should choose stainless steel hammer or other washable materials, which can be easily cleaned, even in the dishwasher. Let cleanliness prevail, especially when meat is involved.
In short: a meat mallet is not just a tool for pounding – it is a dual-purpose tool.
And now that you know that each side has its own meaning and purpose, the next time you cook, just ask yourself: What does my cooking instinct dictate to me today – gentleness or determination?
