As a fellow beef lover, I’m always on the hunt for tricks to make my steaks, roasts and grilled meats ridiculously tender and flavorful Recently, I stumbled upon the amazing marinating powers of kiwi fruit to transform even the toughest cuts into fork-tender perfection.
But how long do you actually need to marinate beef in kiwi to get the best results? That was the missing puzzle piece I needed to take my kiwi beef marinades next level.
In this complete guide, you’ll discover the ideal kiwi marinating times for different beef cuts. I’ll explain the science behind kiwi’s meat tenderizing prowess, share pro tips for success, and recommend the best beef cuts to marinate You’ll even get my 3 favorite mouthwatering kiwi beef marinade recipes to try
After reading this you’ll be eager to harness the magical abilities of kiwi to take your next grilled meal from chewy and bland to succulent juicy and bursting with flavor. So let’s unlock the secrets of kiwi marination!
How Kiwi Transforms Tough Meat into Fork-Tender Perfection
Kiwi contains a natural enzyme called actinidin that literally breaks down collagen and muscle fibers in meat. This gradually tenderizes beef without compromising texture or taste.
Unlike harsh chemical tenderizers, kiwi works its magic gently and naturally. Plus, it adds a sweet, tangy flavor punch. It’s a winning combo!
But proper timing is crucial. Too short, and you won’t get the full tenderizing effect. Too long, and the meat turns mushy.
Follow my timing recommendations and pro tips for tenderizing success:
Recommended Kiwi Marinating Times
- Tender cuts (filet, sirloin): At least 2 hours
- Tougher cuts (brisket, flank, chuck): 4-6 hours
- Stews and braises: Up to 24 hours
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Puree kiwi for maximum surface contact
- Use 1-2 tbsp kiwi per cup of marinade
- Marinate in fridge at 40°F or below
- Flip meat periodically to distribute marinade
- Pat very dry before cooking to maximize browning
Now let’s look at which beef cuts respond best to kiwi’s enzymatic magic.
Best Beef Cuts to Marinate in Kiwi
Kiwi excels at breaking down collagen and connective tissues. These cuts see the biggest tenderizing benefits:
- Chuck roast/stew meat: Turns tough roasts succulent
- Brisket: Melts collagen into fork-tender perfection
- Short ribs: Fall-off-the-bone tender
- Flank/skirt steak: Transforms chewy steaks into tender delights
- Top round, rump roast: Upgrades budget roasts into special occasion worthy
For naturally tender cuts like filet mignon, limit marinating to avoid mushiness.
Next, let’s get to the recipes! Here are 3 of my favorite kiwi beef marinades:
Must-Try Kiwi Beef Marinade Recipes
Tangy Kiwi BBQ Marinade
- 1 cup kiwi puree
- 1⁄2 cup ketchup
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
Sweet Kiwi Steak Marinade
- 1⁄2 cup kiwi puree
- 1⁄4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Citrusy Kiwi Fajita Marinade
- 1 cup kiwi puree
- 1⁄4 cup lime juice
- 1⁄4 cup orange juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1⁄2 tsp chili powder
Feel free to get creative blending kiwi with your favorite marinade ingredients. No matter what you pair it with, kiwi never fails to work its tenderizing magic!
Now that you know the secrets of marinating beef to fork-tender perfection with kiwi fruit, I can’t wait for you to experience the mouthwatering results. Just be sure not to share my kiwi marinating tricks or you’ll become everyone’s favorite neighborhood grill master!
Stir Fried Galbi Veggies
- 1 tablespoon of beef fat
- 1 zucchini, diced into 1 – 2 inch pieces
- 1 pound of mushroom, roughly torn
- 1/2 cup of galbi marinade
Instructions:
- Put 1 tablespoon of beef fat in a cast iron pan and set it on medium heat.
- Then add the chopped zucchini and mix it in. Once they become nice and brown add in the mushroom. Sauce for another 1 minute.
- Add the corn marinade and cook for three minutes. Plate with some galbi short ribs, rice, and some kimchi. Enjoy! .
Ingredients:
- 3 fat garlic cloves
- 2 knobs of ginger
- 3 scallions whites
- 1/2 a kiwi or pear
- pinch of chilies
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of Mirin
- 2 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- good pinch of salt
- 3 scallion greens, chopped
- 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Everything but the chopped scallion greens and roasted sesame seeds should be put into a food processor. Blend until everything is broken down. About 30 – 45 seconds.
- Next, add in the sesame seeds and chopped scallion greens. Put it in a bowl and put it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Beef in a marinade with kiwi
FAQ
How long to marinade meat in kiwi?
How long should you marinate beef for?
What happens if the steak is left to marinate for too long in the kiwi puree?
How long to marinate beef before dehydrating?
How long to marinate Kiwi meat?
All prices were accurate at the time of publishing. If you don’t have twelve hours to marinate meat, using a little bit of kiwi can make tender whatever you’re choosing to cook in minutes.
How do you marinate a Kiwi?
Mash or blend the kiwi into a fine mixture to incorporate into the marinade. Half a kiwi will be good for several pounds of meat, especially when mixed with other ingredients. Add the marinade to chicken or beef several hours before it’s time for cooking to give it a proper amount of time to marinate.
Is Kiwi a good marinade?
It may seem too simple to be true, but there’s a scientific explanation behind it—and it might just convince you to test out this tenderizing trick tonight. If you have kiwi, mango, pineapple, or papaya on hand, you can create a one-ingredient marinade that transforms tough cuts of meat, from skirt steaks to pork loins to lamb shanks.
How do you cook Kiwi meat?
Get a sharp knife and cutting board out. Take the meat and kiwi out of their packaging. Place the meat in a shallow pan. Cut the kiwi in halves. Rub the meat with the kiwi, allowing the extracts to stay on the meat. Wait an hour and cook the meat like normal.