How to Tenderize Shaved Steak: 5 Easy Methods to Achieve Perfectly Tender Meat Every Time

Shaved steak is a thinly sliced cut of beef that’s perfect for making delicious dishes like Philly cheesesteaks, stir-fries, or steak sandwiches. However, because it’s sliced so thin, it can often turn out tough and chewy—definitely not what you want when you’re craving a juicy, tender bite.

The good news is that there are several effective ways to tenderize shaved steak, ensuring it’s perfectly soft, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re using a marinade, a meat mallet, baking soda, or slow cooking, there’s a method for every preference and situation.

In this guide, we’ll explore five proven methods for tenderizing shaved steak like a pro. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to prepare your steak for the most tender, flavorful results every single time.

Let’s get started!

Why is Shaved Steak Tough?

Before we dive into the methods, it’s important to understand why shaved steak can sometimes be tough. The key factor here is the muscle fibers in the beef. Even though the steak is thinly sliced, if not prepared or cooked correctly, these fibers can still make the meat chewy and unpleasant to eat.

The good news is that all these fibers can be broken down with the right techniques. Whether through marination, mechanical tenderization, or chemical methods, there are

1. Use a Marinade to Break Down Tough Muscle Fibers

Discover more about the science of marinating and how it affects the texture of meat in this detailed guide from Food Network.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to tenderize shaved steak is by using a marinade. A good marinade doesn’t just add flavor—it also helps to break down the tough muscle fibers in the meat, making it more tender and juicy.

Key Ingredients for an Effective Marinade

A great marinade has three main components: acid, fat, and seasonings. Let’s take a closer look at each:

1. Acidic Ingredients (Breaking Down Muscle Fibers)

Acid helps to break down proteins in the meat, making it softer and easier to chew. Some of the best acidic ingredients for marinades include:

• Vinegar (apple cider, balsamic, or white vinegar): Helps break down the muscle fibers and adds a tangy flavor.
• Citrus juices (lemon, lime, or orange): These juices naturally tenderize the meat while providing a fresh, bright taste.
• Buttermilk or yogurt: Dairy-based acids are gentle and tenderize without making the steak mushy.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds both acidity and complexity, perfect for deepening flavor and tenderizing.

2. Fat (Locking in Moisture and Flavor)

Fats help retain moisture in the steak while carrying other flavors. Some excellent fats to use in your marinade are:

• Olive oil or avocado oil: These oils add a silky texture while allowing other flavors to penetrate the meat.
• Coconut milk or sesame oil: Adds unique flavors and richness, especially in Asian or tropical dishes.

3. Seasonings (Boosting Flavor)

Seasonings are essential for making your marinade flavorful and aromatic. Some great options are:

• Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, which enhances the steak’s natural flavor.
• Garlic, onion, and herbs: These help build depth and a savory profile.
• Spices like paprika, black pepper, or cayenne: Add spice and smokiness to the mix.
• Honey or brown sugar: Adds sweetness that helps balance the acidity in the marinade and gives a nice caramelized finish when cooking.

Quick Marinade Recipe for Shaved Steak

Here’s a simple recipe for a tenderizing marinade:

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Montreal steak seasoning
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Pour over shaved steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
3. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
4. Drain excess marinade before cooking.

How Long Should You Marinate Shaved Steak?

The ideal marination time depends on the strength of your marinade. Here are some general guidelines:

• Quick Marination (15–30 Minutes): This is perfect for bold ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce. This method works well when you’re in a hurry.
• Standard Marination (1–4 Hours): For the best balance of tenderness and flavor, marinate shaved steak for a couple of hours.
• Overnight Marination (8–12 Hours): If you’re using a gentler marinade, marinating overnight can yield incredibly tender results. However, avoid leaving it too long if using a highly acidic marinade, as it could become mushy.

2. Use a Meat Mallet for Physical Tenderization

Another effective way to tenderize shaved steak is by using a meat mallet. This method involves physically breaking down the muscle fibers and connective tissue in the steak, making it softer and easier to cook.

Why Does a Meat Mallet Work?

A meat mallet works by pounding the steak, which:

• Softens the texture, making it easier to chew.
• Allows marinades to penetrate more deeply into the meat.
• Ensures even cooking, preventing dry or tough spots.
• Reduces cooking time by helping the steak cook faster.

How to Tenderize Shaved Steak with a Meat Mallet

1. Prep the Meat: Place the shaved steak on a clean surface. If the pieces are large, cut them into smaller portions for more even tenderizing.
2. Cover the Steak: Use plastic wrap or parchment paper to cover the steak. This prevents it from tearing while you pound.
3. Pound Evenly: Using the flat side of the mallet, gently pound the meat. Be sure not to overdo it, as shaved steak is already thin.
4. Marinate: Once tenderized, season or marinate the steak to enhance its flavor.

Best Cooking Methods for Mallet-Tenderized Steak

• Stir-frying: Cook the steak over high heat in a wok or skillet for 2–3 minutes.
• Grilling: Grill the steak for 1–2 minutes per side.
• Pan-searing: Sear the steak in a cast-iron skillet with butter for 2–3 minutes.

3. Tenderizing Powder or Baking Soda

For an even quicker fix, you can use tenderizing powder or baking soda. These ingredients work chemically to break down muscle fibers and connective tissues, resulting in ultra-tender beef.

How Does Tenderizing Powder Work?

Tenderizing powders contain natural enzymes, such as:

• Papain (from papaya): This enzyme helps break down protein quickly, making the meat softer.
• Bromelain (from pineapple): Another powerful enzyme, commonly used for tenderizing meat in tropical marinades.

How to Use Tenderizing Powder

1. Sprinkle a small amount of tenderizer over the shaved steak.
2. Rub it gently into the meat.
3. Let it sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
4. Rinse off any excess powder before cooking.

How Baking Soda Works

Baking soda raises the pH level of the meat, preventing the proteins from tightening up and making the steak tender. It’s especially effective for thinly sliced cuts like shaved steak.

How to Use Baking Soda:

1. Sprinkle ¼ to ½ teaspoon of baking soda over the steak.
2. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
3. Rinse thoroughly with cold water before cooking to remove any aftertaste.

4. Slow Cooking for Ultra-Tender Results

If you have more time on your hands, slow cooking is another excellent way to tenderize shaved steak. The slow, low heat breaks down tough muscle fibers over time, resulting in soft, melt-in-your-mouth beef.

How to Slow Cook Shaved Steak:

1. Season the Meat: Season the shaved steak with your favorite herbs and spices.
2. Add Liquid: Add broth, wine, or a marinade to the slow cooker.
3. Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker on low heat for 4–6 hours, allowing the steak to slowly become tender.

Slow cooking is especially ideal for tougher cuts of beef but works well with shaved steak if you want to make shredded beef for tacos or sandwiches.

5. Slicing Against the Grain for Tender Results

While this isn’t a tenderizing method per se, slicing against the grain is one of the most important steps in ensuring your shaved steak turns out tender. The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibers in the meat, and cutting against it helps break up those fibers, making the steak much easier to chew.

How to Slice Against the Grain

1. Identify the Grain: Look for the lines running through the meat. The grain refers to the direction these lines are running.
2. Cut Across the Grain: Using a sharp knife, slice the steak perpendicular to these lines, making shorter, easier-to-chew pieces.

Final Thoughts: Tenderizing Shaved Steak Made Easy

Tenderizing shaved steak doesn’t have to be complicated. By using one or more of the methods discussed—whether marinating, pounding with a meat mallet, using baking soda or tenderizing powder, slow cooking, or slicing against the grain—you can ensure that your shaved steak turns out tender, juicy, and flavorful every time.

Remember: Whether you’re preparing a classic Philly cheesesteak, beef stir-fry, or steak tacos, the right preparation can make all the difference. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be on your way to perfect tender shaved steak that’s guaranteed to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.

Happy cooking!