tenderize
verb
ten·der·ize ˈten-də-ˌrīz 
tenderized; tenderizing
transitive verb
: to make (meat or meat products) tender by applying a process or substance that breaks down connective tissue
tenderization
ˌten-d(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən
noun tenderizer
ˈten-də-ˌrī-zər
noun 
Example Sentences
The marinade helps to tenderize the meat.
Recent Examples on the Web An acidic liquid, such as vinegar, wine, tomato, yogurt, or citrus juice (or a natural enzyme, such as ginger or pineapple) to break down the dense protein to tenderize it. 
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2022 Pineapple contains enzymes that break down protein and tenderize food. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 16 Apr. 2022 Remove the sturdy rib and give mature leaves a nice massage to tenderize them. Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2022 Some recipe publications have also touted the idea of using baking soda to tenderize beef. Washington Post, 13 Dec. 2021 Riggo would tenderize a defense at 2 yards a pop for a few quarters, until said defense got tired of tackling his 240-pound self. Paul Daugherty, The Enquirer, 23 Nov. 2021 Simmering the rice in water before adding dairy shortens the cooking time (simmered in dairy from the get-go, the grains take longer to tenderize). BostonGlobe.com, 26 Oct. 2021 Top round is a lean cut that can take a long braise to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor without falling apart. Chuck Blount, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Oct. 2021 Adding a fruit like Korean pear, apple, or even kiwi helps to add a light sweetness and tenderize the meat, while adding a bit of rice vinegar can bring tartness and acidity. Irene Yoo, Bon Appétit, 27 Aug. 2021 See More
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2022 Pineapple contains enzymes that break down protein and tenderize food. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 16 Apr. 2022 Remove the sturdy rib and give mature leaves a nice massage to tenderize them. Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2022 Some recipe publications have also touted the idea of using baking soda to tenderize beef. Washington Post, 13 Dec. 2021 Riggo would tenderize a defense at 2 yards a pop for a few quarters, until said defense got tired of tackling his 240-pound self. Paul Daugherty, The Enquirer, 23 Nov. 2021 Simmering the rice in water before adding dairy shortens the cooking time (simmered in dairy from the get-go, the grains take longer to tenderize). BostonGlobe.com, 26 Oct. 2021 Top round is a lean cut that can take a long braise to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor without falling apart. Chuck Blount, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Oct. 2021 Adding a fruit like Korean pear, apple, or even kiwi helps to add a light sweetness and tenderize the meat, while adding a bit of rice vinegar can bring tartness and acidity. Irene Yoo, Bon Appétit, 27 Aug. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
tender entry 1 + -ize
First Known Use
1930, in the meaning defined above