INSTITUTIONAL COOKERY OF RESTRUCTURED BEEF STEAKS

Restructured beef steaks were cooked under four institutional cooking methodologies: oven roasting, grill frying, deep fat frying and broiling. The samples were evaluated for fat and moisture contents, cooking loss and texture. Sensory panels evaluated the steaks for texture desirability, flavor desirability, appearance and overall palat-ability. Evaluations were repeated using breaded, restructured beef steaks cooked by the four institutional methods, with grilled unbreaded steaks included for comparison. Deep fat fried, breaded and unbreaded steaks were significantly lower in moisture and higher in fat than those cooked by any other methodology. No significant differences in juiciness, flavor desirability or overall palatability were found between the unbreaded broiled, oven roasted or grilled samples. Broiled and grilled steaks were preferred for texture in the unbreaded and breaded samples. The unbreaded, deep fat fried samples received the lowest scores for all sensory attributes. Breading significantly improved the juiciness, texture and overall palatability of the deep fat fried steaks. For both breaded and unbreaded samples, grill frying was the preferred method of preparation.     

Effect of Storage and Cooking on Qualities of Loin and Top-Wound Steaks

SUMMARY— Boneless, trimmed steaks (U. S. Good) from the longissimns dorsi muscle (loin) and semimembranosus muscle (top-round) and conventionally cut loin steaks were removed 8 days post-mortem, quick-frozen and stored at −18°C to −23°C for three storage periods, 0, 6, and 9 months. Steaks were sampled at each storage period and cooked to an internal temperature of 70°C in a microwave oven and electric range. Quality was evaluated by chemical tests, sensory evaluations and cooking loss data.
Storage up to 6 months had little effect on loin steaks with the exception of TBA values, but significant changes occurred between 6 and 9 months. Loin steaks had increased cooking losses and decreased juiciness scores, percent moisture, and juice content. TBA values increased with each storage period. Top-round steaks at the 9-month period showed a decrease in collagen content and juiciness and flavor scores, and an increase in TBA values. Storage up to 9 months did not influence tenderness in either muscle.
Conventionally broiled loin steaks had higher palatability scores, cooking losses, percent moisture, percent total proteins, and lower percent total lipids than did microwave cooked loin steaks. Electronically cooked top-round steaks had higher total cooking losses and percent total proteins and lower collagen values than did conventionally roasted top-round steaks.
The qualities of boneless loin steaks did not differ significantly from those of conventionally cut loin steaks when compared at each storage period.     

Effect of Chloride Salts and Antioxidants on Sensory and Storage Traits of Restructured Beef Steaks

The effects of antioxidants (0.01 or 0.02% of total fat), salt level (0.375 or 0.750%) and salt type (NaCl, KCl or a 65% NaCl + 35% KCl combination) in a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial arrangement on the quality of restructured beef steaks were determined. Meat blends with 0.02% antioxidant had lower thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values than those with 0.01% after 85 to 155 days of frozen storage. Steaks with no salt (pooled across antioxidant levels) had lower TBA values than steaks with any salt type after 85 days storage or either level of salt after 155 days storage. Steaks with either level of added salt resulted in higher ratings for juiciness, saltiness and overall palatability than steaks with no added salt. Juiciness, flavor desirability, saltiness and overall palatability ratings generally were higher for restructured steaks made with NaCl or NaCl + KCl compared to those made with KCl. KCl at 35% of total salt could serve as a NaCl substitute in restructured beef steaks.     

THE EFFECT OF SLICE THICKNESS AND MIXING TIME ON THE PALATABILITY AND COOKING CHARACTERISTICS OF RESTRUCTURED BEEF STEAKS

Restructured beef steaks were made from chuck meat that was flaked (6 mm) or sliced at various thicknesses (2.5, 5.0 or 7.5 mm). Each formulation was mixed for 5, 10, 15 or 20 min, pressed into logs, frozen and cut into steaks. Steaks were evaluated for fat and moisture contents, cooking characteristics, and sensory attributes. Slice thickness had little effect on sensory properties; however, the restructured steaks were significantly more tender and possessed a more desirable texture and flavor than the intact chuck steaks. Restructured steaks made from meat that was mixed for 5 or 10 min were significantly more tender and received higher texture desirability and overall palatability ratings than restructured steaks made from meat that was mixed for 15 or 20 min.     

Retail display evaluation of steaks from select beef strip loins injected with a brine containing 1% ammonium hydroxide. Part 2: Cook yield, tenderness, and sensory attributes

The impact of 2 different brines on the palatability and tenderness of select beef strip loin steaks was evaluated. Brines were differentiated by the type of alkaline agent, 4.5% sodium-based phosphate (control brine; CON) or 1% ammonium hydroxide (ammonium hydroxide treatment; AHT), incorporated into the formula. Injected steaks were placed in high oxygen (80% O(2)/20% CO(2)) MAP, stored 4 d at 4 °C in dark storage to simulate transportation, and then placed in retail display. Steaks were selected randomly on day 0, 7, and 14 retail display to measure pH, cook loss, shear force, and sensory characteristics. The pH for AHT steaks (pH 5.96) was slightly higher than CON steaks (pH 5.86; P < 0.05). Cook loss was lower (21%) for CON than AHT steaks (23%). There was neither a treatment nor day effect on tenderness as measured by Warner-Braztler shear force (P > 0.05). Sensory evaluation indicated that on day 0, retail display the initial juiciness, sustained juiciness, tenderness 1st impression, tenderness overall impression, and connective tissue in AHT steaks was not different from CON steaks (P > 0.05). A day effect (decrease) for those sensory parameters was observed only for sustained juiciness (P < 0.05). AHT steaks were rated higher in cooked beef flavor while CON steaks were higher in peppery and salty flavor. There was no difference in soapy and ammonia intensity between treatments. Results indicated that despite lower performance in cook loss the replacement of 4.5% sodium-based phosphate in a meat injection brine with 1% ammonium hydroxide produced a beef loin steak with comparable tenderness and palatability. Practical Application: The research in this study compares steaks that have been injected with a commercial brine formulated with sodium phosphates to steaks that have been injected with a brine where the sodium phosphate in the formulation was replaced with 1% ammonium hydroxide. Ammonium hydroxide is an USDA-FSIS approved ingredient in brines injected into fresh meats. Successful replacement of sodium phosphate with ammonium hydroxide would allow processors to significantly reduce the sodium content of injected fresh meat.     

Consumer Assessment of Beef Tenderloin Steaks from Various USDA Quality Grades at 3 Degrees of Doneness

A consumer study was conducted to determine palatability ratings of beef tenderloin steaks from USDA Choice, USDA Select, and USDA Select with marbling scores from Slight 50 to 100 (USDA High Select) cooked to various degrees of doneness. Steaks were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 degree of doneness categories: very‐rare, medium‐rare, or well‐done. Consumers (N = 315) were screened for preference of degree of doneness and fed 4 samples of their preferred doneness (a warm‐up and one from each USDA quality grade treatment in a random order). Consumers evaluated steaks on an 8‐point verbally anchored hedonic scale for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall like as well as rated steaks as acceptable or unacceptable for all palatability traits. Quality grade had no effect (P > 0.05) on consumer ratings for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall like scores, with all traits averaging above a 7 (“like very much”) on the 8‐point scale. In addition, no differences (P > 0.05) were found in the percentage of samples rated as acceptable for all palatability traits, with more than 94% of samples rated acceptable for each trait in all quality grades evaluated. Steaks cooked to well‐done had lower (P < 0.05) juiciness scores than steaks cooked to very‐rare or medium‐rare and were rated lower for tenderness (P < 0.05) than steaks cooked to a very‐rare degree of doneness. Results indicate consumers were not able to detect differences in tenderness, juiciness, flavor, or overall like among beef tenderloin steaks from USDA Choice and Select quality grades.     

Quality of Restructured Steaks: Effects of Days on Feed, Fat Level, and Cooking Method

Top rounds from steers fed grain 0, 28, or 56 days were flaked and formed into restructured steaks containing 15, 20, or 25% fat. Steaks were cooked on a browning dish in a microwave oven or broiled. Microwave-heated steaks appeared more well done, were less tender, released less moisture, and had greater cooking losses and penetration hardness and chewiness than broiled steaks. As fat level increased, tenderness, moisture release, and greasiness increased. Length of time on grain influenced Warner-Bratzler shear values but did not affect sensory scores. Results of the study suggest that the use of meat from grain-fed animals in the production of restructured steaks is feasible.     

Color and Its Stability in Restructured Beef Steaks during Frozen Storage: Effects of Various Binders

Color and its stability were evaluated in restructured steaks made with various binders (calcium alginate, crude myosin extract, whey protein concentrate, wheat gluten, soy isolate or surimi) vs controls (intact ribeye muscle, restructured steaks with no additives or with NaCl and sodium tripolyphosphate). Steaks made with various binders showed similar effects on initial surface metmyoglobin concentration and sensory color attributes, except steaks made with calcium alginate or soy isolate protein. During 12-wk frozen storage, steaks made with various binders (except soy protein isolate) had similar color stabilities.     

SENSORY ATTRIBUTES AND RETAIL DISPLAY CHARACTERISTICS OF PASTURE- AND/OR GRAIN-FED BEEF AGED 7,14 OR 21 DAYS

Strip loin steaks were removed from steer carcasses fed on; (1) wheat-rye-grass pasture only, (2) wheat-ryegrass pasture followed by grain feeding, or (3) grain feeding. The steaks were analyzed for sensory panel attributes, Warner-Bratzler shear force and storage and display life. Steaks from pasture-fed steers were similar (P>.05) to steaks from grain-fed steers in sensory tenderness and connective tissue amount. Steaks from pasture-fed steers had similar (P>.05) shear force values to steaks from grain-fed steers. Off flavor incidence was greater (P<.05) in steaks from steers on pasture only than from steers on grain and pasture/grain. No differences (P>.05) due to treatment were found in visual color and discolor scores. The C.I.E. a* values showed steaks from steers fed pasture only and pasture/grain retained higher (P<.05) redness values than steaks from steers grain-fed during the 10 day display period. The results indicate pasture finishing systems could be as effective in maintaining beef tenderness and color shelf-life characteristics as grain finishing systems.     

Sensory and Cooking Properties of Beef Steaks and Roasts Cooked with and without External Fat

The effects of removal of external fat prior to cooking on fat and moisture content and sensory properties of cooked beef lean were investigated. Twelve pairs of beef strip loin steaks, eye of round roasts, top round roasts, briskets and arm pot roasts fabricated from USDA Choice carcasses were used. True fat retention was also determined for 36 strip loin steaks trimmed to either 0, 0.6 or 1.3 cm external fat. Cooking yield and sensory traits were adversely affected, by the fat removal, only in those cuts (briskets and arm pot roasts) which were cooked by braising. Fat content of the cooked lean was numerically higher in all cuts cooked with an external fat layer. Retention of intramuscular fat was also higher in strip steaks cooked with an external fat layer.     

Effects of Hot-Boning and Particle Thickness on Restructured Beef Steaks

Restructured steaks were made using hot-boned or aged beef made from sliced particles (2.5 mm or 5.0 mm thick). Beef slices were formed to make restructured steaks. The steaks were evaluated for cooking characteristics, textural properties and sensory attributes. Restructured steaks made from hot-boned beef were generally considered less tender and received lower texture desirability, flavor desirability and overall palatability ratings as compared to steaks made from aged beef. Restructured steaks made from larger meat slices (5.0 mm) were less tender and received lower texture desirability ratings than restructured steaks made with thinner slices (2.5 mm).     

Sensory, Instrumental Texture Profile and Cooking Properties of Restructured Beef Steaks Made with Various Binders

Restructured steaks made with various binders were evaluated using subjective and objective texture profile analysis of the following treatments: intact ribeye muscle, calcium alginate, salt/tripolyphosphate, crude myosin extract, whey protein, wheat gluten, soy protein isolate, surimi and no additives. Steaks made with calcium alginate or crude myosin extracts had superior binding. Steaks with 1.5% surimi had similar textural properties to those with calcium alginate or crude myosin extract. Whey, wheat gluten or soy isolate protein in restructured steaks detrimentally affected product flavor. Calcium alginate, crude myosin extract and surimi could be potential binders in the manufacture of restructured steaks without deterimental effects on quality.     

Interrelationships of breed type, USDA quality grade, cooking method, and degree of doneness on consumer evaluations of beef in Dallas and San Antonio, Texas, USA

The objective of this research was to evaluate the consumer controlled factors of cooking method and degree of doneness on top loin steaks from different USDA quality grades (Low Choice, High Select or Low Select) and breed-types (English, Continental European Cross or Brahman Cross). In addition, cities within the same region were evaluated for differences in consumer controlled factors and palatability responses. The in-home product test was conducted in Dallas and San Antonio, Texas, USA. Consumers (n=173) evaluated steaks for overall like (OSAT), tenderness (TEND), juiciness (JUIC), and flavor (FLAV) using 23-point hedonic scales. Respondents in Dallas cooked their steaks to higher degrees of doneness than did those in San Antonio. Outdoor grilling was the most frequently used method of cookery for steaks in both cities. Generally, consumers in San Antonio gave higher palatability ratings to Choice steaks and Dallas consumers gave higher ratings to Select steaks. The interactions of city×cooking method, breed-type×cooking method, and degree of doneness×cooking method were significant for all palatability attributes. In addition, the interaction of cooking method×quality grade was significant for TEND, JUIC, and FLAV. Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) force was determined on a steak from each strip loin. Steaks from Continental European Cross cattle and Low Choice carcasses had the lowest WBS values. Differences in consumer preparation of beef top loin steaks present very unique challenges for the beef industry. Consumer information programs may serve a valuable role in connecting consumer perceptions with the preparation techniques needed to consistently achieve satisfaction.     

Effects of Various Phosphates on the Palatability, Appearance and Storage Traits of Flaked and Formed Restructured Beef Steaks

Seven blends (9.1 kg raw meat) were formulated with 0.75% NaCl and 0.25% or 0.5% sodium tripolyphosphate (STP), sodium hexa-metaphosphate (SHMP) or sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP). Steaks from all blends were “slightly” to “moderately” desirable in flavor and overall satisfaction scores. Steaks made with STP had higher shear force values and work required to shear values than all other restructured steaks indicating an increase in binding occurred with added STP. Restructured steaks formulated with 0.5% STP or SHMP had more desirable raw color scores than the control or steaks made with SAPP. Storage life of all phosphate added restructured steaks was past 90 days frozen storage, and steaks containing STP had thiobarbituric acid values below 1.0 at 120 days storage.     

Effect of Muscle Type and Mixing Time on Sectioned and Formed Beef Steaks

Sectioned and formed beef steaks were manufactured from Standard beef rounds, Choice beef plates and Choice, Yield Grade 3, Meat Buyers Guide (126) 3-piece chucks. Replicates were established by slaughter day. A trained sensory panel evaluated juiciness, flavor, tenderness, and connective tissue residue. Color scores were assigned to steaks from each treatment. Instron Kramer shear was used to evaluate tenderness and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) was used to measure rancidity. Reflectance spectrophotometry indicated oxymyoglobin and metmyoglobin content. Mixing improved tenderness (P < 0.01) by 20% after 18 min. An 8% improvement occurred after 6 min. Mixing increased sensory juiciness (P < 0.01) and flavor (P < 0.05). Subjective and objective measures indicated that steaks processed from chuck were less tender (P < 0.01). Cooking yields improved linearly (P < 0.01) due to mixing. The TBA values were low and did not change due to treatment or after 90 days storage at –30°C. Subjective and objective color analyses indicated highly desirable color for fresh beef. Steaks processed from chuck meat were higher in percent metmyoglobin.     

Frozen storage stability of vacuum-packaged precooked restructured steaks manufactured from mature cow beef

Beef trimmings from nine cows, equally representing three animal age groups (2-4, 6-8, and 10-12 year), were restructured into steaks formulated with propyl gallate, alone or in combination with a beefy flavoring agent, to enhance palatability and storage stability. Steaks were fully cooked prior to being stored under vacuum for 6 months at −29 °C. Animal age did not affect steak quality and lipid stability, whereas sensory palatability scores and reheating yield decreased significantly beyond 3 months. Propyl gallate did not impart any additional protection against lipid oxidation beyond that provided by vacuum packaging. On the other hand, inclusion of beefy flavoring agent masked all mature, forage-fed beef off-flavors, intensified beefy flavor and improved steak tenderness, juiciness and reheating yield. The incorporation of a beefy flavoring agent was shown to be an effective means to enhance the palatability of vacuum packaged precooked steaks manufactured from mature cows.     

TEXTURAL PROPERTIES AND COLOR CHARACTERISTICS OF RESTRUCTURED BEEF STEAKS WITH SELECTED BINDERS AND NOMEAT ADJUNCTS

Restructured steaks were evaluated using subjective and objective texture and color analyses. Treatments included: intact muscle, restructured steaks with no additives, salt/sodium tripolyphosphate (NaCl/STP), calcium alginate, crude myosin extract (CME) with 0.1% Nad and 0.4% STP [low salt & phosphate (LSP)], CME with 1.0 NaCl and 0.4% STP [high salt & phosphate (HSP)], surimi LSP and surimi HSP. Restructured steaks made from CME (HSP) or surimi (HSP) exhibited superior (P < 0.05) sensory textural evaluation, tensile strength values, cooking loss properties, color and color stability (subjective and objective) when compared to other restructured steaks except CME (LSP) and NaCl/STP (in some parameters). Restructured steaks made with CME or surimi in combination with 1% NaCl and 0.4% STP improved or maintained textural properties as well as color and color stability of restructured steaks.     

Extending Beef Bullock Restructured Steaks with Soy Protein, Wheat Gluten or Mechanically Separated Beef

Nine blends were formulated from young bullocks to contain 0, 10 or 20% mechanically separated beef (MSB), textured soy protein (TSP) or vital wheat gluten (VWG), (Control = no extender). All blends were analyzed for chemical, sensory and visual properties. Control and extended, restructured steaks were not different in juiciness, tenderness or cohesiveness scores or for calcium content. Blends extended with TSP or VWG had a high incidence of off-flavor and all extended, restructured steaks had less desirable visual properties than control blends. Storage life was not affected by type or level of extender. Restructured steaks extended with MSB were not equal to the control, but were superior to TSP or VWG extended steaks.     

Effects of Wheat Gluten, Soy Isolate and Flavorings on Properties of Restructured Beef Steaks

Restructured beef steaks were made in triplicate to contain the following ingredients; meat only, meat + vital wheat gluten (VWG) and meat + isolated soy protein (ISP). In addition, each treatment was made with and without flavorings (0.44% sodium chloride, 0.25% sodium tripolyphosphate and 0.31% hydrolyzed vegetable protein). Off-flavor scores were not different (P > 0.05) between meat and meat + VWG steaks made without flavorings; however, steaks made with meat + ISP alone had the highest (P < 0.05) off-flavor score. AU products made with flavorings were more cohesive, juicier, and required more effort to fragment than those made without flavorings. Instron rheological values increased (not significant among all comparisons) when flavorings were used. Steaks made with VWG or ISP were not different from each other in overall desirability scores but neither of these treatments (with or without flavorings) were as desirable as controls.     

Injection of water and polyphosphate into pork to improve juiciness and tenderness after cooking

Two injection levels (5 and 10%) and three concentrations of polyphosphate (0, 3 and 5%) were used in 64 pork loin portions to assess the influence of polyphosphate injection on eating quality of pork steaks cooked by grilling to a centre temperature of 72.5 or 80°C and assessed by a trained ten member sensory panel. Polyphosphate improved water holding, and generally produced more tender and more juicy meat than control steaks, although pork flavour intensity was reduced and abnormal flavour intensity increased. Raising the centre temperature from 72.5 to 80°C increased the cooking loss from 35 to 42%, reduced tenderness, juiciness and abnormal flavours and increased pork flavour intensity. Steaks containing 5% polyphosphate and cooked to 80°C were more tender and as juicy as steaks without polyphosphate cooked to the lower centre temperature. These effects were generally larger than those that can be achieved ‘naturally' by, for example, changing diets and breeds but whether the technology will be utilised in an increasingly ‘additive free' climate is debatable.