Are you looking to cut your prep time in the kitchen while also ensuring that each piece of meat is uniformly sliced? Then a meat cleaver might just be the perfect tool for you! A meat cleaver may look daunting but it’s actually an incredibly versatile and easy-to-use kitchen utensil.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to use meat cleaver, showcase its many uses and benefits, and provide helpful tips for keeping it sharp and safe. Whether you’re looking to speed up meal preparation or want to try something new in the kitchen, using a meat cleaver will make food prep easier than ever before!
The Versatility and Power of a Meat Cleaver
A meat cleaver is a powerful kitchen tool that can make quick work of tough cuts of meat, chop vegetables and herbs with ease, and even be used as a multipurpose chopping block for other ingredients. When using a meat cleaver it’s important to ensure you are using the right technique in order to maintain safety and get the most out of your knife.
When using a meat cleaver it’s important to make sure the handle of the knife is secure in your hand and that you have a firm grip on the blade. When making an initial cut, start by resting the flat part of the cleaver’s blade against your cutting board and then apply pressure with your other hand while levering down onto the food item.
Importance of Proper Technique and Handling
Using a meat cleaver safely and correctly is key to getting the most out of your tool. It’s important to remember that any time you are using a sharp instrument, there is potential for harm if used incorrectly, so it’s essential that proper technique and handling be employed when using a meat cleaver.
When beginning to use a meat cleaver, it’s important to make sure that you are holding the tool properly. The handle should be gripped firmly and securely, with your fingers wrapped completely around it. The blade should face away from you when chopping or cutting through meat. Never attempt to use a cleaver as a pry bar, as this could cause serious injury due to its sharp edge.
It is always recommended that you use a wooden cutting board when using any kind of knife or cleaver, including a meat cleaver, as this will help prevent damage to countertops or other surfaces while also reducing the risk of accidental cuts or scrapes. Place the item to be cut on the cutting board and ensure that your hands are kept safely out of the way when in use.
10 Ways How to Use Meat Cleaver
1. Chopping Bones:
One of the primary functions of a meat cleaver is to chop through bones. When working with meat that still has bones, position the cleaver’s blade near the joint or desired cutting point. Using a controlled and forceful motion, bring the cleaver down with the weight of your hand or a mallet to sever the bone. Exercise caution and ensure a stable cutting surface to prevent accidents.
2. Splitting Poultry:
To split a whole chicken or turkey, place the meat cleaver along the center of the breastbone. Apply pressure to the cleaver with your other hand or a mallet to cut through the breastbone. This technique allows you to separate the bird into halves or quarters for further preparation. Take care to maintain control and be mindful of your fingers and hands during the process.
3. Tenderizing Meat:
The weight and flat surface of a meat cleaver make it an excellent tool for tenderizing tougher cuts of meat. Lay the meat on a sturdy cutting board or surface and firmly strike it with the side of the cleaver’s blade. This action helps break down the muscle fibers, resulting in more tender meat. Repeat the process as needed, focusing on thicker or tougher sections.
4. Crushing Garlic and Herbs:
The broad side of a meat cleaver’s blade can be used to crush garlic cloves and fresh herbs. Place the garlic clove or herb sprig on a cutting board and press down on it with the flat side of the cleaver’s blade, using your palm. This method releases the flavors and essential oils, providing a more intense taste to your dishes. Ensure a stable cutting surface to prevent injuries.
5. Smashing Ingredients:
For recipes that call for smashed ingredients, such as smashed potatoes or smashed cucumbers, a meat cleaver can be a useful tool. Place the ingredient on a cutting board or surface and firmly strike it with the broad side of the cleaver, applying even pressure. Repeat the motion until the desired level of smashing is achieved. Take caution to control the force and avoid damaging the cutting surface.
6. Sectioning Hard Squashes:
When dealing with hard-skinned squashes like butternut or acorn squash, a meat cleaver can assist in sectioning them for cooking or roasting. Start by stabilizing the squash on a cutting board and positioning the cleaver’s blade near the stem end.
With controlled force, bring the cleaver down, using a mallet if necessary, to split the squash into halves or quarters. Exercise caution and ensure a secure cutting surface.
7. Dicing and Chopping:
A meat cleaver can be used for dicing and chopping ingredients, particularly when dealing with larger and tougher items like root vegetables or dense fruits. Place the ingredient on a stable cutting board and position the cleaver’s blade over it.
Use a rocking motion to bring the cleaver down and chop through the ingredient. Continue the motion to achieve the desired size of dice or chop. Exercise control to prevent injuries and maintain consistency.
8. Slicing Through Thick Cuts:
When working with thick cuts of meat, a meat cleaver can assist in slicing through the flesh. Position the cleaver’s blade near the desired cutting point and use a controlled and forceful downward motion to slice through the meat. This technique is particularly useful for portioning large roasts or whole fish. Ensure a secure cutting surface and exercise caution during slicing.
9. Opening Shellfish:
Shellfish such as lobsters and crabs can be challenging to crack open. A meat cleaver can help you in this process. Start by positioning the cleaver’s blade near the desired cracking point, such as the joints or claws. Apply controlled force to the cleaver with your hand or a mallet to crack open the shell. Exercise caution and wear protective gloves when working with shellfish.
10. Transferring Cut Ingredients:
In addition to cutting tasks, a meat cleaver can serve as a convenient tool for transferring cut ingredients from the cutting board to the cooking pot or pan. Use the broad side of the cleaver’s blade as a scoop to collect and transport ingredients. This method helps maintain control and reduces the risk of accidentally touching the blade.
Some Common Mistakes When Using Meat Cleaver
Using a meat cleaver is not as straightforward as it might seem. Many people are unaware of the potential dangers or make mistakes that can lead to injury or inefficiency when using this sharp kitchen tool. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when using a meat cleaver:
1. Not Using the Right Cleaver for Your Needs:
Different cleavers are designed for different purposes, and using the wrong cleaver can make the job harder and increase your chance of injury. For example, if you are cutting through bone or frozen meat, you should use a heavier cleaver with a longer blade. If you are cutting soft vegetables, a lighter cleaver will do the job.
2. Not Holding the Cleaver Properly:
It is important to hold the handle firmly and keep your fingers out of the way of the blade when using a cleaver. Make sure your grip is secure and your hand is well away from the edge of the blade before making any cuts.
3. Cutting Too Quickly:
It can be tempting to try to move quickly when cutting with a cleaver in order to speed up the process, but it is important to take your time and make sure each cut is controlled and accurate. Moving too quickly can cause the blade to slip out of your hand, resulting in an injury.
4. Not Maintaining Your Cleaver:
It is important to keep your cleaver clean and sharpened regularly in order to ensure that it works correctly and efficiently. Make sure to use oil periodically to lubricate the blade, and sharpen it when necessary – dull blades are more likely to slip during cutting, increasing your chance of injury.
By avoiding these common mistakes you can ensure that you are using your meat cleaver safely and effectively!
Conclusion
All in all, mastering the art of using a meat cleaver takes practice, but it is more than achievable with patience and research. Once you have honed your technique and feel confident in your abilities, you can begin to use a cleaver to make completing kitchen tasks quick and easy.
Whether you want to make finely-chopped vegetables or expertly cut pieces of chicken or beef for a stew, having a cleaver in your arsenal will significantly improve your meal prep process.
Discover how knife sharpening machines can ensure you get the best cuts from your cleaver as well as save time and money feeding your family quality meals. Follow these simple instructions outlined in this blog post about how to use meat cleaver, and you’ll be able to get the job done with ease.