IPB University Professor Shares Tips on How to Prepare Buffalo Meat So It’s Tender and Odor Free
Buffalo meat remains a popular choice for sacrificial animals in many regions of Indonesia. In addition to being relatively more affordable than beef, buffalo meat is also a good source of protein. However, many people consider buffalo meat to be tougher and more difficult to prepare.
Prof Irma Isnafia Arief, a professor at the Faculty of Animal Science at IPB University, explained that buffalo meat can actually be prepared into tender and delicious dishes when the right techniques are used.
“Buffalo meat has a tougher texture than beef, so it requires special preparation to ensure it turns out tender and delicious,” she said.
One important step is to cut the meat against the grain. According to Prof Irma, this technique aids the cooking process and makes the meat more tender when eaten.
Natural Ingredients and Cooking Techniques
Prof Irma also recommends using natural ingredients such as papaya leaves and pineapple to help tenderize meat. Both ingredients contain enzymes that effectively break down meat fibers.
“Simply wrap the meat in papaya leaves for 10 minutes or toss it with pineapple slices for 5–10 minutes. But don’t leave it in too long, or the meat will fall apart,” she explained.
In addition, marinating the meat with spices such as ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and lime juice can help reduce the distinctive odor of buffalo meat while enhancing its flavor.
She noted that many people still make mistakes when cooking buffalo meat, such as using high heat. “This actually causes the meat to dry out and become tough quickly,” she said.
Therefore, Prof Irma recommends slow cooking using low heat or a pressure cooker. Simple techniques like tenderizing the meat before cooking are also considered effective in improving its texture.
According to Prof Irma, buffalo meat remains less popular than beef because many people do not yet understand how to prepare it. Additionally, the distinctive flavor of buffalo meat and its uneven distribution also influence public consumption interest.
“If you know how to prepare it, buffalo meat can be a delicious, healthy, and economical alternative source of animal protein,” she said. (Fj) (IAAS/EXC)
