The two main ingredients in most powdered tenderizers are papain, found in papayas, and bromelain, found in pineapples. Both enzymes attack the muscle fibers and the collagen webs that holds them together. This softens the meat and makes it more tender.

Where can you use meat tenderizer?

It is useful when preparing particularly tough cuts of steak, and works well when broiling or frying the meat. It is also used to "pound out" dishes such as chicken-fried steak, palomilla, and schnitzel, to make them wider and thinner.

Does meat tenderizer actually work?

Enzymes like these help to de-nature the proteins in the meat, and they actually can make steaks tenderer if used properly. ... In order to get the most out of meat tenderizer, it's best to add some to a marinade, then let the steaks soak in it for a few hours.