The amount of meat that shrinks when cooked depends on a number of factors, including the type of meat, the cut of meat, the cooking method, and the doneness of the meat. In general, meat shrinks by about 25% when cooked. However, some cuts of meat, such as steaks and chops, can shrink by as much as 30%.
There are a few reasons why meat shrinks when cooked. First, the heat causes the water in the meat to evaporate. Second, the heat causes the proteins in the meat to contract. Third, the heat causes the fat in the meat to melt and drip away.
The amount of meat that shrinks can be reduced by using a moist cooking method, such as braising or roasting. Moist cooking methods help to keep the moisture in the meat. Additionally, trimming excess fat from the meat can also help to reduce shrinkage.
Here are some tips for reducing meat shrinkage:
By following these tips, you can reduce the amount of meat that shrinks when cooked and ensure that your meat is juicy and flavorful.
Two examples that illustrate this are cutting chuck steak for stews and burgers!. We recommend that chuck steak be at least 3cms so that when it finishess cooking you have nice sized pieces and they also won't dry out during the cooking process.