The Secret of Perfect Cutlets: Why Mineral Water is Added to the Mince.

According to ТСН: Every Ukrainian housewife has her own special and tested recipe for making the tastiest cutlets, and this knowledge often remains a secret. However, there are common secrets that can help anyone create a delicious and juicy dish. Let's consider how to properly prepare cutlets from minced meat.

Why Mineral Water is Added to the Mince

Many people have probably heard about adding water to the minced meat for cutlets, but the real secret lies in the use of mineral water. The thing is, during heat treatment, meat loses moisture and can become dry, negatively affecting the taste of the finished dish. Mineral water not only retains moisture, but also makes the mince more tender due to the carbon dioxide.

Sparkling mineral water not only saves from dryness but also improves the texture of the mince. The bubbles of carbon dioxide create a light, airy texture during frying and help maintain the necessary moisture.

Additionally, sparkling water distributes fat and moisture better, allowing the cutlets to hold their shape, not fall apart, and become more voluminous. Another plus is that mineral water promotes better spice release, making the finished dish tastier and more aromatic.

How to Properly Add Sparkling Water to the Cutlet Mince

To achieve optimal juiciness, it is not necessary to add a lot of water—just 100 milliliters for half a kilogram of mince. If using salty mineral water, it is worth reducing the amount of salt in the mince.

After adding sparkling water, the mince should be mixed well and left for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. Only after that can you shape and fry the cutlets. By the way, instead of mineral water, ice or broth can be used to improve juiciness.

How to Make Cutlets Juicy

Bread, which often makes cutlets tough, can be replaced with semolina or oatmeal. In this case, it is essential to add water since the cereal absorbs a lot of liquid, which can lead to the toughness of the finished cutlets.

You can also use grated potatoes instead of bread, which must be well-squeezed before adding to the mince.

To make lean meat juicy, it is advisable to add grated or finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or courgettes. They will add moisture but leave the dish light for the stomach and figure.

These simple tips will allow anyone to prepare delicious cutlets that will please your family and friends. It is important to experiment with ingredients and find your favorite combinations, creating dishes that suit you. The secrets of preparing cutlets with mineral water can make your dish not only tasty but also unique.