Meat, while rich in nutrients, is a breeding ground for bacteria. Should meat be rinsed before cooking? Opinions vary. Some people rinse meat directly under the tap, while others rinse it with hot water.

Others believe that minced or shredded meat should never be washed, as washing it drains the juices and creates a pool of water.

So, should minced or shredded meat be washed? How should it be washed correctly?

Does minced meat need to be washed before cooking?

It’s common to buy “freshly slaughtered, warm-carcass meat.” Freshly slaughtered, warm-carcass meat is usually slaughtered in the early morning hours and then sent to the butcher.

• During transportation, dust and microorganisms inevitably accumulate. Therefore, before mincing, it’s important to give the meat a quick rinse to avoid introducing impurities and microorganisms into the meat.
• If you’re having your meat minced at a traditional market, choose a trusted butcher and have him mince the meat directly after selecting the cut. If you’re still unsure, you can ask the butcher to rinse the meat thoroughly before mincing it.
• If you’re mincing the meat at home, it’s recommended to rinse it lightly with RO reverse osmosis, filtered water, or ozone water, and then dry it before mincing.

Undesirable Methods: Direct Rinsing, Hot Water

Many people rinse raw meat directly under the tap for convenience. However, rinsing raw meat directly in the sink creates splashes that can spread impurities and bacteria throughout the kitchen, such as the sink, countertop, cutting board, and knife.

• If it’s not cleaned immediately, washing other fresh foods like fruits and vegetables directly next time can create food safety concerns, potentially contaminating them with bacteria.
• Some people choose to rinse the meat in hot water. While this is more hygienic, it can also cause a loss of nutrients. Soaking in hot water can cause nutrients like protein, amino acids, and B vitamins to dissolve in the water.
• Experiments have shown that soaking chicken breast in hot water can cause a loss of soluble nitrogen exceeding 5% of the total nitrogen content in the meat.

Tips

Proper cleaning method:
Use a container to hold the ground meat. Lightly rinse the meat in cold water before removing it. Dry it with paper towels before cooking.