If you've cooked meat and it turns out tough, there are a few techniques you can try to help soften it:
Tenderizing: Use a meat mallet or a tenderizing tool to pound the meat gently. This process breaks down the muscle fibers and can help make the meat more tender. You can also use a marinade with acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt, which can help tenderize the meat. Let the meat marinate in the mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
Slow cooking: Tough cuts of meat can benefit from slow cooking methods like braising or stewing. These methods involve cooking the meat at low temperatures for a longer duration, which helps break down the connective tissues and make the meat tender. Use moist heat and a flavorful liquid, such as broth or wine, to braise or stew the meat.
Moist heat cooking: Cooking the meat in liquid can help soften it. You can try simmering or poaching the meat in a flavorful broth or sauce until it becomes tender. The liquid helps to break down the tough fibers and adds moisture to the meat.
Slicing thin: If the meat is already cooked and tough, try slicing it thinly against the grain. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew.
Remember that the specific technique you choose may depend on the type of meat and cut you're working with. It's important to adjust cooking times and methods accordingly.