While many premium cuts of meat, such as filet mignon or ribeye, are naturally tender, others can benefit from tenderizing. As a rule of thumb, the texture of a cut of meat depends on its origin ...
Simply poke the meat with the tines all over, creating tiny holes in the surface of the steak. This works to tenderize the muscle by helping to break up the tough connective tissue and fibers.
Those who find the parts of meat recommended for curries and stews such as the shank to be sinewy and tough may have wondered if there isn't some way to make them more tender. There certainly is ...