Effects of transglutaminase and cooking method on the physicochemical characteristics of 3D-printable meat analogs

Mimicking the textural properties of beef remains challenging for 3D-printable meat analogs, owing to the limited extrusive force of 3D printers. We aimed to develop 3D-printable meat analogs that imitate the physicochemical properties of beef using transglutaminase (TG, 0–8 U/g protein) and cooking (steaming, microwaving, baking, or frying). Increased TG incorporation enhanced the rheological properties of the raw meat analogs. When TG was added at 4 U/g protein, the printed meat analogs had smooth surfaces after being incubated at 25 °C for 30 min and relatively high hardnesses after 2 h of incubation. Moreover, meat analogs baked at 170 °C for 25 min had a similar hardness and springiness as beef (P > 0.05). The hardnesses of cooked beef and meat analogs were related to microstructural compactness, cooking loss, and transverse shrinkage. This study provides a method for modifying the texture of meat analogs using enzyme catalysis and cooking. Industrial relevance: Currently, the application of 3D printing in the production of meat analogs yields an elastic strength comparable to beef by implementing a fiber structure. However, modifying the textural properties of 3D-printable meat analogs to mimic the firm mouthfeel of meat is still one of the challenges that restrict the large-scale industrialization and commercialization of 3D food printing. In this study, we proposed a method for developing meat analogs, which combines enzyme treatment and suitable cooking methods, and investigated the effects of these two technologies on the physicochemical properties of 3D-printable meat analogs. This study provides essential guidance to the industry for developing meat analogs using novel protein sources and combining different technologies.