Meat Batters Research Articles

Changes in the microbiota and colour of pork meat batter during refrigerated storage in relation to the application of High Hydrostatic Pressure

The aim of this work was to study the effect of High Hydrostatic Pressures (HHP) on microbial degradation pattern and colour stability of pork meat batters used to produce fresh sausages. Besides treatments at 300 or 600 MPa for 5 min, pH (5.8 vs 5.4) and nitrite addition (100 vs. 0 mg/kg) were considered as variables. A not treated control was also monitored. The different samples were stored at 4°C and periodically analysed for their microbiota and colour. At the end of shelf life (TMC > 6.5 log CFU/g) a metagenomic analysis was also carried out to better clarify the effect of the treatments on microbial spoilage patterns. The results showed that the treatment at 300 MPa slightly affected initial cell load, but slowdown growth kinetics, especially at low pH, while 600 MPa strongly reduced microbial spoilage. The application of HHP was able to prolong shelf life of meat batters, from about two weeks (control) to 40 and 80 days in the case of treatments at 300 and 600 MPa, respectively. Metagenomic analysis revealed different degradation patterns in relation to tested variables: untreated samples showed the prevalence of Brochothrix spp., while the application of HHP determined the presence also of Carnobacterium, Bacillus, and Staphylococcus, depending on the treatment and the meat batter pH. Concerning colour, differences were mainly observed in redness (a*) and were due to the presence of nitrite. These findings suggest that HHP can be a feasible strategy to stabilize fresh sausages, although further studies are needed to assess their safety.

Fate, inducibility, and behavior of Latilactobacillus curvatus temperate phage TMW 1.591 P1 during sausage fermentation.

Temperate phages insert their genome into the host's chromosome. As prophages, they remain latent in the genome until an induction event leads to lytic phage production. When this occurs in a starter culture that has been added to food fermentation, this can impair the fermentation success. This study aimed to analyze prophage inducibility in the Latilactobacillus curvatus TMW 1.591 strain during meat fermentation and investigate whether an induction signal before cryopreservation is maintained during storage and can lead to phage-induced lysis after culture activation. A prophage-free isogenic derivative of the model starter organism, L. curvatus TMW 1.591, was developed as a negative control (L. curvatus TMW 1.2406). Raw meat fermentation was performed with the wild-type (WT) and phage-cured strains. The WT strain produced high numbers of phages (5.2±1.8×107 plaque-forming units g-1) in the meat batter. However, the prophage did not significantly affect the meat fermentation process. Induction experiments suggested an acidic environment as a potential trigger for prophage induction. Phage induction by ultraviolet light before strain cryopreservation remains functional for at least 10 weeks of storage. Intact prophages are active during meat fermentation. However, in this study, this has no measurable consequences for fermentation, suggesting a high resiliency of meat fermentation against phages. Inadequate handling of lysogenic starter strains, even before preservation, can lead to phage introduction into food fermentation and unintended host lysis.

Uncovering the chemical bonding basis for ultrasound treatment-induced improvement in the molecular flexibility of myofibrillar proteins from low-salt meat batters with added methylcellulose

Ultrasound (US) treatment modifies the construction of myofibrillar proteins (MPs) to improve the properties of low-salt meat batters (LMTs) with added methylcellulose (MC). This study investigated the correlation between the construction of MPs and their flexibility in LMTs adding different MC levels with US treatment. MPs exhibited the highest flexibility at 100 W, owing to a high concentration of myosin with hydrophobic interaction contents, e.g. 5.98 mg/mL in MPs from LMTs adding 0.4% MC. However, the ionic and disulfide bonds were reversed. SDS-PAGE revealed the depolymerization of MPs at low power (<100 W), whereas macromolecular aggregates were produced as the cross-linking of MPs at ≥100 W. This phenomenon is supported by the chemical bonding and flexibility of proteins. These findings demonstrate that appropriate US treatment induces the flexibility alteration of MPs from LMTs with added MC by modifying their construction and regulating bond interactions.

Protein from Plants and Algae: Potential Trends of Replacing Animal Protein for Public Health

Meat is considered as a significant source of high-quality protein along with other nutritional benefits and sensory properties. However, meat production and consumption is associated with human health concerns, including increased risk of zoonotic diseases, chronic diseases, and air pollution-related health problems. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the market value of alternative proteins. There is a shift in dietary preferences fromomnivorousto vegetarian or flexitarian diets, and eventuallyto plant-based and algae-based diets. Innovative technologies have been used to produce new products aimed at replacingmeat proteins. These include plant-based options such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, textured soy protein; and alternatives derived from algae such as raw ground pork meat, reduced nitrite turkey meat sausages, and pork meat batter formulations.

Natural aromatic extract of black tea improved the water retention of pork meat batter

The effect of varying proportions (w/w) of natural aromatic extract of black tea (NAEBT) with pre-emulsification on the water-holding capacity (WHC) of pork meat batter was investigated. The addition of NAEBT significantly reduced the cooking loss (CL) of pork meat batter from 23.95 % to 18.30 % (P < 0.05). Furthermore, NAEBT with pre-emulsification significantly improved the color stability and increased the springiness (P < 0.05). The results of TBARS and carbonyls indicated that NAEBT with pre-emulsification significantly alleviated oxidative damage to proteins (P < 0.05), resulting in an increased level of β-sheet (P < 0.05), as confirmed by FT-IR analysis. As a result, the water mobility of pork meat batter was restricted (P < 0.05), resulting in an increase in the energy storage modulus (P < 0.05) and a decrease in the pore size. In summary, the WHC of pork meat batter was improved by the antioxidant effect of the NAEBT.

Hybrid meat batter system: effects of plant proteins (pea, brown rice, faba bean) and concentrations (3–12%) on texture, microstructure, rheology, water binding, and color

A lean meat batter system was mixed with four plant proteins at 3, 6, 9, and 12% (w/w): pea protein A (PA), pea protein B (PB), brown rice protein (BR) and faba bean protein (FB). Texture profile analysis (TPA) revealed that increasing plant protein levels hardened the hybrid meat batters, with PA and PB leading to the hardest gels. TPA results were supported by micrographs, demonstrating that the two pea proteins formed large aggregates, contributing to a firmer hybrid meat gel. Dynamic rheology showed that the incorporation of plant proteins lowered the storage modulus (G') during the heating stage (20 to 72°C), yet the 6% PA treatment produced a final G' (after cooling) closest to the control (CL). Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) T2 relaxometry also demonstrated that plant proteins reduced the water mobility in hybrid meat batters. Results were in line with the cooking loss, except for a higher cooking loss in the BR formulation compared to the CL. Color measurement showed that increasing plant protein levels led to darker and yellower meat batters; however, the effect on redness varied among treatments. Overall, the findings suggest that pea proteins have superior functionality and compatibility within a lean poultry meat protein system, compared to BR and FB tested here.

Corn Oil Oleogel Structured with Chicken Skin as A Potential Fat Replacer in Meat Batters

This study investigated the effects of replacing beef fat with corn oil chicken skin oleogel on the quality parameters of model meat batters. Four different batches were prepared with varying amounts of oleogel (50% (O50), 75% (O75), 100% (O100)) as a fat substitute, while a control group was prepared with 100% (C) beef fat. Chemical composition, technological properties, color, texture, fatty acid composition, and oxidative changes were evaluated. The results showed that oleogel addition increased moisture and decreased protein content. Water holding capacity and cooking yield improved by the addition of oleogel. Replacing beef fat with oleogel increased lightness and yellowness, and reduced redness compared to control samples. The hardness, gumminess, springiness, and chewiness of the control were significantly higher than the samples formulated with oleogel. The incorporation of oleogel resulted in a reduction in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). As the level of oleogel increased, the amount of linolenic acid also increased significantly. Replacing beef fat with oleogel resulted in significant reductions in the atherogenicity (IA) and thrombogenicity (IT) indexes. At the end of the storage, the highest TBARS value was recorded in the control sample formulated with 100% beef fat.

Modification and simplification of Rongey's method for measurement of meat batter stability

The method of Rongey for assessment and quantification of meat batter/emulsion stability has over the years proven useful to many research and industrial laboratories around the world. Unfortunately, its requirement for specialized glassware and a very large centrifugation unit makes the method inaccessible to many modern laboratories. We have, therefore, modified Rongey's original method by adapting it to present-day commercially-available glassware and centrifugation equipment. This modified method was validated by comparing it to Rongey's method on both high-fat (27%) and low-fat (10%) finely comminuted pork batters, each with and without the addition of salt (1.8%) and sodium phosphates (0.5%). This design provided us with batters ranging in stability from very low to very high, thus allowing us to compare the methods across analytical extremes.This modified method:•Utilizes glassware and centrifugation equipment that are commercially-available today.•Maintains the simplicity and speed of the original method of Rongey.•Yields results that are comparable to those of Rongey's traditional method.

Advancement in automation of co-extrusion collagen casings

Co extrusion sausage technology has been a game changer in the industry as it has transformed the traditional way of filling meat betters into premade casings (e.g., synthetic materials such as cellulose or natural casings) to producing the casings on top of the meat batter as it comes out of the stuffer. This allows full automation of the process (working 24/7) with lower waste, while also increasing food safety standards. The main material used is collagen which today is extracted from a limited type of beef hides. It is then treated with a strong alkaline solution, to breakdown some of the original structures, and later with a strong acid to allow swelling of the resulting suspension. The application of the collagen gel requires special equipment to line up the collagen fibers in such a way that they provide the strength and elasticity during the cooking operation (meat expends during cooking) and later provide the consumer with the characteristics bit/“snap” similar to natural casings. Understanding the interactions between the chemical and physical properties of collagen is essential in obtaining good results. During production it is important that the collagen is quickly dried and crosslinked so the shape of the product will not be modified. This requires special large horizontal dryers and a unit to apply liquid smoke (source of aldehydes for crosslinking). Currently most systems are built for large capacity production, and therefore require large investment, however the industry is working on developing smaller and more flexible units for future use.

Effects of chitinous materials sequentially extracted from crawfish and blue crab on the physicochemical properties of emulsified pork sausages

SummaryThis study aimed to determine the functional properties of chitinous materials (CMs) extracted from crustacean shells as multifunctional non‐meat ingredients in emulsified sausage. The CMs were separated from blue crab and crawfish and classified into four types (dehydration, DeH; deproteinization, DeP; demineralization, DeM; deacetylation, DeA) based on the extraction step. Functional properties of different CM types according to the extraction step were assessed using both meat batter and emulsified sausage systems. Among the CMs, the functional characteristics of DeP and DeM exhibited higher binding and emulsion capacity and showed more redness than other CMs (P &lt; 0.05). Compared to the non‐CM added control, the emulsified sausages including CMs showed higher emulsion stability (P &lt; 0.05). The sausages manufactured with DeP or DeM showed higher redness and hardness and lower cooking loss than the control (P &lt; 0.05). During refrigerated storage, emulsified sausages with DeH and DeP inhibited the lipid oxidation compared to those of control (P &lt; 0.05). These findings suggest that DeP or DeM inclusion can improve binding ability and colour as well as lipid oxidation in emulsified sausage. Thus, it can be used as a novel non‐meat ingredient to improve functional and technological properties of processed meat.

Oleogels as a Promising Alternative to Animal Fat in Saturated Fat-Reduced Meat Products: A Review.

The surge in chronic diseases is closely linked to heightened levels of saturated and trans fatty acids in processed foods, particularly meat products. Addressing this concern, various strategies have been employed to alleviate the impact of these detrimental fats. Among these, oleogels have emerged as a novel and promising approach in the food industry. As restructured fat systems, oleogels offer a unique opportunity to enhance the nutritional profile of meat products while providing distinct health and environmental advantages. This comprehensive review explores the transformative role of oleogels as innovative substitutes for traditional animal fats in a variety of meat products. Utilizing materials such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), sterols, beeswax, γ-oryzanol, β-sitosterol, and others, oleogels have been investigated in diverse studies. The examination encompasses their impact on the textural, nutritional, and oxidative dimensions of meat patties, pork patties, pork liver pâtés, beef heart patties, and meat batters. An in-depth exploration is undertaken into the influence of various elements, including the type of oil, gelling agents, and processing methods, on the stability and physicochemical attributes of oleogels. Additionally, the paper scrutinizes the potential effects of oleogels on sensory attributes, texture, and the shelf life of meat products. In conclusion, this collective body of research emphasizes the versatility and efficacy of oleogels as viable replacements for traditional animal fats across a spectrum of meat products. The documented improvements in nutritional quality, oxidative stability, and sensory attributes pave the way for the development of healthier and more sustainable formulations in the meat industry.

Feasibility of Tenebrio molitor larvae protein to partially replace lean meat in the processing of hybrid frankfurters: Perspectives on quality profiles and in vitro digestibility

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of replacing different amounts (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 % and 25 %) of lean meat with Tenebrio molitor larvae protein (TMLP) on the quality profiles of hybrid frankfurters. The results showed that there were no obvious differences in moisture, protein or fat content of all the hybrid frankfurters (P > 0.05), only a higher substitution rate (from 10 % to 25 %) resulted in a higher ash content than the control group (P < 0.05). With the increasing replacement rate (5 %, 10 % and 15 %), the cooking loss of the hybrid frankfurters showed the similar effects as the control group (P > 0.05), whereas the higher replacement rates of 20 % and 25 % obviously decreased the emulsion stability of the hybrid frankfurters. Moreover, with lower substitution rate (5 %, 10 % and 15 %) there were no significant differences in cooking loss between the hybrid frankfurters and the control group (P > 0.05), whereas the higher substitution rates (20 % and 25 %) obviously increased the cooking loss of the hybrid frankfurters (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, as the level of substitution increased, the hybrid frankfurters had higher digestibility, poorer texture than the standard frankfurters, as well as the rheological behaviour of hybrid meat batters (P < 0.05). The results showed that a moderate level (15 %) of TMLP was used to replace lean pork could be potentially and successfully be used to produce hybrid frankfurters.

Sonicated-assisted TGase treatment enhances the techno-functional properties and protein conformation of reduced-salt chicken meat batter

The influence of sonication duration (0, 30 and 60 min) and TGase addition (Transglutaminase, 0 and 8.69 g/kg) on the pH, emulsion stability, textural characteristics, and protein conformation of reduced-salt chicken meat batter was analyzed. Compared with the sample without TGase or sonication treatment, the pH, β-sheet and β-turn contents of the samples treated with TGase and/or sonication were increased from 5.92, 20.4% and 13.3% to 6.13, 28.6% and 17.1%, respectively, led to the L*-value, cooking yield, emulsion stability, hardness, springiness, adhesiveness and chewiness were substantially higher, which shortened the initial relaxation time and decreased the mobility of the water, especially the immobilized water was increased from 76.6% to 92.8%. In addition, the pH, cooking yield, texture properties, β-sheet and β-turn contents of reduced-salt chicken meat batter considerably increased with increasing sonication duration, especially the cooking yield and hardness were increased from 80.7% to 58.5 N to 90.8% and 76.3 N, respectively, whereas they were not notably different after adding TGase, indicating that TGase more strongly impacted these variables compared with ultrasonic treatment. In conclusion, sonication-assisted TGase treatment induced changes in the protein conformation of reduced-salt chicken meat batter, leading to increased emulsion stability and gel properties.

Physicochemical characteristics and sensory preference of chicken ball with unripe jackfruit

This study evaluated the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of chicken balls substituted with unripe jackfruit (JF). The JF was sliced, boiled, chopped, and substituted at 0, 50, 100, and 150 g/kg of boneless breast. The mixtures were processed, and the meat batter and chicken balls were measured in properties. Increasing levels of JF resulted in decreased lightness, redness, and yellowness values of meat better and chicken balls. Texture profile analysis showed that increasing levels of JF resulted in lower stickiness and cohesiveness of the meat batter and lower hardness and springiness values of the chicken ball. Sensory evaluation showed that chicken balls with JF at 100 g/kg had preference levels for overall acceptability that were not significantly different. Thus, the chicken balls with JF at 100 g/kg substitution was chosen for proximate analysis and microbiology testing. An analysis of the chemical composition of the chosen chicken balls substituted found that the moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, ash, and carbohydrate contents were 77.44, 11.80, 0.53, 14.28, 2.12, and 6.09%, respectively. The total number of microorganisms was 1.9 × 102 colonies/g. These final chicken balls were safe. This study demonstrated that JF could be substituted in meat emulsion to produce appropriate chicken balls.

Texture modification of easily chewable pork meat batter for masticatory dysfunction people: effects and interactions of bromelain, κ‐carrageenan, and plant protein hydrolysates

SummaryMeat intake in masticatory dysfunction people is commonly reduced because the relatively tough texture of meat can impair mastication. Pork meat batters were prepared by different levels of bromelain (0%, 0.5% w/w), κ‐carrageenan (0.5%, 1.0% w/w), and rice berry and mung bean ratios (0:0, 1:0, 0:1, 0.5:0.5). The experiment was designed to study the effect of infusion treatments and their interaction on the properties of pork meat batter. Lower cooking losses (2.33%–3.45%) was observed in the samples with 1.0% (w/w) κ‐carrageenan. Hardness, cohesiveness, chewiness, and gumminess of samples with bromelain were lower, and higher in samples containing 1.0% (w/w) κ‐carrageenan. Bromelain also resulted in decreasing storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) values compared to nonbromelain‐treated samples. Microstructure revealed that connective tissue and muscle fibres were disrupted in bromelain‐treated meats while incorporation of plant proteins led to better binding of meat particles. These results revealed that bromelain has a potential to produce a softer texture batter, while 1.0% (w/w) κ‐carrageenan and plant proteins have potential to improve textural properties and shape a product. This implies that the effects and interactions of infusion treatments offer the possibility to improve texture‐optimised product for masticatory dysfunction people, such as elderly.

PSV-3 Evaluation of Functional Properties of Chitin as a Novel Non-Meat Ingredient for Manufacturing Meat Emulsions

Abstract There has been a growing demand for developing naturally occurring non-meat ingredients, which could replace or reduce synthetic additives that have been used extensively in manufacturing processed meat products. Chitin, which is a major component of crustacean shells and a precursor of chitosan, is the second most abundant polysaccharide followed by cellulose. While some functional properties of chitin such as water/fat binding capacity and emulsifying ability have been reported, there are almost little to no studies determining the efficacy of chitin as a non-meat ingredient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional properties of chitins as a novel non-meat ingredient for manufacturing emulsified sausages. Fresh pork hind leg and pork back fat from 9 carcasses at 4 d postmortem were obtained. The trimmed pork hind legs were randomly assigned into three independent batches for emulsion and sausage production. Chitins were extracted from chitin-like material (CLM) from two different crustacean shell sources, such as crawfish (CF) and blue crab (BC). The CLM were extracted and used in the following order: drying-deproteinization (1% calcium oxide)-demineralization (2N HCl)-deacetylation (6M NaOH). For the emulsion and sausage manufacturing, control was prepared with 70% raw meat, 18% backfat, 10% water, 1.5% sodium chloride and 0.5% sodium phosphate. The treatments were prepared with 70% raw meat, 18% backfat, 10% water, 1.5% sodium chloride, 0.2% phosphate, and 0.5% CLM. The functional properties of CLM were evaluated by measuring binding capacity, emulsion capacity, and color attributes. For the evaluation of meat batter and emulsified sausage products, instrumental color, texture profile analysis, emulsion stability, cooking loss, and pH were measured. The data analysis was conducted by mixed model, and least squares means for all traits were separated (F-test, P &amp;lt; 0.05) by using least significant differences. No significant difference in the color attributes of meat batter between the control and the treatments (CF and BC) was found. The chitin added products from both CF and BC had a greater emulsion stability, where the treatment showed about two time greater in emulsion stability compared with control (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In particular, chitin extracted from CF showed greater water and fat binding capacity than CB (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In the emulsified sausage, the treatments showed significantly greater redness and hardness than control (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In particular, the CF showed greater cohesiveness and gumminess than control or BC (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The results of the present study showed the beneficial impacts of chitin addition for meat emulsions. The chitin inclusion improved the quality characteristics of emulsified sausage such as textural properties and emulsion stability, while less amount of phosphate was added compared with control. Additionally, chitin from crawfish had superior functional properties to that from blue crab, indicating different chitin functionality between crustacean shell sources.

EFFECTS OF AGARICUS BISPORUS AND FLAMMULINA VELUTIPES MUSHROOMS ON QUALITY OF CHICKEN BATTERS

It was noted the modern tendencies of the cultivated mushrooms using as a fat substitutes in the technology of low-fat meat products. It was states that variety of low-calorie, low-fat foods have come to the fore, and quickly become the mainstream of the future development of food. The mushrooms are worldwide cultivated and rich in protein, vitamins, dietary fiber, amino acids, polysaccharides, minerals, but low in fat and calories In order to develop low-fat meat products, the compound of Agaricus bisporus and Flammulina velutipes mushrooms were used as fat substitute to replace the pork-back fat in chicken batters. The amino acids content of these mushrooms allows receiving a nice flavor and can be use in the minced meat. It was use a chicken meat as a well-liked raw material for emulsified products. For preparation of meat batters was used chicken breast, salt and sodium tripolyphosphate. The chicken meatballs were prepared with the cultivated mushrooms as fat-substitutes.The mushrooms were compounded to replace fat in chicken batters, and the effect of compounding these mushrooms on the quality of chicken mince was investigated to find the optimal ratio of fat replacement. The cooking loss, water holding capacity, color, texture and rheological properties of chicken batters were studied. The results showed that the compound of Agaricus bisporus and Flammulina velutipes improved the texture, increased the water holding capacity, redness and yellowness, and reduced the cooking loss and brightness of chicken batters. When the ratio of Agaricus bisporus and Flammulina velutipes was 2:1 to replace 30% pork-back fat, chicken batters showed the best quality. In conclusion, the combination of Agaricus bisporus and Flammulina velutipes is a promising fat substitute in the development of low-fat meat products.

Individual effects of l‐arginine and l‐lysine on the physicochemical and textural properties of pale, soft and exudative‐like emulsion sausage

SummaryThis study focused on the individual effects of l‐arginine and l‐lysine on the physicochemical properties of pale, soft and exudative (PSE)‐like chicken batter and sausages. The two amino acids decreased the cooking loss from 7.13 to 1.79 and 2.36%, respectively. They increased the hardness from 24.31 to 47.27 and 41.64 N, cohesiveness from 0.60 to 0.69 and 0.69, and chewiness from 12.15 to 28.30 and 22.80 N of PSE‐like sausage with a dense and uniform microstructure, respectively. Moreover, the two amino acids decreased the total expressible liquid and expressible fat, increased viscosity, and increased the storage and loss modulus of PSE‐like meat batters with smaller oil droplets. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the two amino acids increased Tmax1 and Tmax2. In summary, l‐arginine and l‐lysine improved the quality attributes of PSE‐like sausages by improving the emulsifying and gelling properties of PSE‐like meat batters.

In-depth insight into the effects of tapioca or corn acetylated distarch phosphate on the gel properties and in vitro digestibility of kung-wan

Modified starch is increasingly applied in the meat industry as an effective functional ingredient to provide meat products with the desired textural properties and appearance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of incorporating tapioca acetylated distarch phosphate (TADSP) or corn acetylated distarch phosphate (CADSP) on the gel properties and in vitro digestibility of Chinese-style meatballs known as kung-wan. The results showed that TADSP and CADSP significantly enhanced the textural properties of kung-wan in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), as well as enhanced the rheological behavior of meat batters. TADSP resulted in a denser meat protein gel network compared to CADSP, primarily because the lower pasting temperature of TADSP made it gelatinize earlier and more completely during heating than CADSP and subsequently filled in the meat protein gel network. The intermolecular forces observed in kung-wan with TADSP or CADSP were hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Furthermore, the protein digestibility of kung-wan was increased with higher levels of TADSP and CADSP (P < 0.05). Notably, kung-wan with TADSP exhibited significantly higher protein digestibility than those with CADSP at the same level (P < 0.05). Our results offer valuable insights into the potential application of acetylated distarch phosphate in kung-wan.

Effects of transglutaminase coupled with κ-carrageenan on the rheological behaviours, gel properties and microstructures of meat batters

This study investigated the effects of the combined application of transglutaminase (TG) and κ-carrageenan (KC) on the rheological behaviours, gel properties, and microstructures of meat batters before and after heat treatment. The results indicated that the combined addition of TG and KC could significantly improve the apparent viscosity and viscoelastic behaviour of uncooked meat batter, and lead to a more rigid network structure and faster elastic response than the addition of either TG or KC. Moreover, apart from the formation of a denser and finer gel network, the gel properties of cooked meat batter were effectively improved after the addition of TG and KC. Compared with the samples containing either TG or KC, cooked meat batter containing 0.3% TG and 0.2% KC exhibited the highest hardness, adhesiveness, chewiness, and springiness (P < 0.05), this was verified by the rheological test under the temperature sweep mode. Therefore, compared with the addition of TG or KC alone, the combined addition of TG and KC could synergistically enhance the gel properties and viscoelastic behaviour of meat batter.