Modernist Pantry is the Exclusive source for meat glue in both professional and home sized packages. If you are looking for packaging appropriate for home use, click here
Ingredients: sodium caseinate, maltodextrin, transglutaminase
Activa® RM is the most popular TG formulation used by chefs. In addition to transglutaminase and maltodextrin, it contains a water soluble milk protein called sodium caseinate. This helper protein compensates for any protein deficiencies by sticking to the surface of the food and bonding with the TG. This makes Activa RM ideal for difficult foods, including cooked meats. And there is no downside to including sodium caseinate, even if the application doesnt require the extra bonding power that it provides. So Activa® RM is your best bet for most meat glue recipes.
Activa® RM can be sprinkled on dry as a powder. It can be mixed into a slurry with 4 parts water. It can also be added directly into ground meat mixtures. It is safe and easy to use.
Typical usage is 0.75 - 1.0% of protein weight.
The Home package contains enough TG Preparation for 12-15 lbs. of product. The Professional package contains enough for 220-300 lbs.
Note: Transglutaminase enzymes degrade quickly once exposed to oxygen. To avoid waste, we recommend buying professional packages only if you plan to use a large quantity in a relatively short time. Unopened packages have a shelf life of about two years.
Transglutaminase (TG), aka Meat Glue, is a natural enzyme that has the ability to glue protein-containing foods together. When raw meats are bound with TG, they typically have the strength and appearance of whole uncut muscles.
Primary uses of transglutaminase include:
Additionally, TG can thicken egg yolks, strengthen dough mixtures, thicken dairy systems, and increase yield in tofu production, among other applications.
Transglutaminase is a naturally occurring enzyme in plants, animals, and bacteria. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts in chemical reactions; they speed up these reactions and in some cases cause reactions to occur that otherwise wouldnt.
TG bonds protein molecules together with a (very strong) covalent bond by linking the amino acids glutamine and lysine.
Transglutaminase is safe. It will not harm you or glue your hands together. TG is deactivated by most cooking techniques and imparts no off-flavors to foods. TG is classified by the FDA as a GRAS product (generally recognized as safe) when used properly.
Sources: Ajinomoto Corp., CookingIssues.com
Modernist Pantry carries the full line of Activa® brand transglutaminase preparations manufactured by Ajinomoto Corp in 1 kilo packages.
