What Is A Meat Cleaver Used For: The Ultimate Guide

What is a meat cleaver?

The meat cleaver is a versatile and useful tool in the kitchen. Used by home cooks and professional chefs alike, it has become trendy, making it a must-have item in any kitchen. A meat cleaver is a large, heavy knife with a rectangular, wide-blade design. It is designed for challenging cutting tasks, especially those that involve cutting board pieces of meat and tough bones. A meat cleaver's sturdy handle, thick spine, and weight allow for effortless chopping and splitting while its razor-sharp edge facilitates precise cuts.

Jump To

• What is a meat cleaver?
• Different types of meat cleavers 
• How does it differ from butcher knives?
• Why is there a hole in a meat cleaver?
• Core strengths/uses of a meat cleaver
• Caring for your meat cleaver 
• What is the meat cleaver not suited for?
• Where does the meat cleaver fit in the kitchen?
• Conclusion
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Most Western-style meat cleavers are made from high-quality stainless steel, high-carbon steel, or a combination. Stainless steel is a popular material choice because of its rust-resistant properties. On the other hand, high-carbon steel is preferred for its ability to retain sharpness for extended periods. Overall, the choice of the rectangular blade material depends on personal preferences and budget considerations. With the right technique and maintenance, the Meat Cleaver can be an indispensable tool in the kitchen. Read on to learn what it is, its uses, its benefits, and much more!

Different types of meat cleavers 

There are several different types of meat cleavers, each designed for specific purposes and cutting tasks. Here are some common types:

Chinese cleaver (Cai Dao,菜刀)

This versatile cleaver is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It has a rectangular shape with a thin, lightweight blade, making it suitable for slicing, dicing, and chopping vegetables and cutting through bones and meat. Chinese cleavers often have a sharp edge and are excellent for precise cutting.

Western-style cleaver

The Western-style meat cleaver is heavier and more robust than the Chinese cleaver. It is designed primarily for cutting through bones and meat in a straightforward, forceful manner. The blade is wider and thicker, giving it greater durability and chopping power.

Butcher's cleaver

This type is designed for professional butchers and heavy-duty cutting tasks. It has a thick, heavy blade with a deep curve, allowing it to easily chop through large bones and dense meat. Butcher's cleavers are built to withstand significant force and are commonly used in meat processing facilities.

Meat tenderizer cleaver

Some cleavers have a dual-purpose design with a flat side and a tenderizer side. The tenderizer side has small spikes or protrusions that help break down the connective tissues in meat, making it more tender and suitable for cooking.

Bone chopper cleaver

This type of cleaver is specifically designed for chopping through large bones, such as those found in beef or poultry. It has a heavy, thick blade that can withstand the impact of bone cutting.

Electric meat cleaver

Electric meat cleavers are motorized cleavers designed for commercial or industrial use. They are ideal for slicing large quantities of meat quickly and precisely.

Asian-style cleavers

In addition to the Chinese cleaver, other Asian countries have their variations of meat cleavers, each with distinct features and shapes. For example, the Japanese Nakiri is a specialized vegetable cleaver, while the Korean Sujihiki cleaver is used for slicing meat thinly.

Each meat cleaver type has unique advantages, and the choice of which one to use depends on the cook's specific cutting tasks and preferences.

How does it differ from butcher knives?

Some people confuse a meat cleaver with a butcher knife, perhaps because both kitchen knives are used in raw meat preparation. However, they each serve different purposes. A butcher’s knife has a curved, thinner blade, making it ideal for slicing and trimming boneless meat. On the other hand, a meat cleaver has a wide blade length and enough heft to make it better suited for heavy-duty tasks. For example, splitting thick bones, crushing garlic, and chopping through large, thick cuts of meat. A meat cleaver can also be used for other tasks like slicing vegetables or even mincing herbs when the flat side is used.

Why is there a hole in a meat cleaver?

While not all cleavers feature a hole, many designs have one. The primary purpose of the hole is to reduce friction during cutting and prevent the heavy blade from sticking to the food. It also allows for easy hanging and storage. Furthermore, the hole offers a convenient spot to apply pressure on the sharp blade, which is very helpful, particularly when executing powerful chopping motions.

Core strengths/uses of a meat cleaver

Cleaver knives are versatile tools with a variety of uses. The following are some of their core strengths/primary functions:

• Chopping: Whether it’s tough vegetables, large fruits, or thick meat, the best meat cleaver facilitates quick and precise chopping. This is the main reason behind its increased popularity.
• Dicing: The wide blade allows for efficient dicing of large quantities of ingredients which may prove difficult to do when using smaller knives.
• Tenderizing: The meat cleaver's long blade size and heavy weight are perfect for tenderizing challenging cuts/large pieces of meat. It allows you to break down connective tissues easily.
• Crushing: You can use the flat side of the thick blade to crush garlic, ginger, or spices.
• Sectioning Poultry: The Chinese cleaver easily cuts through poultry and separates it into manageable portions.
• Splitting Bones: The sturdy and thick spine of the cleaver knife can safely split through heavy bones hence, simplifying the butchering process. It is quicker and easier to break down large cuts of meat like beef ribs or poultry.

However, it's important to note that meat cleavers may not be suitable for delicate tasks or precision cutting. They can be more challenging to handle for those not used to their weight and size. When using a meat cleaver, proper technique and caution are crucial to ensure safety and efficiency in the kitchen.

Caring for your meat cleaver 

Proper care of your meat cleaver is essential to maintain its performance, longevity, and safety. Here are some tips on how to care for your meat cleaver:

• Handwashing: Always wash your meat cleaver with warm soapy water immediately after use. Avoid putting it in the dishwasher, as the high heat and harsh detergents can damage the blade and handle.
• Drying: After washing, dry the cleaver thoroughly with a clean towel. Moisture can lead to rust, so remove all water from the blade and handle.
• Avoid abrasive materials: Do not use abrasive sponges or scouring pads on the cleaver, as they can scratch the blade and weaken its integrity.
• Sharpening: Regularly maintain the cleaver's sharpness by honing the blade with a honing rod before or after each use. If the edge becomes dull, use a whetstone or take it to a professional for sharpening.
• Storage: Store the meat cleaver in a knife block, magnetic strip, or blade guard to protect the blade from damage and prevent accidents. Avoid throwing it into a drawer with other utensils, which can dull the edge and cause nicks.
• Oil the blade: Occasionally, apply a thin layer of food-safe mineral oil to prevent rust. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth.
• Avoid hard surfaces: When using the meat cleaver, avoid cutting on hard surfaces like stone or metal. As this can damage the blade, stick to soft cutting boards made of wood or plastic.
• Separate meat and non-meat tasks: If possible, reserve the meat cleaver solely for cutting meat and bones. This will prevent cross-contamination with other ingredients and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
• Use a cutting board with a groove: To minimize mess and prevent liquids from spilling over the edge of the cutting board, use one with a groove around the perimeter.
• Handle with care: Avoid using excessive force when cutting with the cleaver, as this can cause damage to the blade or handle. Let the weight of the cleaver do most of the work.

Since meat cleavers are mainly used for bone and meat cutting, they are less likely to encounter acidic or corrosive ingredients. Which means they require less maintenance and are less prone to rusting. By following these care tips, you can keep your meat cleaver in excellent condition and ensure it remains a reliable tool in your kitchen for years. 

What is the meat cleaver not suited for?

Although one of the most versatile knives, there are certain tasks that the massive cleaver is not well-suited for. These include the following:

• Precision cutting: Because of its thickness, weight, and rectangular shape, the Western meat cleaver is generally not the best choice for tasks that require a delicate, clean cut.
• Peeling and trimming: The bulky size of the cleaver’s blade makes it cumbersome for tasks that require fine peeling or precise trimming.
• Filleting fish: A flexible fillet knife is better than a Chinese vegetable cleaver for easy maneuvering around the skin and bones.

Where does the meat cleaver fit in the kitchen?

Because of the meat cleaver's relatively large size and weight, it is important to find an appropriate spot for it in the kitchen. Leaving such a large tool lying around after use could be dangerous. Ideally, a magnetic strip, large knife block, or a designated hanging rack can keep the Japanese meat cleavers within reach and ensure convenience and safety during cooking.

Overall, the significance of the meat cleaver in the kitchen cannot be understated. Its versatility, ease of use, robustness, and various uses make it a valuable addition to the kitchen knife collection for home cooks and professional chefs. It is the best tool for chopping, dicing, tenderizing, and sectioning tough cuts of meat. While it is not usually suited for delicate tasks or fish filleting, its unparalleled ability to handle meat and bone for food preparation makes it a must-have for any meat lover or avid cook.

Conclusion

A meat cleaver is a powerful and essential tool for preparing food. The meat cleaver can quickly make short work of any task with the proper technique. Several types of meat cleavers are available, all of which have their advantages. Make sure to properly care for your meat cleaver for maximum longevity and optimal performance! 

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