Effects of ultrasound-assisted cooking on the physicochemical properties and microstructure of pork meatballs

This research aims to investigate the effect of different ultrasonic powers cooking on the quality of pork meatballs. Pork meatballs treated with ultrasound-assisted cooking at 450 W had the most uniform and smooth structures displayed by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, with increasing ultrasonic powers, the water retention capacity of pork meatballs first increased and then decreased, compared with the non-ultrasound group, when the ultrasonic power was 450 W, the cooking yield of pork meatballs increased from 82.55% to 92.87%, and the centrifugal loss decreased from 25.35% to 11.52%. Additionally, ultrasound-assisted cooking had a positive effect on the moisture migration, tenderness, and sensory property of pork meatballs, and 450 W sample exhibited the highest overall acceptability score (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the physicochemical properties and microstructure of pork meatballs could be improved by appropriate ultrasonic power, and ultrasonic technology was considered as an effective processing method for improving the quality of meat products.

Automated summary

This research investigates the effect of different ultrasonic powers on the quality of pork meatballs. The results show that pork meatballs cooked with ultrasound at 450 W have the most uniform and smooth structures. The water retention capacity of the meatballs first increased and then decreased with increasing ultrasonic powers. The study concludes that appropriate ultrasonic power can improve the physicochemical properties and microstructure of pork meatballs, making ultrasonic technology an effective method for improving meat product quality.