Braising

Braising is the slow cooking of food partially submerged in liquid, typically at a gentle simmer (180–200°F/82–93°C). It is the definitive method for transforming tough, collagen-rich cuts of meat into tender, flavorful dishes — and it works because of a specific protein transformation that only time and wet heat can achieve.

The science: collagen to gelatin

The key to braising is collagen — the tough connective tissue protein that holds muscle fibers together in cuts like chuck, short ribs, and shanks. Collagen is organized in strong, rope-like triple helices that are essentially insoluble and extremely chewy when raw.