To get rid of a beef smell before cooking, you can follow these steps:
Rinse the beef: Give the beef a quick rinse under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels afterward. This can help remove some surface odors.
Marinate the beef: Create a marinade using ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, or your preferred herbs and spices. Allow the beef to soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the thickness of the meat. Marinating can help mask and neutralize any unwanted smells.
Use baking soda: Rub a small amount of baking soda on the beef and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Baking soda can help absorb odors.
Lemon or vinegar solution: Rub the beef with lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Both lemon and vinegar can help eliminate strong odors.
Activated charcoal: Place some activated charcoal in a container, put a wire rack on top, and place the beef on the rack. Seal the container and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. The activated charcoal can absorb odors from the beef.
Coffee grounds: Spread a thin layer of coffee grounds on a plate or shallow container. Place the beef on a wire rack over the coffee grounds, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours. Coffee grounds can help absorb odors effectively.
Store properly: If the beef has a strong odor due to spoilage, it's better not to attempt to cook it. Properly store beef in the refrigerator or freezer, and if it smells off or unpleasant, it's best to discard it.
Remember that the quality and freshness of the beef play a significant role in its odor. It's always best to purchase high-quality, fresh beef to minimize any unwanted smells before cooking.