Use of microbial transglutaminase and nonmeat proteins to improve functional properties of low NaCl, phosphate-free patties made from channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) belly flap meat.

This study was aimed at developing value-added low sodium chloride (NaCl), phosphate-free restructured patties using minced channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) belly flap meat. The effect of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) and nonmeat proteins (isolated soy protein, ISP, and whey protein concentrate, WPC; 1.7%, respectively) alone and in combination were evaluated to improve cooking yield and textural properties in patties with reduced NaCl and no phosphate. The concentration effect of MTGase (0.05% to 0.7%) was also studied. The addition of MTGase increased textural properties such as binding strength, hardness, cohesiveness, chewiness, and springiness, but decreased cooking yield of the patties (P < 0.05). Isolated soy protein increased cooking yield (P < 0.05), but did not affect textural properties. Inclusion of WPC did not increase cooking yield or impact textural properties of patties. The combination of MTGase and ISP significantly increased both the cooking yield and textural properties of patties. As the concentration of MTGase increased at constant ISP, the textural properties of cooked patties significantly increased, but cooking yield decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we suggest that the combination of 0.05% to 0.1% of MTGase with 1.7% ISP is optimal for development of a low NaCl, phosphate-free patty using minced catfish belly flap meat.