Surimi gels from striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) employing microbial transglutaminase

Striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) is an abundant marine coastal fish of tropical waters and has a low commercial value. This work deals with the assessment of striped mullet as a resource for surimi gels. To improve the gels obtained, the addition of microbial transglutaminase was evaluated. Optimal conditions for setting were determined using mathematical models. Concentration of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase), temperature and time were studied to improve the mechanical properties of surimi gels from striped mullet. Shear stress was strongly affected by the variables studied while shear strain was moderately affected. Maximum shear stress (156 kPa) was obtained by employing the following setting conditions: a concentration of MTGase of 9.3 g/kg of surimi, a temperature of 37°C and a time of 3.9 h. Under these conditions the shear strain was 1.34. Maximum shear strain (1.57) was obtained by employing the following conditions: a concentration of MTGase of 5 g/kg of surimi, a temperature of 34.5°C and a time of 1 h. Under these conditions the shear stress was 123 kPa.