What does milk do to meat?

Chef's answer
Milk contains calcium, which, according to Shirley Comer at "Fine Cooking," may have an effect on an enzyme in the meat itself that breaks down the proteins. This process is similar to the way that aging tenderizes meat. Milk also contains lactic acid, which helps to break down the proteins and soften the collagen..
Frequently asked Questions 🎓
Some recipes call for scallops to be soaked in milk before cooking. When you buy fresh scallops, what you are getting is actually the large abductor muscle, which the scallop uses to open and close its shell. Soaking scallops in milk is a way to tenderize them and remove any fishy odor.
Soak fish in milk half an hour before cooking to remove iodine taste and fishy smell. To remove the flavor or taste out of the shrimp or fish you bought, soak it in milk for about a half hour before cooking.
Milk-Poached Scallops on Toast Place the seafood in the bottom of a small saucepan. Pour in just enough cold milk to cover the scallops. Put the saucepan on a moderate to high heat. As soon as the milk reaches a simmer, the scallops are cooked and ready to serve.
What's left behind is sweet-smelling, brighter flesh with clean flavor. (Just make sure you pour that milk down the drain.
2 hoursCover scallops with milk and let sit in refrigerator for 2 hours. When ready to prepare, drain the milk and place scallops on paper towels to dry completely.
... Just make sure to pat the fish dry before you season and start cooking.
A few more cooking questions 📍