Characterization of flavor profile of Steamed beef with rice flour using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry combined with intelligent sensory (Electronic nose and tongue)

The intelligent senses (Electronic nose and tongue), were combined with headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) and free amino acid were used in combination to determine the aroma and taste components during the processing of Chinese traditional dish Steamed beef with rice flour (SBD). The findings revealed that E-nose and E-tongue, could clearly distinguish and identify the aroma and taste of SBD. A total of 66 volatile substances and 19 free amino acids were identified by HS-GC-IMS and amino acid analyzer, respectively. The highest contribution to aroma in the production of SBD was alcohols, esters and aldehydes. Further analysis of relative odor activity showed that 3-Methylbutanol-D, 3-Methylbutanol-M and 3-Methylthio propanal is the marinating stage (T2) main aroma components. Ethyl 3-methylbutanoate-M and Ethyl 3-methylbutanoate-D were the main aroma components in the seasoning stage (T3). Additionally, the calculation of the taste activity value showed that Glutamic contributed significantly to the umami of SBD. Alanine was a representative taste component in the marinating stage (T2), while Proline, Aspartic, Lysine, Glutamic, Valine, Arginine, and Histidine were characteristic amino acids of the seasoning stage (T3). Consequently, this study offers valuable insights into the industrial-scale production and flavor regulation of SBD products.