What you’re describing is almost certainly a meat tenderizer needle tool (also called a jaccard-style tenderizer).
Why it fits your description
- Tiny red plastic body → many of these have red handles or housings
- Looks like a comb → the needles are arranged in straight rows
- Lengthy metal prongs → thin stainless-steel blades or needles that extend downward
- Found in a kitchen drawer → exactly where these usually live
What it’s used for
- You press it straight down into meat
- The metal prongs pierce the surface
- This:
- Breaks down tough muscle fibers
- Helps marinades penetrate
- Makes cheaper cuts much more tender
It’s commonly used on:
- Steak
- Pork chops
- Chicken breasts
Important safety note ⚠️
If you use it on raw meat:
- Wash it very thoroughly (prongs can trap bacteria)
- Don’t use it on already-cooked meat
- Avoid using it on meat you plan to eat rare unless you’re careful — it can push surface bacteria inside
What it’s not
- Not a hair comb
- Not an electrical component
- Not a medical device
- Not a toy (even though it can look oddly like one 😅)
If you want to be 100% sure, you can:
- Tell me roughly how big it is (in inches/cm), or
- Say whether the prongs slide in and out when pressed
But based on your description, I’m very confident that’s it.