Are you a home cook who cooks the same cuts of beef over and over again? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. Even most experienced home cooks are not aware of the different cuts of beef. There are many different kinds of beef, from the leanest to the fattiest. Well, we’re here to help you understand the 6 different cuts of beef so you can make the most out of your cooking!
If you didn’t know, each cut varies in flavour, texture and how it should be prepared. Read on to find out more about each different cut of beef, which part of the cow the cuts belong to, the benefits and nutritional facts of each cut type, and the Recipes you can make with the cuts!
Source: Freepik
6 Different Cuts of Beef
1. Ribeye
Ribeye, as the name suggests, is located in the rib section of the cow which runs between the 6th and the 12th ribs. It’s known for its exceptional marbling, tenderness and distinctive flavour.
Because it’s rich in fat, it has a higher calorie content compared to the leaner cuts. This part of the cow contains a great source of protein, iron and Vitamin Bs especially B12 which is important for energy and red blood cell production.
Ribeye is often the best choice for dry heat methods like grilling or roasting to enhance its marbling. One simple way you can cook boneless ribeye is to season it with salt, pepper, and a little bit of garlic butter and then grill it on high heat for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side to cook to medium.
Recipe you can cook with ribeye: Grilled Ribeye Steak with Smokey Eggplant and Pomegranate Salad
These tender, juicy and grilled Aussie steaks are made with very little ingredients including eggplants and pomegranates, perfect for a lovely dinner at home with friends and family.
2. Tenderloin
Located directly behind the ribs which is not a heavily used muscle, tenderloin is very much more tender compared to more muscular cuts. Due to its tenderness, this is where some of the most expensive cuts are found.
Compared to ribeye, tenderloin is the leanest cut of beef which has very low fat content and few calories. This part has high protein which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Besides, tenderloin is also packed with minerals such as iron, zinc and phosphorus.
If you’re wondering how to cook this part of the beef, quick cooking methods such as grilling or pan-searing would be ideal as it’s a tender cut. To maintain its moisture, tenderloin should be cooked on high heat for a relatively short time.
Recipe you can cook with tenderloin: Beef Tenderloin Vietnamese Noodle Bowl
Craving some hearty Vietnamese noodle bowl? With only a few simple ingredients and a minimal fuss preparation, you’ll be able to make your very own Beef Tenderloin Vietnamese Noodle Bowl at home. Perfect for a rainy day!
3. Sirloin
The sirloin comes from the rear part of the cow, after the 13th rib to the back of the hip bone. Like the tenderloin, sirloin comes from the area where the muscles are not very active and thus, this part of the cow is also tender and flavourful. Compared to ribeye, sirloin is leaner.
It’s packed with high protein and important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12, iron, selenium and phosphorus. Eating this part of the beef is good for bone and teeth health as well as building and repairing muscles.
Sirloin is best cooked by grilling, roasting, and broiling. This way, the meat becomes juicy and more flavourful, especially after marinating.
Recipe you can cook with sirloin: Japanese Shabu Shabu Beef Soup
With just a short preparation and cooking time, this recipe ends up with a nice, hot, delicious and comforting bowl of Shabu Shabu beef noodle soup. Cook with Australian Beef Sirloin, Japanese Shabu Shabu Beef Soup is perfect dish.
Source: Freepik
4. Brisket
Comes from the lower breast or pectoral muscles of a cow, and brisket is one of the main barbeque meats. Because that part of the cow is always working, it is considered to be tougher than the other cuts.
Brisket also tends to be higher in fat content as it is a fattier cut. However, if you prefer a less fatty brisket, you may trim the fat cap and leave a small amount for flavour. When enjoyed in moderation, brisker offers several health benefits as it is rich in collagen, protein as well as other nutrients such as vitamin Bs, iron, zinc and coq10.
The best method for cooking beef brisket is low and slow which makes it tender and moist. The long cooking time allows the breakdown of the tough connective tissue.
Recipe you can cook with brisket: BBQ Brisket in Oven
For a melt-in your-mouth BBQ beef brisket made right in your oven, this easy recipe is just perfect for you to try! You only need a handful of ingredients and you’re on your way to indulge in some delicious tender and juicy beef brisket. Use your favourite BBQ sauce or make your very own homemade BBQ sauce to achieve the flavour you desire.
Cut out the hassle and check out The Meat Club BBQ Bundle Box here for the ingredients that you need.
5. Chuck
Chuck consists of the shoulder and neck area of the cow. This part of the cow is tough due to its higher fatty content and high amount of connective tissue. However, it’s a very flavourful region that can be cooked in many different ways.
This cut is also packed with high protein content and rich in iron, necessary for the production of red blood cells in the body. Due to its high-fat content, chuck is more calorie-dense.
The beef part of the cow is incredibly versatile, often used for kebab meat, sandwich steaks, beef curry, and beef soup. Chuck is best cooked in slow-cooking methods like stewing, braising, grilling, or a traditional pan-seared method. The slow-cooking method allows the meat to be more tender and flavourful, making it a good choice for many hearty dishes.
Recipe you can cook with chuck: Slow Cooked Premium Range Diced Beef Stew
This delicious, hearty and comforting beef stew recipe is not only easy to make at home but it’s something you will repeatedly make for yourself as the ultimate comfort dish! It’s the perfect recipe for cozy family dinners.
6. Flank
Another different part of beef you need to also know is the flank. This beef part of the cow is located just below the loin and has no bones. The meat is known to be a little tough but has an intense beefy flavour. However, when cooked the right way, it remains tender and not so chewy.
Flank is more towards lean cuts with minimal fat which makes it low in calories. Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts often choose this cut as it is one of the healthiest cuts being packed with protein, iron and zinc which are all essential for muscle building as well as recovery after a workout session.
The best way to cook flank is on high heat and the quicker it gets cooked, the tougher it will be. To enhance tenderness, be sure to slice them thinly against the grain. Grilling, broiling and pan-searing are some of the ways you can cook them. This gives them the perfect texture and taste especially if you marinate them before cooking.
Recipe you can cook with flank: Grilled Marinated Flank Steak
With this easy recipe, you can make your very own tasty grilled flank steak at home. This part of the cut is best eaten medium rare and thinly sliced at an angle across the grain of the cut for the best experience. Don’t forget to marinate it for 2 hours beforehand! You will only need a few ingredients and a little time on your hands.
Get Your Different Cuts of Beef at The Meat Club
With many different cuts of beef in the market, choosing the right cut can make your experience even more spectacular. Now that you understand the different cuts of beef, you can make your favourite dishes in the comfort of your home! Whether you enjoy eating tender meat like tenderloin or you prefer something more healthy like flank, there’s a cut for every occasion and each cut has its own qualities.
If you would love to try the different beef cuts, check out The Meat Club and subscribe to our flexible subscription model for all your favourite products. We offer a wide range of premium quality meat of different cuts from Australia and New Zealand delivered right to your door in Singapore. Plus, with the subscription, you get to save up to 15% off your subscription basket and get a free mince for life! Subscribe now and enjoy delicious meals at home with your loved ones.