3 Beef Cooking Tips from Your Local Kalamazoo Butcher

Cooking the perfect beef dish is equal parts art and science. While it’s true that you’ll need to get measurements, portions, and temperatures just right to get your ideal meal, every dish needs a little artistry to truly be delicious. Though, we understand that making the ideal beef-based dish is easier said than done. That’s why we’re taking this month’s blog post to discuss tried-and-true beef cooking tips from your local Kalamazoo butcher.

Choose the Right Cut for the Right Occasion

Choosing the right cut of beef is the first, foremost step to cooking a delicious meal. Though picking the right cut heavily depends on the meal you’re making, it’s also influenced by preferences you may have. Preferences that influence the cut your buy are:

• Fat content and Marbling
• Tenderness
• Juiciness
• Flavor

If you’re not sure how important these qualities are to your meal, then feel free to talk with us about your needs. Our professionals are always happy to help you find the ideal cut of meat, and will point you in the right direction based on your tastes. Or, if you want to get fancy about it, click here to read up on how the USDA identifies qualities of meat. As a certified USDA butcher, we’re here to provide even the finest meats.

The Art of Seasoning and Marination

Once you’ve selected your perfect cut of meat, seasoning and marination are the next step you should look to for enhancing your dish. Again depending on your personal preferences, you might choose to marinate your beef in A1 sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even your own home brew.

Generally speaking, most cuts ought to be marinated for 2-4 hours to achieve peak juiciness. For thicker cuts, allow the beef to marinate for an extended period (8 hours or overnight) to make sure the flavors penetrate deep into the fibers.

Finally, consider a mix of herbs, spices, and acid-based marinades for a well-rounded taste. Not only does proper seasoning elevate the dish, but it also contributes to a more succulent and juicy end result.

Be a Little Patient

After you’ve selected your cut of beef, sliced prepared it, marinated it, and cooked it, you might be feeling a little tired. Luckily, the next most important step of preparing a prime beef dish is just to take a break.

Before slicing your meat, we recommend just letting it sit for a few minutes. Though you may be tempted to cut right into it, waiting just a little bit will let the temperature inside the meat will lower, allowing the juices to evenly distribute.

Armed with these expert tips, you’re well on your way to creating beef dishes that delight the palate and impress every diner. From selecting the perfect cut to mastering seasoning and embracing the art of patience, your local Kalamazoo butcher at Pease Packing is here to help. For more information on how we can help give you the perfect cut of meat for your meal, contact us today.