If you’re interested in cooking beef of any kind, it’s important to know the different cuts. This will help you choose cuts for different purposes so you won’t feel lost in the grocery store. Let’s get into it!
The 8 Main Cuts of Beef
Before getting into what the best cuts of beef are, let’s take a look at the 8 main cuts. These are:
- Loin
- Round
- Chuck
- Shank
- Brisket
- Rib
- Flank
- Short Plate
As you can see, there are numerous cuts that can all be served and prepared in different ways. But which of these 8 is best? Well, this largely comes down to what you’re planning on cooking.
Below, we’ve narrowed down this list of 8 cuts to a top 3. Of course, this is largely subjective, so others may order their list differently.
The 3 Best Cuts of Beef
Brisket
Taking the third spot on our list is brisket, a cut taken from the breast of the cow. This, of course, is because of its popular use in barbecue. Typically cooked low and slow, brisket is out of this world when prepared properly.
With this being said, this is also a cut that’s easy to screw up. So, if you’re thinking of cooking brisket, make sure to do your research to get that perfect tender texture.
Chuck
Up next on our list is chuck, which is taken from the cow’s shoulder. The reason it takes the second spot on our list is because of its flavor and versatility. This is typically what you’ll find ground beef made of, but it can also be used for chuck steaks, stewing beef, and more.
If you’re looking to make the best homemade hamburgers possible, make patties out of 100% chuck meat. Season liberally with salt and pepper and cook to medium rare on a cast iron pan. Thank us later.
Loin
Finally, the undoubted king of beef cuts is the loin, taken from the cow’s lower back. This is the tenderest beef you can get, which is why it’s what’s mainly used for steaks. While being the most delicious type of beef, it’s also easily the most expensive.
There are many different types of loin cuts, classified as either sirloin or short loin. If you’re looking to have the best cut of beef possible, loin will be your best choice every time.
Some great ways to cook steaks include on the grill, searing in a cast iron pan, or the reverse sear method. Always treat this meat with respect, and make sure to never overcook it.
Conclusion
While every cut of beef has its merit, we believe there are 3 cuts that stand above the rest. Our top three picks are brisket for barbecue, chuck for burgers, and loin for steaks.
Of course, everyone will have their own opinions on the best cuts of beef. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts to see which you like best!
