beef preparation guide - Knowledge Search
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Beef can be aged so that the flavor and tenderness are enhanced. As the beef ages, enzymes in the meat are released which help to soften the tough, connective tissues. The aging process must be performed under carefully monitored conditions by a professional and should not be tried at home.
Meat Grinder | Food Processor | Hand Chopping
When purchasing ground beef, it is not always possible to know which beef cuts were used to produce the ground beef unless it is labeled "ground round" or "ground chuck".
Pounding | Commercial Powders | Marinating | Rubs | Barding
Tenderizing makes it possible to purchase less costly beef cuts and still enjoy the tenderness that is usually found only in the more expensive cuts.
Refrigerator Method | Microwave MethodDefrosting Time | Additional Thawing and Defrosting Tips
Refrigerator Method
(Recommended)
Frozen beef should not be defrosted at room temperature.
Tying a Rib Roast | Tying a Tenderloin | Tying a Top Blade Chuck Roast
Tying various cuts of beef is a good way to hold the shape of a roast, to keep the cut of beef in a compact form, and to make sure that the meat will be cooked evenly.
Many cuts of beef purchased at a food store or specialty meat market are ready to cook, but some cuts may need additional trimming or boning before they can be cooked. If extra calories and saturated fat are an issue, then it is best to remove as much external fat as possible.
Some tasks to be aware of when preparing and baking a ham: thawing the ham properly, keeping a clean working area, and preparation for the cooking method being used. Most hams are prepared in the same basic manner for many of the ham recipes you will use.
Thawing Fish | Salmon Preparation | Tips
Thawing Fish
Frozen fish can be cooked without thawing but the cooking time would need to be increased to cook it thoroughly. If the fish is going to be breaded, stuffed, broiled, fried or cooked in the microwave, it should be thawed completely first.
Cleaning/Rinsing Grain | Soaking Grain | Toasting Grain
Preparation of whole grains before cooking is fairly simple: most require only washing or soaking before they can be cooked.
Thawing | Preparing a Rack of Lamb | Preparing a Crown RoastPreparing a Guard of Honor | Boning and Butterflying a Leg of Lamb | Grinding
Thawing
Lamb that has been frozen should never be defrosted at room temperature because harmful bacteria may grow rapidly under such conditions.
When roasting beef it is important to select the proper cut of roast beef to produce moist and tender meat when the roast beef is cooked to the desired doneness. Using the proper beef cooking times and temperatures is critical to the end results.
Clarified Butter | Brown Butter | Homemade Butter
Clarified Butter
Melting whole butter and removing the milk solids and water, produces clarified butter. It is a rich golden fat that is also referred to as drawn butter.
The high heat of grilling sears the surface of beef, creating tender meat with a flavorful crust. The required cooking temperature and the method of grilling (direct, indirect, or a combination) depends on the cut of beef and the quality of the meat.
Tips on Making Homemade Pasta
Strengthen your homemade pasta dough by substituting ½ cup or less of semolina flour in place of an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
If the pasta becomes sticky at any point while working with the dough, dust it lightly with flour.
The equipment needed to make fresh homemade pasta consists of fairly basic items. At a minimum you will need a work surface, measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin, knife, and your hands for mixing and kneading.
USDA Mandatory Inspection | USDA Optional Grading | Religious Restrictions
USDA Mandatory Inspection
All beef sold in the United States must pass inspection by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
When making stuffed pasta, the pasta dough should be rolled thinner than when making other pasta because the stuffed pasta requires two layers. Using thinner layers will prevent the edges of the stuffed pasta from becoming too thick.
Pounding
Pounding of meat is performed for various purposes. Meat is pounded to tenderize, to even out the thickness of some cuts so that they cook more evenly, and to form cutlets.
The food label on packaged beef provides a variety of information designed to make shopping as easy as possible. The label provides the following information depending on the type of beef product that is purchased:
Description of Beef Cut
The label on raw beef cuts contains the name of the primal cut the beef was taken from, the name of the retail or market ready cut, a short description (bone-in or boneless), the total weight, and cost per pound.