Search

Beef is the name given to meat obtained from the carcasses of cattle. Each primary beef cut is known as a primal cut, which are groups of muscles from the same area of the beef carcass. The beef primal cuts include the chuck, rib, short loin, round, brisket, plate, and flank.

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.

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.

Dried Beef ProductsVarious cuts of beef can be preserved using a combination of seasonings and drying processes, performed under controlled conditions, to produce food items that have a long shelf life.

Canned Beef ProductsCommercially prepared canned products containing beef are widely available. The products are fully cooked, so additional cooking is not required although heating the products for a short period improves the flavor.

Various cuts of beef can be preserved with large quantities of salt or with the use of brining solutions. The preservation process lengthens the time that the beef products can be used safely.

The proper beef cooking times and the correct beef cooking temperatures are extremely important. The optimum flavor and tenderness of various cuts of beef can be consistently achieved when care is taken to follow the recommended time and temperature guidelines for cooking beef.

Variety MeatsVariety meats include some of the organs and extremities. Some variety meats are readily available in food stores and most are available from a butcher or specialty meat market, but may require special ordering.

Miscellaneous Products Frozen Whole Beef Cuts Whole fresh beef cuts may be packaged and frozen before they are purchased by the consumer. Barbecued Beef Ribs There are several brands of beef ribs that have been fully cooked with barbecue sauce added.

Shopping | Thawing | Marinating | Rubs | Cooking | CarvingGeneral Safety and Handling | Ground Beef Safety and Handling | Nutrition Shopping Lean boneless cuts yield up to 4 servings per pound.

General Tips for Carving Beef | Steps for Carving a Prime Rib Roast Beef that is roasted should rest for 10 to 15 minutes after it is removed from the oven so that the natural juices are allowed to settle.

Comparison of Various Cuts of Beef with Chicken | Miscellaneous Nutritional Tips The USDA recommends 2 or 3 servings of meat, fish, or poultry per day. One serving of cooked beef is equal to 3 ounces and is about the size of a deck of cards.

The proper beef roast cook times and the correct beef cooking oven temperatures are extremely important. The optimum flavor and tenderness of various beef roasts can be consistently achieved when care is taken to follow the recommended time and temperature guidelines for cooking beef roasts.

Beef cuts should be selected according to the planned method of cooking. For example, if beef is to be cooked on a grill, a tougher cut from the round or plate should not be purchased, unless the intention is to tenderize the meat before cooking it.

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".

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.

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.

Miscellaneous CutsSome fresh beef cuts or scraps are ground, rolled, tenderized, cubed, or sliced in food stores or meat markets into various products that add convenience for the consumer.

The poaching process cooks beef with the use of simmering liquid in a covered pan. The liquid is brought to a boil, the beef is placed in the boiling liquid, the heat is reduced so that the liquid is at a gentle simmer, and the pan is covered.

Contamination PreventionDoneness | Proper Storage | Safety and Handling Tips Contamination Prevention Shopping When shopping for beef, make sure it is among the last items selected so that the length of time it is without refrigeration is as short as possible.