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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.

Braising is a process of slow cooking tougher cuts of meat in liquid in order to add flavor and to moisten and tenderize the meat. This technique is also known as pot-roasting.

People often use the terms barbecuing and grilling interchangeably, but they are two completely different cooking processes. While grilling refers to food that is cooked directly over high heat, barbecuing refers to foods that are cooked with a long, slow process using indirect, low-heat generated by smoldering logs or wood chips that smoke-cook the food.

Stewing is a moist heat cooking process much like braising except that the meat is totally immersed in liquid rather than being only partially immersed as it is with braising.

Oven-Broiling | Pan-Broiling Broiling is much like grilling in that food is cooked directly with high heat. The difference between broiling and grilling is that broiling is usually done in an oven and the heat source is above the food (except when pan-broiling) whereas grilling is done on equipment that is generally used outdoors and the heat source is below the food.

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.

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.

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.

The stir-frying process requires high heat and the tossing and stirring of ingredients in a large pan to ensure quick and even cooking. A wok is the traditional type of pan to use for stir-frying because it has deep tapered sides which allows food to be stirred and tossed easily.

Pan-frying is similar to sautéing except that a little more oil is used, the cuts of beef do not have to be thin, and the cooking process may require more time. Like sautéing, high heat is used to sear the meat, creating a flavorful browned crust.

Cooking Times | Baking Fish | Pan-frying Fish | Deep-Frying FishGrilling & Broiling Fish | Doneness | Cooking Tips Fish can be prepared using almost any type of cooking method including baking, steaming, frying, grilling, broiling, or slow cooking.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.