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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.

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.

Oven Roasts An oven roast is usually a minimum of 2 inches thick. The dry heat of oven roasting enhances the flavor and tenderness of the beef if it is not overcooked. The best oven roasts are from the tender cuts of the loin and rib primals.

Pot Roasts Cuts from the chuck are among the most popular cuts for pot-roasting (braising). They have plenty of connective tissues that melt when the meat is pot-roasted making it tender and flavorful.

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.

SteaksSteaks are among the most popular fresh beef cuts. The best steaks, in terms of tenderness, are from the loin and include the Filet mignon, Porterhouse, T-bone, and top loin strip.

Pork is the meat from the carcass of a pig. The carcass is generally split into two sides of pork, each consisting of four primal cuts. Each primal consists of subprimal cuts that are divided into several specific market ready cuts.

How to Make Cutlets / Paillards Cutlets are boneless cuts of meat or poultry that have been sliced very thin or that have been pounded very thin. Cutlets are sometimes referred to as paillards.