Beef is one of the most popular meats on the market, and with good reason. There are numerous cuts of beef available and a wide range of ways to cook them. With this kind of variety available, it can be a little tough to know which way is best.
In short, there is no singular best way to prepare or cook beef. It all comes down to personal preference and what you want to get out of your particular cut. The way you prepare your beef changes its flavor and texture, which in turn can change an entire meal. Knowing how to dry age beef is step one, but what do you do afterwards?
Well, to answer that question and more, here are our top picks for the 4 most delicious ways to cook beef.
1. Grilled Beef
If you’re looking for some variety, then the grill might be your best friend. Grilling is a cooking technique that varies from high to low heat, making it appropriate for steaks, burgers, or entire roasts.
If you’re using a gas-powered grill then the process is relatively easy, too. Simply leave the cooker to do its thing. Charcoal grills take a little more maintenance, as you need to periodically replace the charcoals to keep the flame going.
The most popular cuts of beef to use with grills are usually steaks. Ribeye and T-bone are particularly popular.
2. Roast Beef
One of the more popular ways to cook beef is the classic roast. It is often achieved through a prolonged, high-heat form of cooking. If you want to alter how ‘done’ your beef then you can combine a mixture of high and low heat, giving you full control over the end result.
The exposure to high heat is what brings out the incredible flavors most of us associate with great beef. When attempting a roast, the aim is generally to achieve a crispy exterior with a more tender interior. This is where the combination of high-heat and low-heat comes into play.
Most frequently, to achieve the perfect roast, the cut of beef should be put on a low heat for the majority of the cooking period before being seared in a hot oven. The searing process should occur either at the beginning or end of the cooking process.
3. Barbecue Beef
Technically barbecue beef isn’t that different from grilled beef. They both make use of a grill. The key difference with barbecue is that instead of utilizing high heat, a consistent low heat is used for extended periods of time (usually around eight hours).
The wood smoke is what brings out the unique and irresistible flavor in the beef, which is what sets it apart from other popular cooking techniques. Your best bet when attempting the perfect barbecue is to use a charcoal grill. By adding various hardwood chunks you can completely change the flavor of the end result.
4. Stir-Fried Beef
Fancy something a little different? Then try stir frying your beef cut. This often requires the beef to be cut into smaller, thinner pieces cooked in a wok or skillet. A small amount of oil and a mixture of other ingredients (namely vegetables) can result in a beautiful mix of flavors.
As all the ingredients are cooked in the same dish, you get more out of your food than you would from cooking them solitary. This mixture is ideal for those who prefer a more varied culinary experience. The best beef cut to use here is sirloin. It’s just thin enough to cook thoroughly without sacrificing on quality.
The Bottom Line
Looking to spice up dinnertime? Try one of these ways to create a delicious, succulent beef dish that your family, guests, or just you will love! Treat yourself today with a high-quality steak from the butcher and get cooking!