While the slogan, "Beef: It's What's for Dinner", was invented and used in US public awareness campaigns by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, it's a slogan I remember each time I'm thinking about what I'm going to eat for dinner. In the last couple of years, I've learned that there's more than one animal associated with the word "beef". I've also learned about the different cuts of beef and what they're called. When it comes to beef, however, I'm an eater and not a butcher, so I could be wrong about a few things.
Beef and Bovinae
Most people think that beef only comes from cattle. A cow is a bovine; a member of the bovinae family. Beef obviously comes from the other members of the bovinae family: Cattle, bison (including American Bison, colloquially called buffalo), water buffalos, yaks and antelopes. Honestly, I don't know what the meat of the other animals is supposed to be called.
Here in the Philippines, the meat of water buffalo (carabao in English or kalabaw in the local Tagalog language) is sometimes passed off as the beef from cattle. While the taste is similar, the meat is much tougher to chew. I only shop for beef at the Royal Subic store at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone because I know it's "real" beef.
Beef Cuts
Ground beef is commonly called hamburger meat. [The word "hamburger" may have been invented in Hamburg, Germany or Hamburg, New York.] Ground beef is used in a variety of foodstuff, including hamburgers (or just "burgers"). I use it in spaghetti and hamburger goulash. Ground chuck comes from the front of the cow while ground round comes from the rear.
Steak is just a cut of meat of any kind, but commonly refers to beef when the word is used alone and doesn't specify any particular part. Beef brisket refers to a cut from the chest (or breast) of the animal. Prime rib is obviously a cut from the ribs.
There are other cuts and I really can't get into detail about a subject I know so little about. You have short loin, tenderloin, top sirloin, sirloin, bottom sirloin, plate, flank and shank to deal with as well.
Beef Recipes
There a billion and one beef recipes in existence, including specific barbecue recipes. Steakhouses in the US and Canada are masters of the different beef recipes. Places like the Sault Ste Marie Restaurants in Ontario, Canada don't specialize in just beef, while places like Black Angus in the US do.
I won't even attempt to get into the recipes right now — there are way too many. A grilled steak of almost any cut is enough for me, although my wife is in love with T-Bone Steaks. She's had them for breakfast (really) at places like International House of Pancakes (IHOP) as well as for lunch and dinner at places like Golden Corral. It's amazing that she has such an affinity for them since she was born and raised in the Philippines where fish and rice dominate the day.
I feel for the members of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) who simply can't enjoy beef. I, on the other hand, am a member of PETA (People Eating Tasty Animals) and I enjoy it whenever I can. Moo.
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This article is published as: Beef: It's What's for Dinner
I've never done a Brazilian BBQ, what's involved? Beef? I have had the pleasure of Mongolian BBQ though – and that was also stomach popping! Mongolian BBQ involves a giant wok or hotplate and all the meat gets tossed on and cooked by a chef with enormous chopsticks the length of your arm!
What a coincidence. T-bone steak is also my favorite. same as that of your wife. I prefer it cook medium rare. :)
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I'm non-vegetarian, I includes salad, unlimited beefsteak and French fries in my dinner…
I had to laugh at the last sentence when you mentioned your own version of PETA. Moo is all I have to say to your own moo. I like beef myself and wouldn't want to stop eating it. Plus it's good for the blood they say. Who am I to argue with them. :)
Beef is very healthy and and delicious, and should be in your diet.
I cannot help but say, "Go Beef!"
Steak hot off the barbecue is my all time favorite. Add that with corn on the cob, potato salad, Ruffles chips, and some homemade root beer. Then perhaps top that off with homemade strawberry ice cream with strawberries out of the home garden. HMMMMMMM! I love summer and it is coming fast.
My friend sells meat to some of the fine dining restaurants we have here in Hawai. and he tells me about the quality of meat all the time. He won't ever eat fast food, never asked why…
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Beef and all other meats gives us energy that we need for our everyday work but you should also remember that it must be regulated. And add some vegetables and other sources of nutrients to make it balanced.
I love barbecue! anybody knows different ways/ingredients to make a barbecue tastier?