Every day, it seems like someone is touting a new and better way to cook beef. You’ve heard the claims: “Beef cooked this way is juicy and tender.” But with so many different methods available, which one should you use? Here’s a look at some popular ways to prepare beef and the pros and cons of each.
10 Ways to Cook of Beef
There are many different methods to prepare beef, but which one is right for you? Check out these ten popular methods and see which sounds best!
Braising
Braising is a process where you cook beef in a small amount of liquid, usually water, wine, or broth. The low temperature and long cook time make for a very tender and juicy piece of beef. Braising is best suited for tough cuts of beef, like chuck roast or brisket.
Roasting
Roasting beef is a dry cooking method, so you don’t use any liquid. The high temperature creates a crust on the outside of the beef, sealing in the juices. Roasting is best for tender cuts of beef, like rib roast or tenderloin.
Grilling
Grilling is a dry cooking method that uses high heat to cook the beef. It involves direct contact between the beef and the heat source, so it’s important to watch the beef carefully so that it doesn’t overcook. The direct contact with the heat source creates a crust on the outside of the beef. Grilling is common in easy ground beef recipes, like hamburger patties.
Pan-frying
Pan-frying is a dry cooking method that uses a small amount of oil to cook the beef. The high heat creates a crust on the outside of the beef, sealing in the juices. Pan-frying is best for tender cuts of beef, like steak or hamburger patties.
Stir-frying
Stir-frying is a dry cooking method that uses a small amount of oil to cook the beef where high heat creates a crust on the outside of the beef, sealing in the juices. Stir-frying is best for tender cuts of beef, like steak or hamburger patties.
Stewing
Stewing is a process where you cook beef in a small amount of liquid, usually water, wine, or broth. The low temperature and long cook time make for a very tender and juicy piece of beef. Stewing is best suited for tough cuts of beef, like chuck roast or brisket.
Broiling
Broiling is a dry cooking method that uses high heat to cook the beef. It is like grilling, but upside-down. Broiling involves direct contact between the beef and the heat source, so it’s important to watch the beef carefully so that it doesn’t overcook.
Sous Vide
Sous Vide is a process where you cook beef in a vacuum-sealed bag in a water bath. The low temperature and long cook time make for a very tender and juicy piece of beef. Sous Vide is best suited for tough cuts of beef, like chuck roast or brisket.
Barbecue
Barbecue is a process similar to grilling, but unlike grilling, the beef is cooked indirectly. That means that the beef is not directly contacting the heat source. The indirect heat and smoke create a crust on the outside. Barbecue is best suited for tough cuts of beef, like chuck roast or brisket.
Skillet
A skillet is a pan with sloped sides and a long handle. It is used for cooking beef over high heat. The direct contact with the skillet creates a crust outside the beef, sealing in the juices. Skillet is best for tender cuts of beef, for other recipes like chili spaghetti sauce, tacos, or enchiladas.
Conclusion
So, which beef-cooking method is right for you? It all depends on the type of beef you’re cooking and your personal preferences. Ask your butcher or your local grocery store staff for recommendations if you’re not sure.
