The best part about making small but impactful changes is that you don’t need to miss out on the foods you love!
Red meat is a brilliantly versatile meat, available in a range of cuts suitable for all your favourite weeknight dinners and weekend barbecues.
But did you know that there are some cuts that are leaner and healthier than others, that don’t compromise on flavour?
This week, our wholesale butchers in Melbourne are taking a closer look at some of the best lean red meats on offer.
Whether you’re looking to discover a new cut or want to broaden your repertoire, this handy guide will help you spot flavourful, tasty, and lean red meat from a mile away.
Read on to learn more.
What are the best lean red meats?
Flank steak
One of the leanest cuts of meat, this steak is cut from the rear quarter of the cow, cut from the abdominal muscles. It extends from the ribs to the rump.
In French, flank steak is called ‘bavette’, while it’s also known as the London Broil due to its popularity in the UK capital.
Low in fat and calories and high in protein, flank steak is a fantastic choice for a mid-week dinner with the family or a weekend barbecue with friends.
Chuck steak
Tender, soft, and tasty, chuck steak is also known as stew meat, for obvious reasons!
It’s perfect for hearty winter stews or teamed with roasted veggies, pasta, and rice dishes.
Chuck steak is high in protein and low in calories. Throw it in the slow cooker and enjoy seriously tender meat that melts in your mouth.
Sirloin steak
Sirloin is a cut of meat that comes from the cow’s back. A tender and flavourful cut, the sirloin is a subprimal cut from the short loin.
It contains more than 40% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12, B3, B6, and Zinc.
Also excellent for sandwiches and wraps if you’re looking to up your lunchtime game.
T-bone steak
Named for the shape of its bone, the T-bone steak comes from the short loin of a cow, between the ribs and the loin.
The smaller portion of a T-bone steak is actually the tenderloin (more on that one below) while the larger portion is the strip steak – also known as New York strip.
Strip steak
As mentioned above, strip steak makes up the larger part of a T-bone and is a flavoursome cut with a bold flavour. Tender, juicy, and low in fat, strip steak is a good source of protein and minerals.
A fantastic mid-week dinner, strip steak is tasty and affordable. It’s also brilliant for salads and stir-frys. We recommend a medium-rare cook.
Tenderloin steak
It’s all in the name: this tender and tasty cut comes from the long and narrow muscle located in a cow’s loin, on its upper back, beside the round.
Tenderloin is a versatile meat perfect for the barbecue on the weekend or whipped up on weeknights for a tasty and healthy dinner the whole family will enjoy.
It contains very little fat and boasts a sublime flavour profile.
Is lean red meat healthy?
As you can see, there are so many different cuts of beef that offer the perfect balance between flavour, protein, and fat.
As part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy healthy red meat 3-4 times a week!
No matter your health goals, it’s easy to enjoy lean red meat on a regular basis.
What to look for when choosing lean red meat
Our butchers have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to selecting premium beef products, but there are also a few simple tips that can help you learn what to look for when it comes to choosing the right product.
Colour
Look for a bold red colour rather than a duller brown shade. The colour should generally be consistent throughout the entire piece of meat.
Marbling
Flecks of fat distributed through a piece of meat is called marbling. This is different to the obvious fat around the edge of a piece of meat, which can easily be trimmed away. A small amount of thin marbling is recommended as this helps contribute to a juicy, flavoursome cut of meat.
Fibre
When looking at the meat, look closely at the muscle fibres. These should be firm and pointing in the same direction. Firm meat indicates care during handling and preparation.
Cut
Spot our premium butchers behind the counter doing their work!
We prepare cuts with the greatest of care: clean cuts, smooth edges, and uniform sizing.
Country of origin
At Australian Butchers Store, we are proud to say that our meat is 100% Aussie grown and sourced from local farmers. Fresh meat is delivered to our stores daily and we prepare every single piece of meat on-site.
Buy meat online from Australian Butchers Store
We are passionate about delivering only the finest quality Australian wholesale meats, from beef and lamb to chicken, to make dinner time with your family easy, tasty, and healthy.
Not sure which type of meat to use for a new recipe? Interested in trying a new cut for the first time? Searching for local butchers that deliver? Australian Butchers Store is here to help!
We can even prepare and cut the meat exactly the way you need it and are happy to share tips and tricks when it comes to cooking the perfect steak for your family.
Visit one of our four stores across Melbourne or alternatively, order online to enjoy delivery direct to your door.
