The forequarter of a beef carcass typically contains more bone and connective tissue. Although less tender, these cuts are also the tastiest and just require different cooking methods or longer cooking times to create mouth-watering and cost-effective meals for your family – ideal for the winter months!
Here is an introduction to some of the best beef cuts that won’t blow the budget.
Bolo
The bolo has a wonderful rich flavour. When used whole it makes a fabulous pot roast. It can be cubed for stewing, sliced for braising and turned into a steak beef olive for frying. This economical cut should be prepared medium to medium rare to prevent it from becoming tough.
Shin
The shin consists of a large proportion of bone and connective tissue. This cut is just the right choice for flavourful soups and stews, where its marrow adds extra flavour to any meal. This bone-in leg cut is a cheaper option to the traditional veal shin in Osseo Bunco.
Chuck
The perfect cut for an unbelievable experience of immense flavour for a heart-warming winter meal! This underrated meat is great for braised dishes like beef stew and can be used for ground beef.
Flank
Flank is actually part of the hindquarter, virtually fat free, but also a good buy. This is an ideal cut, available as ‘thick flank’ or ‘thin flank’, for a diverse range of taste buds! Usually flank is minced for boerewors, burger patties or extra lean mince, but you can even enjoy it well trimmed and cut into strips for a stroganoff or stir fry. What about a thick flank schnitzel for dinner tonight? Tasty!
Brisket
This is a boneless cut, marbled with fat. You can even order a roll of brisket for roasting, cut into cubes for the perfect stew or a scrumptious pot-roast with friends.
Neck
The beef neck is another beautiful cut for casseroles, stews or braising.
Ask your butcher about all the different cuts and ways in which you can enjoy South African beef at its best.
Look out for SPAR’s exclusive range of 'Tender & Tasty' meat cuts. These are exceptional quality cuts you will love. SPAR’S Tender and Tasty range of meat cuts are all trimmed so that our customers have minimal offcuts when slicing the product, ensuring a ready to roast or portion product.
