The piece count of USDA Choice Angus Beef Special Trim Cryovac varies by bag and is priced per pound. This is a specialty cut of beef that tastes great and is juicy. The beef is flat and a bit thin, and it has muscles just below and above the blade bone.
If you’ve glanced at the butcher counter recently, you may have come across an unfamiliar cut called “beef special trim.” This intriguingly named meat has likely left you with some questions. What exactly is beef special trim? Where does it come from and how is it used? This guide will uncover all the details on this unique cut of beef
What Is Beef Special Trim?
Beef special trim refers to trimmed pieces of beef from various primal cuts that meet certain size requirements. It is made up of beef trimmings from parts like the chuck, rib, loin, and round. To qualify as special trim, the pieces must be at least 1/2 inch thick and have a surface area of around 8 square inches or larger. This ensures a good sized, thick cut.
The trimmings are lean with minimal fat, bones, and connective tissue. However, special trim contains a variety of muscle fibers and textures since it hails from different parts of the cow. This affects the grain, color, and tenderness of the final cut.
Where Does Special Trim Come From on the Cow?
As mentioned, beef special trim originates from the primal cuts of the cow. Here is a breakdown:
- Chuck – Shoulder area, used for roasts and steaks
- Rib – Ribcage area, used for rib steaks and roasts
- Loin – Lower back, used for tenderloin and strip steaks
- Round – Back leg, used for roasts and steaks
Trimmings too small or irregular to be sold as steaks or roasts get used for ground beef or special trim The pieces are lean and nutritious but lack the uniform shape most consumers expect
How Is Beef Special Trim Used?
Rather than being sold as steaks, beef special trim is primarily used as an ingredient for further processing. Common uses include:
- Ground beef
- Beef patties
- Sausage and hot dogs
- Frozen entrées
- Stewed meats
- Pet foods
Its lean yet flavorful meat works well for forming, grinding, and mixing into various products. Special trim allows processors to recover nutritious beef in a cost-effective way.
Benefits of Beef Special Trim
There are several advantages to using beef special trim:
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Economical – Special trim costs less per pound than typical cuts like steaks. It makes use of trim that would otherwise be wasted.
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Lean – With minimal fat or connective tissue, it can boost the leanness of ground beef.
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Flavor – Special trim contains beefy flavor since it comes from flavorful primal cuts.
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Consistent – Blending special trim creates consistent texture and fat content.
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Nutritious – Special trim contains protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins like other beef cuts.
Storing and Handling Tips
To safely handle beef special trim:
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Refrigerate promptly below 40°F. Use within 2 days for best quality.
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Freeze for longer storage. Thaw in fridge before using.
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Avoid cross-contamination. Use clean tools and work surfaces.
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Cook fully to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not an indicator of doneness.
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Add to soups, stews, and chilis for excellent flavor and texture.
Beef Special Trim Recipes
From burgers to meatballs, beef special trim works deliciously in many dishes:
Juicy Beef Burgers – Mix 85% lean ground beef with 15% special trim for moist, beefy burgers. Grill up patties for a classic filling for sandwiches and sliders.
Hearty Beef Stew – Brown 1-inch cubes of special trim, then simmer in broth with potatoes, carrots and herbs for a comforting winter meal.
Tasty Meatballs – For a family favorite, combine ground beef and special trim with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Roll into balls and bake or simmer in tomato sauce.
Beefy Chili – Brown special trim with onions and peppers, add spices like cumin and chili powder, then simmer with tomatoes and beans for a thick, meaty chili.
Fajitas – Slice special trim into thin strips. Grill with bell peppers and onions. Wrap in tortillas with desired toppings for easy weeknight meal.
So don’t be afraid to grab some beef special trim next grocery run. With its versatility and nutrition, you’re sure to find lots of tasty ways to use this beefy ingredient!
What Types of Meals Can Be Created with the USDA Choice Angus Beef Special Trim?
This cut of meat is very versatile. It can be marinated and then grilled or broiled. It can be ground or made into cube steaks. It can be chopped and added to stews, stir-fry or fajitas. It can be sliced thin and made into sandwiches.
The USDA Choice Angus Beef Special Trim Cryovac makes a good addition to your meal planning. It should be considered just as crucial to your beef choices as tenderloin and beef brisket. Like beef tenderloin, this cut of beef can be used to make a wide range of dishes in a high-end restaurant, a friendly neighborhood diner, or at home for a family dinner. The USDA Choice Angus Beef Special Trim Cryovac is next to the fine Angus beef steaks, the best beef tenderloin, and the soft beef brisket. This particular cut may only be available at certain clubs. Feel free to ask your local Club if the Special Trim is stocked. If the item details above aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.
How Is Beef Graded?
As per the USDA, there are three main types of meat that you can find in stores: Prime beef, Choice beef, and Select beef. The grading system is based on the maturity, lean color, marbling and texture of the meat. As a good rule of thumb, the more marbling there is, the more tender and flavorful the beef. The USDA Choice Angus Beef Special Trim Cryovac is still a very good cut of beef, but it doesn’t have as much marbling as a prime beef cut.
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What are the different types of beef trimmings?
One type of beef trimming that is worth mentioning is the whole beef special trim. This type of trimming consists of all the leftover parts after all other cuts have been made. It’s typically sold at a lower price point than other cuts but still offers great flavor and versatility in cooking.
What is special trim?
Special Trim Special Trim Trim pieces from any primal section other than Shanks or Heels that are at least 8 square inches on one side and no less than 1.5 inches thick at any point. Bones and fat surface should be removed. Most often used for further processing into ingredient beef.
What are lean beef trimmings?
Lean beef trimmings are often used for processed meat products like sausages and hot dogs. These cuts come from areas like the chuck or round that have less fat content than other parts of the cow. By using lean beef trimmings instead of fattier cuts, producers can create healthier options without sacrificing taste or texture.
What are beef trimmings used for?
Beef trimmings can also be used to make pet food and animal feed. While not suitable for human consumption due to their high connective tissue content, these cuts provide a valuable source of protein for animals. Many pet food manufacturers use beef trimming by-products like bone meal as an ingredient in their products.