We eat a lot of meat. Per Ibis World, the average American was projected to eat up to 56. 2 pounds of beef in 2023. And those figures dont even come close to those of the countrys favorite meat — chicken. According to reports, Americans will be eating eight billion chickens every year starting in 2020. That’s about 100 pounds of chicken per person every year. The average American eats just over 15 pounds of turkey and less than 52 pounds of pork each year. These aren’t the only meats out there, but they are the two most popular ones.
This country eats a lot of meat, but most people still can’t tell the difference between beef and steak. If you read that and thought, “Aren’t they the same thing?” you’re not the only one. A lot of people do. But they arent and there are a few key differences.
For most meat lovers, the terms “steak” and “beef” are used interchangeably However, while they are closely related, they refer to different things. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what exactly steak and beef are, their origins, the cuts and cooking methods, as well as nutrition and budget tips when buying them
Defining Beef and Steak
Beef refers broadly to the meat that comes from cattle. It’s one of the most commonly consumed meats worldwide. Steak is a specific cut of beef taken from particular parts of the animal such as the ribs, loin or tenderloin. While all steak is beef, not all beef can be considered steak.
A Brief History Lesson
Cattle domestication began as early as 10,000 BC in parts of Asia and Africa. Beef consumption grew in popularity globally over centuries. The word “steak” has roots in 15th century Scandinavia, England and Italy, where large celebratory bonfires were used to cook meat. The Italian term “bistecca” is thought to have morphed into the English “steak”.
Breaking Down Beef Cuts
Beef cattle are divided into eight primal cuts: chuck, rib, loin, round, flank, brisket, plate, and shank. These are further divided into subprimal cuts that you see in stores, like ribeye, tenderloin, shoulder roast, etc.
Popular cuts include
- Chuck – Flavorful, used for roasts and ground beef
- Rib – Most tender, used for prime rib and ribeye steaks
- Loin – Very tender, used for filet mignon and T-bone steaks
- Round – Leanest, used for roasts and ground beef
- Brisket – Flavorful and fatty, used for pastrami
Digging into Different Steak Cuts
When it comes to steaks, some popular premium cuts include:
- Ribeye – Cut from the rib with lots of marbling. Very juicy and flavorful.
- T-bone – Has a T-shaped bone, with tenderloin and strip steak portions.
- Filet mignon – From the tenderloin, it’s extremely tender but has less fat.
- Strip steak – Cut from the short loin. Tender but slightly chewy.
- Flank steak – From the abdominal area, it’s very flavorful but tough. Often marinated.
- Skirt steak – Cut from the plate. Thin, flavorful and fairly tough. Often used for fajitas.
Cooking Methods
Dry heat methods like grilling, broiling, roasting and pan searing are great for tender cuts of beef. They add flavor and cook meat quickly at high temps.
Moist heat techniques like braising are better for tough cuts, slowly cooking in liquid to make meat tender.
Nutrition Differences
- Ground beef is lower in fat than steak but higher in food poisoning risk.
- Steak is higher in calories, zinc, selenium, B vitamins and mono-unsaturated fats compared to beef.
- Grass-fed beef is lower in fat and calories than conventional beef.
Buying Budget-Friendly Steak and Beef
- Look for bright red lean cuts with creamy white fat marbling.
- Check “sell-by” dates and pick freshest packages.
- For steak, opt for smaller, younger cuts which are more tender.
- Choose cheaper cuts like sirloin instead of pricier ribeye.
- Look for bargains like pre-marinated stew meat or cubed beef for stews.
- Season steaks with salt 40 minutes before cooking.
With an understanding of the differences between cuts of beef and steak as well as cooking methods and budget tips, you can now confidently navigate the meat counter and prepare the perfect steak or beef dish!
Steak can be beef, but beef isn’t always steak
People usually think of beef when they hear the word “steak,” but it doesn’t have to be beef. Other meats, such as pork, lamb, and even fish can also be cut into steaks. By definition, a steak is a piece of meat that has been sliced across the muscle fibers. This makes a tender, juicy piece of meat that can be grilled, broiling, or frying. People love ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, and New York strip steaks, which are all made from beef. However, ham, tuna, and salmon steaks are also popular dishes.
Beef, on the other hand, is a type of meat that only comes from cattle. People like this meat and eat it in many different ways, like steaks, roasts, ground beef, and stews. So, steak is usually made from beef, but it can also be made from other meats. Beef, on the other hand, is always made from cows.
Beef Grades Explained – Select vs Choice vs Prime Steaks
FAQ
Is steak and beef the same thing?
Is steak made of beef?
Why is it called steak and not beef?
Why does beef and steak taste different?
Is steak the same as beef?
In fact, a lot of people think they are the same type of meat. But they aren’t and there are a few key differences. Steak is a cut of meat that is typically associated with beef, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be beef. Other meats, such as pork, lamb, and even fish can also be cut into steaks.
What is a steak & where does it come from?
What Is Steak? The term steak refers to special cuts of meat obtained from several meat sources such as beef, chicken, tuna, salmon, pork, etc. However, most commonly, steak comes from the meat of beef.
What type of meat is used to make steak?
Beef is the most common type of meat used to make steak and that is why it is often mistaken that steak must be beef. As mentioned earlier, beef is any meat from cattle while steak is a portion of meat cut across the grain of the muscle fibers. The flavor and texture of beef vary with how you prepare it.
What is the difference between beef and pork?
For the most part, however, “steak” refers to beef, while similar cuts of pork are known as “chops.” If you aren’t sure, take a close look at the cut itself. Beef often has a bright red hue, while raw pork comes in various shades of pink.