For most meat types, it is enough to calculate the number of ounces required for cooking; but when dealing with beef, one more key factor is to consider: the ratio of lean meat to fat. For example, 73/27 beef (usually the cheapest option) represents 73% of which are lean and 27% fat.
According to reports from The Takeout, different proportions of beef may also have slightly different appearances. The higher the lean meat ratio, the darker the color; while those with high fat content are pink. However, more importantly, these proportional differences will directly affect the flavor and taste after cooking. Jamie Waldron, boss of J. Waldron Butchers, said that choosing the ratio of beef depends on how you plan to cook it.
He pointed out when interviewing The Takeout, "It really depends on how you prepare. Some foods are suitable for leaner beef, while dishes like Hanburg will become more delicious because of a little more fat. For example, using 80% lean meat and 20% fat is a classic choice."
Waldron also admitted that personal preferences will affect the choice. Some people tend to choose high fat ratios because the price is relatively affordable; while they themselves prefer similar ratios because of their taste. He admitted, "I'm most afraid of eating dry burgers." His favorite is beef with 25% fat because he thinks it's "moisturized just right."
What dishes are suitable for different proportions?Waldron likes fatty beef, another reason is, "because you eat basically the beef itself." In a sentence, this ratio can make the flavor and taste the protagonist.
But be careful that if you use beef with too high lean meat to roast a burger, it is likely that it will be difficult to eat dry firewood, which is a taboo. Waldron also reminds that if you use beef with high fat ratio to make Hanbao, be sure to keep a close eye on the grill to prevent the grease from dripping and causing flames.
When making meatloaf, low-fat beef is not recommended, because this dish itself requires a wet texture.
However, if the dishes you make contain other ingredients that provide fat and flavor, you can choose super-slim beef with confidence. For example, cheese can effectively nourish fat and aroma (even if that is somewhat counteracting your healthy intention of choosing lean meat).
Slim beef is especially suitable for use in sparghetti Bolognese, lasagna, meatballs, chili, or creamy cheese cowboy casserole.
In fact, if you want to challenge an old dessert, such as ground beef fudge made with beef, a little thinner beef is a more ideal choice. The original recipe uses cooked beef. If you switch to pre-fried beef, low-fat, super-slim varieties will be more suitable and the effect will be better.