This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant
Beef is a popular ingredient cooked around the world in a variety of styles.
If you’re cooking on a grill for the next holiday or gathering with family and friends, you’ll need to know the best beef cuts to work with.
Barbecue beef cuts go beyond popular steaks with larger and wonderfully flavorful pieces of meat.
Here are our top-two selections for the best beef cuts to buy.
Tri-Tip Roast
The tri-tip roast is a popular cut of beef that boasts incredible flavor and versatility.
This triangular-shaped cut, also known as the bottom sirloin roast, is tender and marbled with just the right amount of fat, making it perfect for grilling, roasting, or even smoking.
Grilling tri-tip roast is a beloved method that brings out the best in this flavorful cut.
With its natural marbling, the tri-tip develops a delicious crust when seared on a hot grill, while retaining its juicy and tender interior.
Roasting tri-tip in the oven is another option, allowing for a slower cooking process that results in a succulent and flavorful roast.
One of the keys to mastering tri-tip roast is to season it generously with your favorite herbs and spices, such as garlic, rosemary, and thyme, to enhance its natural flavors.
Additionally, letting the tri-tip rest after cooking is crucial for ensuring a juicy and tender result. Slicing it against the grain before serving also helps to maximize its tenderness.
Tri-tip roast is a versatile cut that can be used in a variety of dishes, from traditional beef roasts to sandwiches, tacos, and salads.
Its rich and robust flavor pairs well with a wide range of sauces, marinades, and side dishes, making it a favorite among home cooks and grill masters alike.
Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or smoking it, the tri-tip roast is a delicious and satisfying cut of beef that can elevate your meals to new heights.
With its flavor, versatility, and ease of cooking, it’s no wonder that tri-tip roast has become a beloved choice for many meat lovers.
Beef Back Ribs
Beef back ribs are a mouthwatering cut of meat that are sure to please any carnivore’s palate.
These succulent and flavorful ribs are taken from the back of the cow and are known for their rich marbling and tender meat.
When it comes to cooking beef back ribs, there are several methods to choose from.
One popular option is slow-cooking them on a smoker or a grill, which allows the meat to become tender and juicy while absorbing the smoky flavors.
Another method is braising, where the ribs are seared first to lock in the juices, and then simmered in liquid until they are fall-off-the-bone tender.
Beef back ribs can also be oven-baked or even grilled to perfection, depending on your preference and cooking equipment.
To enhance the flavor of beef back ribs, a dry rub or marinade can be applied, featuring a combination of spices, herbs, and sauces that complement the beefy taste.
After cooking, a glaze or sauce can be brushed on to add a burst of flavor and create a deliciously sticky coating.
Serving beef back ribs is an occasion in itself.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner, these delectable ribs are sure to be a hit.
Pair them with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread, for a satisfying and memorable meal.
Beef back ribs are a true delight for meat lovers, offering incredible flavor and tenderness that is hard to resist.
A Meat Thermometer is Your Best Friend When Barbecuing Beef
Barbecuing beef is a beloved culinary art, and achieving the perfect level of doneness can be the key to a successful barbecue session.
While experience and intuition can play a role, a meat thermometer is a reliable tool that should be your best friend when it comes to grilling beef to perfection.
Using a meat thermometer is essential for ensuring that your beef is cooked to the desired level of doneness, whether it’s rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, or well-done.
This simple yet powerful tool takes the guesswork out of grilling and provides accurate temperature readings, helping you achieve consistent results every time.
To use a meat thermometer for beef, simply insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, away from any bones or fat.
Avoid touching the bone, as this can result in an inaccurate reading.
Wait for a few seconds for the thermometer to give you the temperature reading, and then remove the meat from the grill when it reaches the desired temperature.
The USDA recommends the following internal temperatures for beef.
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 140-145°F
- Medium-well: 150-155°F
- Well-done: 160°F and above
By using a meat thermometer, you can confidently cook your beef to the perfect doneness level, ensuring that it is safe to eat while maintaining its optimal flavor and juiciness.
It also allows you to avoid overcooking, which can result in dry and tough meat.
Investing in a high-quality meat thermometer is a smart decision for any serious griller or barbecue enthusiast.
Look for a digital thermometer with an easy-to-read display and a fast response time for quick and accurate readings.
With a meat thermometer by your side, you can barbecue beef with precision and confidence, impressing your guests with perfectly cooked meat that is full of flavor and tenderness.
This ThermoPro Digital Wireless Meat Cooking BBQ Thermometer is perfect for grilling and smoking and works great for slow barbecue cooking.
Enjoy Beef Even More with Barbecue Cooking
Beef is a delicious and versatile protein that can be enhanced even more with the art of barbecue cooking.
By choosing the right cut, preparing it properly, and using expert cooking techniques such as using a meat thermometer, you can achieve outstanding results and fully enjoy the flavor and tenderness of grilled beef.
If you’re just getting started with grilling and want a great versatile sauce for basting.
Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce is one of the world’s most popular basting sauces and is perfect for the beef cuts above.
You can also experiment with your own sauces, rubs, and marinades to perfect your recipe.
So fire up your barbecue, follow these tips, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of perfectly cooked beef at your next barbecue gathering.
Enjoy tender and flavorful barbecue cuts on your grill or in your smoker in the holiday season or at any time of the year.