How to Select a Steak

Selecting the perfect cut is the first step in preparing a great steak.

Difficulty Level: easy      Time Required: 1 minute

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Here's How:

1. Find a meat market or butcher who is willing to answer questions.
2. Ask for a brief explanation on the different cuts.
3. Determine how much you are willing to spend and look for cuts in that price range.
4. Look for the USDA grading label. Prime cuts are hard to find so check for Choice.
5. A good steak should have thin, even lines of fat distributed through the meat. This is called marbling.
6. The color should be bright red and the fat creamy white.
7. More tender cuts tend to not be as flavorful so decide which is most important to you.
8. Once you have a steak ask the butcher what he can tell you about aging, which tenderizes the meat.
9. Plan on 6 ounces per serving, unless you have heavy eater, then go for about 10 ounces per serving.
   

Tips:

1. More tender cuts tend to not be as flavorful so decide which is most important to you.
2. The more you know about cuts and grades the better so ask or read up so you can not only get the best steak, but also the best deal.
   

Related Features:

• Steak: Grades & Cuts
• More How To's