Are you trying to figure out what’s the best meat cut for your next main course meal? If so, we have a few tips that could help!

The quality of your dish can vary based on the ingredients you use. So, you want to choose options that offer you the best among what’s available. But how do you decide on that?

Here are a few quick ways to determine the best meat cut at a grocery store.

Check the Color

When you go through meat, one of the first things you want to look at is the color. What’s great about it is that you don’t have to open or touch the meat to tell.

If you’re checking the color of meat, you should note how to tell if it’s fresh according to the type. For example, beef should be a vibrant red while pork should be a light pink.

A quick rule of thumb is to avoid anything brown or gray since these are often a sign of poor quality and spoilage.

Smell Your Meat

Some people aren’t fond of smelling meat, no matter how fresh it is. But if you want to be sure of the quality, being familiar with the scent can help.

Keep in mind that it’s easy to tell if meat is starting to smell funky compared to when it’s new. It’s because it usually becomes more pungent.

Look at the Marbling

Most, if not all, types of meat will have thin streaks of fat running through it. These makeup what you call the marbling.

One thing about it is that it can affect how tender and flavorful the meat is. Although it varies based on the type of meat you choose, you want to consider options with even marbling.

Consider the Texture

Checking the texture of meat may require you to touch it. But rather than holding it in your hand, you can simply press on it, even if it’s still in the original packaging.

The best meat cut is usually firm with a softness to it. As much as possible, avoid any meat that feels spongy and crumbly or wet and sticky.

Observe the Packaging

The packaging of your meat can help you identify several things. If it’s airtight, it means it was handled properly, making sure there are no leaks.

You can also find the best before and sell-by dates on the packaging. These can help you determine the freshness of your meat by checking how far it is from these dates.

Know Your Cooking Method

There are different ways to prepare meat. So, you want to be sure you choose the right cut for your chosen cooking method. This way, you can achieve the results that you want.

For instance, some cooking styles work best with meat that has lots of fat while others are better for tender cuts. You can also consider what other ingredients to add to see how they affect the meat.

Enhance Your Recipes with the Best Meat Cut

The type of meat you use can make or break your recipes. So, you want to aim for the best meat cut available when you go grocery shopping.

The key to finding it is knowing what signs to consider. With this, you can bring home cuts that are high quality and ensure you your money’s worth!