Grass-fed Beef: Unique & Lesser Known Cuts
At Rebel, we believe that using every part of the animal is the model of a sustainable food system. There is so much nutritional value that can be derived from the entirety of the animal. So let’s talk about the parts of beef that you might not know about (or know what to do with)! I want to introduce you to some of the lesser-known cuts of beef we offer. Often these cuts don't get the attention they deserve. We do not get many of each cut from an animal- and they go fast, so scoop them up quickly when you see them available!
Beef Suet
Beef Suet is from the fat that surrounds the kidneys of the animal. It is incredibly versatile and is used in a ton of ways. Let me list a few: bird food, skin care, deep frying, cooking/sauteing, suet pudding, pastries, rendering. When rendered down, suet is called “Tallow” and used for cooking, deep frying and is the base in many soap and lotion recipes. Beef fat contains many essential vitamins and nutrients like CLA, choline, and many vitamins like A, D, E, K, B12. You will get the most nutrient dense suet from 100% grassfed cattle. Remember that animals store toxins in their fat, so know your beef farmer.
Beef Soup Bones
Beef Bones are perfect for making broth, soups, sauces or stews. Our soup bones are cut from the shanks. So you will find they have a good amount of meat attached with circular bones in the middle. Use your favorite bone broth recipe to fully extract the nutrients from this cut. Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, glutamine, and vitamins and minenerals - which support gut, skin, energy, joint, and sleep health.
Beef Liver
When I was sick with extremely low B12 levels, the #1 item recommended by my doctor was liver. Beef Liver is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. In fact, it's often referred to as "Nature's Multivitamin". This organ is traditionally sautéed with onions or made into pâté. I’ve added it to meatloaf, chilis, and ground with beef for burgers or tacos. The truly bold eat it raw.💪 If you’ve never had liver, take it slow. Add small amounts, try different ways. It can take a bit to learn how to use it and enjoy the deep, earthy taste.
Beef Kidney
Beef Kidneys are another nutrient-packed cut that’s hard to find in any grocery store. It’s used in traditional dishes like steak and kidney pie or sautéing with onions for a hearty meal. The key to preparing kidneys is to soak them in milk or water beforehand to remove any strong flavors. Like liver, Beef kidneys are very rich in vitamins and minerals like A, B12, potassium, zinc, protein and iron.
Beef Tongue
Beef Tongue might sound… unusual, but it’s a delicacy in many dishes around the world. This cut is incredibly tender when cooked properly - not to mention high in protein, collagen, vitamins and minerals. Beef Tongue can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos to sandwiches, and the key is to simmer it slowly until it’s tender. When someone is grossed out by a tongue because it comes from a cow's mouth, I ask if they would like a chicken egg…
Beef Heart
Beef Heart is a lean, rich cut that’s often overlooked. It has a deep, beefy flavor. It can be cooked in a variety of ways: grilled, sautéed, or used in soups and stews. Heart is a great source of protein and contains many metal mineral like zinc and iron. It's a great boost to both your immune system and heart health.
Beef Cheeks
Beef cheeks sell out as soon as they hit the store. This cut comes from the facial muscles of the cow. As you can imagine, this muscle is very well used. Which also means the flavor on this cut packs a punch and needs to be cooked low and slow to make it tender. Beef Cheeks are excellent braised, slow-cooked and are great for making tacos, sandwiches, or simply serving as a main dish.
Beef Oxtail
Beef Oxtail is a delicacy and rare to find. It literally comes from the tail of the animal. It’s cut into thick slices and is perfect for making rich, flavorful soups and stews. The collagen in oxtail gives broth a silky texture that is great for muscle repair, skin moisture, tendon health, and a great energy source. Slow cook it and use the broth to get the full array of nutrients that this cut offers.
Shop our full array of beef cuts here!