Introduction
Did you know that beef cheek meat is considered one of the most flavorful cuts of beef, often overlooked by many? It’s true! The rich, succulent meat of the part of the cow that includes the cheeks may not be a common item among your butcher’s offerings, like rib-eye or filet mignon. But it’s been getting a little buzz from chefs and foodies. It is not only very tender, but it also packs in a depth of flavor that few traditional cuts can match.
Join us as we explore this cut in detail from its unique texture and taste to the best way to make it shine on your plate: beef cheek meat. By the end, you’ll know why beef cheeks should be on yours. So, let’s get started!
What is Beef Cheek Meat?
Beef cheek meat (after all, beef cheek meat comes from the cheek of the cow! More specifically, it’s the muscle tissue that covers the jaw and facial area. This cut is frequently underrated, mostly because it’s not as accessible as more ubiquitous cuts, such as sirloin or brisket. But if your stars happen to align and you happen to have a nice set of beef cheeks on your hands, you have a treat in store.
The meat from the cow’s cheeks is dense, muscular and full of connective tissue. These traits render it specifically amenable to slow-cooking techniques, which dissolve the collagen and fat into a beautifully tender and juicy product. The beef cheek meat is used in different cuisines globally, for instance, Mexican, Spanish, and French cooking.
Why Should You Try Beef Cheek Meat?
There’s a lot to be said about this cut of beef that makes it exceptional when compared to similar beef cuts. Here are some reasons it’s worth considering:
- Tenderness: Slow-cooking techniques leave beef cheeks tender and melting in the mouth.
- Rich Flavour: The higher amounts of fat marbling and presence of connective tissue contribute a strong, meaty flavour that is extraordinarily satisfying.
- Affordable: Beef cheeks are generally more affordable than prime cuts of beef, making them a great choice for your next budget-friendly gourmet meal
- Versatile: Beef cheek meat can be utilized in numerous recipes, from stews to tacos, to gourmet recipes like braised beef cheek.
How To Cook Beef Cheek Meat Perfectly
While beef cheek meat takes time to prepare, its beauty lies outside of speed; it makes for beautifully tender meat that pays off with a mouthful of flavor. Beef cheeks, which are tough because of the muscle fibers, require slow cooking to break down the collagen and render the fat, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1. Braised Beef Cheeks
One of the most popular methods of cooking this cut is braised beef cheeks. Meanwhile, braising the meat — browning it and then cooking it in liquid (typically broth, wine or both) at a low temperature for a long time — achieves the shrying effect.
Steps for Braising Beef Cheeks:
- Sear the meat: Sear the beef cheeks in hot oil until brown on all sides. It caramelizes the surface, adding flavor complexity.
- Add Aromatics: An aromatic is the first step after the sear; it’s that union of everything, the aromatic vegetables you’ll incorporate into the base of your braising liquid — onions, garlic, carrots, other delicious vegetables.
- Deglaze with Wine or Broth: Add a splash of red wine, beef broth or both to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits stuck to the bottom.
- Slow Cook: Cover the pot and let those beef cheeks hot tub on low for 3-4 hours either on the stovetop or at 300F in the oven – the slow cooking process will break down the collagen and fat turning the cheeks into a glorious, melt in your mouth dish.
2. Beef Cheek Tacos
For Mexican food lovers, beef cheek tacos are well worth making. Braised the beef cheeks, shred the meat and serve in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings cilantro, onions, salsa.
3. Beef Cheek Stew
Really, a stick-to-your-ribs stew with beef cheek meat is comforting food for a cold night. The meat lends a richness that makes the broth tasty and hearty.
Nutritional Benefits of Beef Cheek Meat
Beef cheek meat may be a tough cut, but it’s packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for those looking to boost their protein intake. Here’s what makes it so good for you:
- High in Protein: As with all cuts of beef, beef cheeks are high in protein, which plays an important role in muscle repair, immune function, and overall health.
- High in Iron: Beef cheek meat is an excellent source of heme iron, which is readily absorbed by the body and helps guard against iron deficiency anemia.
- Collagen and Gelatin: The connective tissue in beef cheeks contains a lot of collagen, which is excellent for the skin, joints, and the health of connective tissue in general. Gelatin released during slow cooking can be good for gut health.
- Fat Content: Although beef cheeks are fatty, it is well-marbled fat that adds richness and tenderness to the meat.
Where to Buy Beef Cheek Meat
Beef cheek meat may be harder to find than other cuts, but it’s well worth hunting down. Here’s where you can look:
- Local Butchers: One of the great places to ask for beef cheek meat is your local butcher shop. They might even be able to special order it for you if it isn’t in stock.
- Farmer’s Markets: Some farmers’ markets have local butchers or ranchers who sell different cuts of meat, including beef cheeks.
- Grocery Stores: Large grocery chains may not carry this particular cut of beef, however, if you’ve got a specialty store or other large chain, you should have some luck. If so, ask them to order it for you.
- Online Meat Suppliers: If you can’t source beef cheek meat locally, many online meat suppliers have it. The key is simply to pick a quality company.
Key Takeaways
- Braising it turns out tender, flavorful meat.
- It tends to be less expensive than prime cuts and has a distinctive, rich flavor that’s tailor-made for dishes such as braised beef cheeks, tacos and stews.
- They are high in protein, iron, and collagen, offering numerous nutritional benefits.
- Beef cheek meat is available from butchers, farmers’ markets, grocery stores or online, though you may have to search for it more diligently.
FAQ
1. Is beef cheek meat also considered beef tongue?
No, beef cheek meat and beef tongue are not the same; they come from different parts of the cow. Beef cheeks come from the facial muscles, and beef tongue is, well, from the tongue! Both are tasty, but the textures are different.
2. How long does it take to cook beef cheek meat?
Beef cheek meat usually doesn’t become tender before 3-4 hours of slow cooking. It can take a fit-all answer from one to two hours — which depends on how you’re cooking it: braising, cooking in a stew, slow-cooking, etc.
3. Can I use beef cheek meat in a slow cooker?
Yes, beef cheek meat is great in the crock pot! Just braise the meat on the stovetop and then add it to the slow cooker with your braising liquid. Cook for a few hours on low.
4. Can beef cheek meat be grilled?
Beef cheek meat can be grilled in theory, but it’s not the best approach. Grilling is best for tender cuts, and beef cheeks require slow cooking to break down the connective tissue and make them tender.
5. What other dishes can I make with beef cheeks?
Beef cheeks can be used in soups, sandwiches and even pies as well as braised beef cheeks, tacos and stews. Be innovative and try out various flavor combinations!
6. Is beef cheek meat expensive?
Because you don’t eat beef cheeks alone, beef cheek meat is a lot less expensive than prime cuts such as rib-eye or filet mignon, so it’s a good way to make enjoyable meals on a budget.
Conclusion
Beef cheek meat is a beef cut that doesn’t get enough credit. For those who enjoy hearty slow-cooked meals, its rich flavor and tender texture make it a great choice. So whether you’re using it to braise for a 5-star meal or shredding it for tacos, beef cheek meat won’t disappoint.
And by including beef cheek meat in your culinary arsenal, you’re hot on the trail of a little less celebrated cut, and thus a whole new realm of culinary exploration. So, next time you’re at your local butchers or grocery stores, be on the lookout for beef cheek meat and trust us, it will change the game when it comes to meals!
