Flecks, Specks, Streaks and Ribbons … the key to a well marbled steak

Greeting Carnivores,

I often find it funny in a really tragic sort of way, that the very BEST steaks in the display case are the ones that frequently remain unsold. How can this be?

Simple … education. ย Hopefully, that’s where I can be of some service.

Many, MANY times I come across a particular primal Strip loin or Rib eye that is really exceptional. ย  You can’t easily tell by looking at the outside but, once you start cutting and, it reveals a really WELL marbled texture with specks, flecks and ribbons of well dispersed fat throughout the lean flesh … well, I either set them aside for myself or, I tray them up for you. Here’s the problem: more often than you would think, folks leave the best ones behind because … ewwwww TOO MUCH FAT !!!.

I believe people just don’t know what to look for in a steak … theย answer is staring them in the face … MARBLING!

Beef marbling chart
Beef Marbling chart

So … ย what happens to all these fantastic, unsold steaks? Well … it’s wonderful, and sad all at once.

When meat remains unsold it is ground into hamburger. Why is it sad? Well … you the consumer just missed out on a beautiful steak because you didn’t know what to look for. And THAT’S sad.

So why is it wonderful? Well … I get to buy some REALLY exceptional Ground beef. ย  ๐Ÿ™‚

Back to the Beef … when I’m looking for a steak, I’m looking for one with good even marbling with streaks, flecks and ribbons of fat dispersed throughout the lean flesh. I lean toward something around 4-6 on the chart above. You NEED some fattiness to keep the meat tender while itโ€™s cooking. Remember people FAT = FLAVOUR!!! Restaurant chefs will look for something in the 9-10 range … these steaks will be even MORE tender.

So, … everything in moderation folks … you can’t eat this stuff on a daily basis.

Well, I guess you COULD, as long as you have a portable defibrillator … just in case. It depends on how much you want to punish your arteries.

Oh, and … I believe I’ll have the Angioplasty for dessert please … ๐Ÿ™‚

Marbling 003
Flecks, specks, streaks and ribbons … a WELL marbled steak!

Ahhh, red meat … enuff to make a Carnivores heart go bumpity bump.

“Honey … guess what’s for dinner?”

Until next time Carnivores stay hungry and as usual, please follow my posts on Twitter @DougieDee and like and share them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/carnivoreconfidential

Responses

  1. kandee2013 Avatar

    Reblogged this on Carnivore Confidential and commented:

    Greetings Carnivores,
    In the absence of writing something new (forgive me … this time of the year has me REALLY hopping) I re-direct you to a post I wrote a while back. I get asked daily about what to look for in a good steak … take a look.
    Hope you enjoy it and, please click “follow” at the top of the page to get notices every time I write something new. Stay hungry ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. foodisthebestshitever Avatar

    Fat is well full of flavour. Well said my friend!

    1. kandee2013 Avatar

      Fat is where it’s at … stay hungry Sir and THANKS for reading !!

  3. lemongrovecakediaries Avatar

    Fat is flavour indeed. It is the same in baking – I can’t really be bothered with low fat versions.. just eat in moderation and enjoy the good stuff when you eat it. Great post!

    1. kandee2013 Avatar

      Thank you my baking buddy … low fat cakes and cookies ?? Why ???
      Speaking of which … today my wife and I are spending the day making all my FAVOURITE Christmas cookies and treats … YUM !!
      Staying hungry … you ??? ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚

      1. lemongrovecakediaries Avatar

        Great minds think alike – I was baking Christmas cookies today as well ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. thedeerslayerswife Avatar

    Ah, great marbling! It brings a tear. It’s the same reason I save wild pork belly to season beans and venison. Kindred spirit. Love ya, man!

    1. kandee2013 Avatar

      So sweet … THANKS DSW!!! Ahhhh yes, kindred spirt indeed … right back at cha !! ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. TracyKM Avatar

    You might be interested in reading “Why We Get Fat” by Gary Taubes. Saturated fat from meats is not a problem! It’s inflammation caused by sugars, processed grains, and trans fat! Once I started eating low carb/high fat, my health imperoces so much. I’ll take a steak like that any day. Yum! I just can’t have the potatoes, or bread, or pasta with it. ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. kandee2013 Avatar

      Thx for the tip … I’ll check Mr. Taubes info … cheers!!

  6. […] preferred method used by the meat industry for the evaluation of marbling degree. Source: Source: carnivoreconfidential.com/2013/07/08/flecks-specks-streaks-and-ribbons-the-key-to-a-well-marbled-ste… https://www.marble-restoration.com/what-is-marbled-meat/2019-08-13T02:47:39+00:00genaMarble […]

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