Quick skillet meals
Bone-In or Boneless
Bone-in cuts usually offer:
Extra flavor
Better moisture retention
More dramatic presentation
Boneless cuts provide:
Easier slicing
Faster cooking
Greater convenience
Fat Cap
Some cuts feature a thick layer of fat on one side.
This fat cap:
Protects meat during cooking
Adds flavor
Helps maintain moisture
Many experienced cooks leave the fat cap intact during cooking and trim afterward if desired.
Popular Mystery Cuts You Might Encounter
Chuck Roast
Chuck roast often confuses shoppers because it doesn’t look particularly fancy.
However, it’s one of the most flavorful cuts available.
Best cooking methods:
Slow cooker
Dutch oven
Braising
Cook low and slow for several hours until fork tender.
Flank Steak
Flank steak is long, flat, and lean.
It’s packed with beefy flavor but can become tough if overcooked.
Best methods:
Grilling
Broiling
Marinating
Always slice against the grain.
Skirt Steak
Skirt steak has become increasingly popular thanks to its incredible flavor.
Ideal for:
Fajitas
Tacos
Steak sandwiches
Cook quickly over high heat.
Tri-Tip
Tri-tip is beloved in California but less common elsewhere.
It offers:
Excellent flavor
Moderate marbling
Great value
Best cooked: