10/07/2026
BUTCHER’S TIP: Know your beef. 🥩
Not all beef cuts are created equal. Where a cut comes from affects its tenderness, marbling, flavor and, most importantly, the best way to cook it.
Here’s the quick cheat sheet:
CHUCK
Rich, beefy and full of flavor. Because these muscles do more work, chuck benefits from slower cooking.
Best for: Pot roast, chuck roast, braising, stews and ground beef.
RIB
Tender, beautifully marbled and loaded with flavor. This is where some of the most prized cuts of beef come from.
Best for: Ribeye steaks, prime rib and rib roasts.
SHORT LOIN
One of the most tender sections of the animal and home to several steakhouse favorites.
Best for: New York strip, T-bone and Porterhouse steaks.
SIRLOIN
A great balance of tenderness, beefy flavor and versatility.
Best for: Top sirloin steaks, grilling, roasting and kabobs.
ROUND
Lean and less tender than the loin, so choosing the right cooking method makes a big difference.
Best for: Roasts, London broil, slow cooking and thin-sliced beef.
BRISKET
A hardworking muscle with lots of connective tissue that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when given plenty of time.
Best for: Smoking, BBQ and braising.
PLATE
Rich, flavorful and known for cuts that love high heat or slow cooking, depending on what you’re making.
Best for: Skirt steak and short ribs.
FLANK
Lean with a bold beef flavor and visible grain. Cook it quickly and slice it thin against the grain for the best bite.
Best for: Fajitas, stir-fry, steak salads and marinated grilled beef.
SHANK
A tougher cut packed with connective tissue that rewards patience with deep, rich flavor.
Best for: Braising, soups, stews and osso buco-style dishes.
The biggest takeaway?
There isn’t one “best” cut of beef. There’s a best cut for what you’re making.
Not sure whether tonight calls for ribeye, sirloin, chuck or something else? Tell us what you’re cooking and how you plan to cook it. We’ll help you choose the right cut.
That’s what having a butcher is for.
📍 Gourmet Market & Meats
474347 E State Road 200, Fernandina Beach
📞 904-775-5798
Tues–Fri 10–6 | Sat–Sun 10–5