These Are The 3 Leanest Cuts Of Steak
Becoming a butcher is no easy feat. In France, a bachelor's degree in the art of cutting meat is required, as well as a certificate of professional aptitude and another professional certificate in the category of "butcher" is needed to assume the long-storied profession, according to Guichet Qualifications. In America, becoming a butcher involves fewer bureaucratic hurdles to jump, but one still must learn the art of butchering. As reported by Third Culture Mama, French butchers produce 27 different cuts of cow versus the 17 standard American cuts of beef.
Any beef aficionado worth their salt knows that of these 17 cuts, each particular one has its own flavor profile, texture, and taste. Some cuts of steak are more popular than others, and in general, Americans tend to value marbled beef, which is essentially fat alongside the meat. However, if you're looking to cut back on your fat intake but still want to consume red meat, here are the three leanest cuts of meat you need to know.
The leanest cut: Sirloin Tip Side Steak
Sirloin Tip Side Steak is, by far, the leanest cut out there on the market, to be found at your grocery store or from your local butcher. For a USDA-recommended 3.5-ounce serving, the lean and mean Sirloin Tip Side Steak cut contains about 200 calories, 5.4 grams of fat, and 39 grams of protein. Any extra fat is intentionally removed from this cut, according to Nose to Tail, which makes it marketable as lean meat that is also low in cholesterol.
However, the lack of fat makes the sirloin tip side cut prone to being too dry, which can also lead to this meat being particularly chewy and not so pleasant. To counter any potential dryness, marinating this cut of lean meat is recommended, as well as using braising or stewing as cooking methods to ensure that the steak remains tender and juicy.
Topping out in second place: Lean Top Round Steak
FoodFireFriends calls the Lean Top Round Steak "the chicken of the meat world" for its leanness and universally liked flavor for red-meat enthusiasts. This cut comes from the rump of the cow, where a lot of its movements are generated, naturally leaving little fat on the muscle. Sometimes this cut is referred to as a London Broil or Family Steak, and Lean Top Round Steak has 240 calories in a 3.5-ounce serving, along with 7.6 grams of fat and 36.9 grams of protein.
As an added bonus, the Lean Top Round Steak is plentiful in supply, which makes it conveniently easy to find in most supermarkets. Due to its low price, this cut is also easy on the wallet, making it a great choice if you're planning on serving a small gathering or a large and famished family a steak dinner.
Last but not least, Eye of Round Steak
Coming in at 276 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 49.8 grams of protein per 3.5 ounces of serving, The Eye of Round Steak is the third leanest cut of steak out there on the market. This makes it a good compromise if you're looking for red meat that is lean but still has a bit of fat and flavor. The Eye of Round Steak is by no means the fanciest cut of steak, and much like the Lean Top Round Steak, this cut comes from the rump and is known to be less expensive. According to Beef. It's What's For Dinner, the Eye of Round Steak is an ideal cut to marinate and then tossed on the grill or cooked in a skillet.
Need an easy grilling marinade for your back pocket? Here are three easy marinades to whip up for your next grilled steak dinner.