Tips from the Ranch
Select, Choice or Prime? Know Your Beef
From James Billman
- Beef is graded Select, Choice or Prime, based on how the cattle were fed and how much marbling the meat has.
- Marbling is the small white specks in the meat. That's where the flavor is, and it's what holds onto your seasoning.
- Select has the least marbling and costs the least. It's what many grocery stores sell, and it can be a bit tougher.
- Prime has the most marbling and is the juiciest.
- Choice sits in the middle. It's what James served in all of his steakhouses.
- A ribeye roast cooked whole is prime rib. Cut into steaks, it's ribeyes. Same piece of meat.
- Holiday tip: a New York loin is close to a ribeye in texture and marbling. Season it with Chuck Roast And Prime Rib Rub & Marinade for a holiday roast and save about $2–3 a pound.