Are you a meat lover looking for a new cut to try?
Have you ever heard of beef drop flank?
This unique cut of meat is not commonly found in your typical supermarket, but can often be found in Asian grocery stores.
It may look like rolled sushi in pink parchment paper, but don’t be fooled by its appearance.
Beef drop flank is actually one of the best cuts of meat for braising.
It’s a combination of flank meat, silver skin, and tendon, making it perfect for stews and slow cooking.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what beef drop flank is, how it differs from other cuts of beef, and how to cook it to perfection.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
What Is Beef Drop Flank?
Beef drop flank is a unique cut of meat that is not commonly found in most supermarkets. It is typically only available in Asian grocery stores and can be recognized by its appearance – rolled up in pink parchment paper, resembling sushi.
This cut of meat is a combination of flank meat, silver skin, and tendon. The silver skin is an integral part of the meat and should not be removed when cooking. Beef drop flank is different from beef flank or flank steak, which is ideal for stir-frying.
Beef drop flank is relatively thin and requires long, slow cooking to make it tender. This makes it perfect for stews and braising. The combination of the different parts of the meat gives it a unique flavor and texture that is sure to impress any meat lover.
How Does Beef Drop Flank Differ From Other Cuts Of Beef?
Beef drop flank differs from other cuts of beef in several ways. Firstly, it is much cheaper than other cuts, such as brisket or ribeye, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget. It typically costs around $3-4 per pound when on sale, which is significantly less than other cuts that can cost up to $7 per pound.
Secondly, beef drop flank has a different texture than other cuts of beef. It contains silver skin and tendon which give it a tougher texture that requires longer cooking times to become tender. This also gives it a unique flavor that cannot be found in other cuts of beef.
Thirdly, beef drop flank is usually only found in Asian grocery stores, making it a less common cut of meat in Western cuisine. This makes it an exciting and exotic option for those looking to try something new.
Lastly, beef drop flank is best suited for one-pot-wonder meals, such as stews and braises. Its tough texture allows it to hold up well during long cooking times and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish, resulting in a delicious and hearty meal.
Where Can You Find Beef Drop Flank?
If you’re looking to try cooking with beef drop flank, your best bet is to head to an Asian grocery store. This cut of meat is not commonly found in most supermarkets, so your local grocery store may not carry it.
When shopping for beef drop flank, keep an eye out for the rolled up pink parchment paper packaging. This is a telltale sign that you’ve found the right cut of meat. However, it’s important to note that beef drop flank can also come in different packages, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see the typical sushi-like appearance.
If you’re unsure where to find an Asian grocery store in your area, a quick online search should yield some results. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family members who may be familiar with the area.
Once you’ve found a store that carries beef drop flank, be sure to inspect the meat carefully before purchasing. Look for fresh, bright red meat with minimal discoloration or browning. It’s also a good idea to ask the butcher for advice on cooking and preparation methods.
How To Cook Beef Drop Flank Perfectly?
Cooking beef drop flank perfectly requires a little bit of patience and the right cooking method. There are two ways to cook beef drop flank – the traditional slow-cooking method and the faster pressure cooker method.
If you prefer the traditional method, start by blanching the beef drop flank in a lot of water for about 30 minutes. Make sure to add Chinese cooking wine to the water. While the beef is braising, prepare your spices and vegetables, including white radish, garlic, black cardamom, star anise, bay leaves, dried chili peppers, and chopped scallion.
Next, make the Chu Hou sauce mixture by combining Chu Hou paste with dark and light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese cooking wine. In a pot, warm up some sesame oil and add the mixed spices and braised beef drop flank cut into pieces. Once the beef is browned, pour in the Chu Hou sauce and slowly add boiled water.
Let everything simmer on low heat for at least 60 minutes before adding the radish cut into pieces. Simmer for another 30 minutes before seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, sprinkle chopped scallion on top before serving hot.
If you prefer a faster cooking method, you can use a pressure cooker to cut down on cooking time. Simply follow the same steps as above but instead of simmering for hours on low heat, cook in a pressure cooker for 1-2 hours.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to trim off any excess fat from the meat before cooking. Beef drop flank is a delicious and unique cut of meat that is sure to impress your family and friends when cooked perfectly.
Delicious Recipes To Try With Beef Drop Flank.
If you’re looking to try out beef drop flank, here are some delicious recipes to get you started:
1. Cantonese Beef Tendon and Drop Flank Stew: This traditional Cantonese dish is a hearty and flavorful stew that is perfect for a cold evening. The beef tendon and drop flank are simmered for hours with garlic, ginger, star anise, and Chinese pepper. Carrots and turnips are added towards the end for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Spiced Beef Drop Flank: This recipe uses a mixture of black cardamom, star anise, bay leaves, and dried chili peppers to give the beef drop flank a deliciously spicy flavor. The meat is braised in a tomato sauce and served over creamy mashed potatoes.
3. Beef Drop Flank Curry: This recipe combines the unique flavor of beef drop flank with the bold spices of Indian cuisine. The meat is cooked in a pressure cooker with onions, garlic, and garam masala. Potatoes and carrots are added towards the end for a complete meal.
No matter which recipe you choose, beef drop flank is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Its unique flavor and texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
