Beef is a staple in many households, and there are countless cuts to choose from. One lesser-known cut is the beef pad muscle.
This unique cut is prepared using a mechanical process that removes all visual and excess fat, leaving only lean meat. But what exactly is the beef pad muscle, and how can it be used in cooking?
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this flavorful and versatile cut of beef. So, grab a seat and get ready to learn about the delicious world of beef pad muscle!
What Is Beef Pad Muscle?
Beef pad muscle is a cut of beef that is prepared using a mechanical process known as PAD, which stands for Prêt A Decoupé or ‘Ready-to-slice’ in French. This process removes all exterior fat and excess gristle, leaving behind only lean meat.
The beef pad muscle is typically taken from the flank area of the cow and is commonly used in Asian cooking. However, it can be used in a variety of dishes and cooking methods due to its lean nature and tender texture.
How Is Beef Pad Muscle Prepared?
The process of preparing beef pad muscle involves using a mechanical method called PAD. The cut of meat is placed inside a drum with blades that remove all visible and superfluous fat, leaving behind only lean meat. This process makes the beef pad muscle ‘Ready-to-slice’ and eliminates the need for any additional trimming or preparation.
One advantage of using beef pad meat is that it absorbs extra juices and sauce, making it a great choice for dishes that have a lot of liquid. To use it, simply place the beef pad meat under the beef and it will gradually absorb any excess liquids, making it easy to pack and handle.
Beef pad muscle is also a popular choice for its affordability and versatility. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including stews, stir-fries, and even as a substitute for other cuts of beef in recipes.
When purchasing beef pad muscle, it is important to look for cuts that are freshly prepared and have all fat and gristle removed from the outside and center. This ensures that you are getting high-quality meat that is solely produced in the UK.
Nutritional Benefits Of Beef Pad Muscle
Beef pad muscle is not only a flavorful and versatile cut of meat but also a great source of nutrition. It is packed with high-quality protein, which contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for the growth and maintenance of the body. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are incredibly important for overall health. The amino acid profile of beef pad muscle is almost identical to that of our own muscles, making it an excellent source of protein for recovery after surgery or for athletes.
While beef is often criticized for being high in cholesterol and saturated fats, lean cuts of beef like the pad muscle can be a healthy part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Beef pad muscle is an excellent source of zinc, which is essential for healing damaged tissue and supporting a healthy immune system. Children and adolescents also require healthy amounts of zinc to support their growth and development.
Protein is crucial for maintaining muscle health, and beef pad muscle provides an abundant amount of this macronutrient. It helps rebuild the muscle tissue naturally lost in daily wear and tear, and it also aids in building more muscle mass. Losing muscle mass can lead to weakness and difficulty maintaining balance, especially in older adults.
Additionally, beef pad muscle contains amino acids that have numerous metabolic roles, including building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting bone mineral density, boosting nutrient absorption and synthesis, and maintaining muscle and connective tissue health. Glycine found in collagen helps form muscle tissue by converting glucose into usable energy while slowing down cartilage, tissue, and muscle loss associated with aging. Glutamine sends nutrients to our cells to maintain energy levels, while arginine breaks down nitric oxide that helps improve circulation and promotes normal wound healing.
Cooking With Beef Pad Muscle: Tips And Recipes
If you’re looking to cook with beef pad muscle, here are some tips and recipes to get you started:
1. Marinate for Flavor: Because beef pad muscle is lean, it benefits from a flavorful marinade to tenderize and add flavor. Try marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Stir Fry: Beef pad muscle is perfect for stir-frying due to its tender texture. Try making a beef pad Thai stir fry by sautéing the meat with vegetables like red cabbage, onion, carrots, courgette, and pepper. Add in some whole grain noodles and a homemade sauce made with ketchup, rice wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, and dry-roasted peanuts for a delicious and healthy meal.
3. Slow Cook: Beef pad muscle is also great for slow-cooking methods like braising or stewing. Cut the meat into 1-inch thick pieces and season with salt before searing in a hot pan. Then, transfer the meat to a slow cooker along with beef stock, soy sauce, Golden Mountain sauce, oyster sauce, black soy sauce, dark brown sugar, and any vegetables you like. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
4. Substitute: If you can’t find beef pad muscle at your local grocery store or butcher shop, you can substitute it with other stew-friendly cuts of beef such as shank, round or chuck. Flank steak or top sirloin are also great options for stir-frying.
Incorporating beef pad muscle into your cooking repertoire can add variety and flavor to your meals. Try out these tips and recipes to get started!
Where To Buy Beef Pad Muscle And How To Store It
If you’re interested in purchasing beef pad muscle, it’s important to find a reputable source that offers high-quality, fresh meat. One option is to look for a local butcher who specializes in fresh, traceable meats. Many butchers work closely with local farmers and abattoirs, ensuring that their meat is sustainably sourced and of the highest quality.
When purchasing beef pad muscle, it’s important to pay attention to the packaging and storage instructions. Vacuum-packaged, frozen whole-muscle beef has a recommended shelf-life of 12 months, while fresh beef should be consumed within a few days of purchase. It’s also important to store beef pad muscle properly by keeping it refrigerated at or below 40°F.
If you’re unable to find a local butcher that offers beef pad muscle, many online retailers also offer high-quality meat options. However, it’s important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Beef Pad Muscle
If you’re looking for a lean and tender cut of beef to incorporate into your cooking, then beef pad muscle is definitely worth a try. Not only is it prepared using a unique mechanical process that removes excess fat and gristle, but it also offers a great source of protein and other vital nutrients. Plus, its versatility in cooking methods makes it a great addition to any dish. Whether you’re a bodybuilder looking for high-quality muscle food or just someone who enjoys a good cut of beef, give beef pad muscle a try and see how it can enhance your meals.
