{"id":599,"date":"2022-02-16T15:45:01","date_gmt":"2022-02-16T15:45:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/?p=599"},"modified":"2023-06-30T12:16:13","modified_gmt":"2023-06-30T12:16:13","slug":"where-does-steak-come-from","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/where-does-steak-come-from\/","title":{"rendered":"From Top to Tip: Where Does Steak Come From?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Steak can come from any part of the cow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of my earlier tasks in culinary school was identifying where the different cuts of meat came from and what beef cuts they gave way to. So, I can easily answer your question about where does steak come from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, I will give you a better idea of what beefsteaks<\/a> are and give you a rundown of where each type of steak comes from. Let’s begin!<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Where<\/figure>\n\n\n

What Animal is Steak From?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are like most people, then you will typically use the word steak to refer to meat from a cow. However, this term can actually be used to describe large cuts of meat from everything from large fish to chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As such, you can find fish steaks, venison steaks, pork steak, and pork shoulder steaks among beef steaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The word steak originates from the Old Norse word steikja or steik<\/a>. This word means meat over a stick. It describes the way that the Norse people used to prepare their meat – staked on a stick and roasted over a fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is assumed that the name became inextricably linked to cattle and beef in Old England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, if someone uses the term steak with no other identifying terms, then they are probably referring to a beefsteak typically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does Steak Come From Cows or Bulls?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

OK, so as you are aware, beef steaks come from bovines<\/a>. However, do they come from the female or the male of the animal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, first, let’s clarify some terms – bulls, steers, cows, and heifers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bulls are male cattle that are typically used for breeding and not meat. Steer, on the other hand, are castrated male beef cattle and are used for beef.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Steak<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Cows are female beef cattle, but they are commonly referred to as such when they are mature and have half had at least one calf. They are more likely to be used for breeding and dairy but can be used for meat as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, there are heifers – young females that can be used for either meat or breeding and dairy. Once a heifer gives birth, she is then known as a cow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does Steak Come From Female Cows or Steer More Often?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Naturally, every farm will have a specific female and male population of cattle. More often than not, however, steers are used more for meat – and steak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is because pound for pound, they tend to have more flesh. As such, they bring in a higher profit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Part of Cow is Steak?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You have probably eaten quite a bit of steak in your life, but it is only when you start to cook the steak yourself that you begin to think about questions like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which part of the cow does steak come from?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, there is no straightforward answer here as a steak comes from various parts of the cow or steer. As such, you can get<\/a> all types of steak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To begin with, though, let’s talk about the different cuts of beef. See, beef is divided into large sections that are known as primal beef cuts. The main sections are the forequarters and hindquarters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These areas are then broken down into sub-primal cuts such as chuck, brisket, rib, plate, short loin, flank, sirloin, tenderloin, top sirloin, bottom sirloin, and round. These sections, in turn, are where steaks are cut from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, let’s dive into the various categories as well as how you can prepare each cut of meat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n