How to Order & Try the Best Lean Beef Online in the U.S.

If you want to enjoy the benefits of lean beef, it's important to know what to look for and how to order it online. Lean beef is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals and can be a great addition to a healthy diet. 

With so many different types of cuts and online meat shops available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this guide, we'll cover everything from what lean beef is and how to choose the best cuts, to how to properly store and prepare it at home.

What Is Lean Beef?

Lean beef refers to cuts of beef with a lower fat content compared to other cuts. They are usually considered healthier options due to their lower saturated fat and calorie content, making them ideal choices for health-conscious consumers. 

Many people prefer to include lean beef in their diets as a source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals without consuming excessive amounts of fat. In order to be classified as lean beef, the cut must contain less than 10 grams of total fat, less than 4.5 grams of saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams serving.

Types of Lean Beef

Lean beef is available in various cuts and comes from different parts of the cow. Selecting the right cut ensures you get your desired tenderness and can help determine your cooking method. Here are some popular lean beef cuts, their characteristics, and recommended cooking methods:

Brisket flat

Brisket flat is a lean beef cut from the lower chest of the cow. Due to the muscle fibers running through the meat, these cuts can be a bit tough if not cooked properly. Brisket flats are typically used in slow-roasted dishes, smoked barbecue, or corned beef. This cut is best when cooked low and slow, ensuring an enjoyable tenderness. While not as tender as other options, the brisket flat remains a popular choice for its robust flavor and versatility in cooking methods.

Shank or front leg

Shank cuts come from the front leg of the cow and are particularly lean due to the heavy muscle content. This means that the cut can become tough when not cooked correctly. With the right preparation and cooking method, such as braising or slow cooking in liquid, shank cuts turn into tender, flavorful dishes.

Short loin or the back

Short loin cuts are located at the upper back region of the cow and are prized for their tenderness. These cuts are typically lean due to minimal muscle use, leading to highly-desired steak cuts. Examples include filet mignon, T-bone steak, and porterhouse steak. Many people consider these cuts as the epitome of fine dining.

Sirloin or the lower back

Sirloin cuts come from the lower back section of the cow and are popular choices when it comes to lean cuts. Sirloin steaks are known for their tenderness and flavor and are perfect for grilling, frying, or broiling. Tri-tip, top sirloin, and bottom sirloin are some examples of lean cuts found in this section.

Flank or abdomen

Flank cuts, as the name suggests, come from the cow's abdominal area. Since it is a well-used muscle, it can be a bit tougher than other lean beef cuts, but it is known for its intense flavor. Proper marinating and cooking methods, like grilling or broiling, can lead to a delicious and tender dish. Skirt steak and flank steak are common examples of flank cuts.

Round or the rear leg

Round cuts are sourced from the cow's rear leg. Due to their lean nature and minimal fat content, these cuts can turn out tough if overcooked or not cooked correctly. Round cuts, including top round, eye of round, and bottom round, are best suited for slow cooking, braising, and roasting. These cuts are the ideal choices for dishes such as pot roast or beef stir-fry.

Benefits of Consuming Lean Beef

Rich Nutrient Content

One of the main reasons people choose lean beef in their diet is its rich nutrient content. It is an excellent source of essential nutrients like protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. These nutrients help support proper functioning of the immune system and red blood cell production, and provide energy to the body.

Weight Management and Muscle Building

Lean beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair. It also helps with weight management by keeping you fuller for longer due to its high protein content and can assist in maintaining muscle mass while losing fat during calorie-restricted diets. It's important to remember that moderation is key, and consuming lean beef within a balanced diet is the most effective way to enjoy its benefits.

Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

Choosing lean beef from farms that practice sustainable and ethical methods can significantly impact the environment. These farms tend to prioritize animal welfare and work to reduce their carbon footprint. This ensures you can enjoy humanely raised meat while keeping a clear conscience about your purchase.

When you buy meat, choose online meat delivery companies that work with farms that follow sustainable and humane practices. Make sure to check the company's background, sourcing methods, and environmental initiatives.

Popular Lean Beef Cuts to Purchase Online

Now that we've discussed the benefits of consuming lean beef, let's explore some excellent cuts to purchase online. These steak cuts are known for their leanness, tenderness, and flavor, making them a great addition to any healthy diet.

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is a popular choice for those looking for a tender and lean cut of beef. It comes from the smaller end of the tenderloin, which makes it one of the most tender cuts available. With its buttery texture and mild flavor, this cut is perfect for those who value quality and taste.

Top Sirloin Steak

Top sirloin steak is an excellent lean cut option known for its great beef flavor and tenderness. It is a versatile cut that can be grilled, broiled, or cooked using various methods to create flavorful dishes. Many good ranchers offer top sirloin steaks as part of their curated boxes or mixed boxes, making it easier for you to order meat online and try this delicious cut.

Eye of Round Roast

The eye of round roast is another lean beef cut ideal for those looking to manage their weight while enjoying high-quality beef. It is suitable for slow cooking methods, such as oven roasting or pot roasting, which helps to tenderize the meat and bring out its full flavor. When purchasing meat online, look for eye of round roast options from brands that offer all natural, grass-fed beef for the best experience.

Flank Steak

Flank steak is a lean cut that comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow, making it flavorful and relatively low in fat. This cut is perfect for grilling or broiling and is commonly used in dishes like fajitas and stir-fries.

Tenderloin Steak

Tenderloin steak is highly desirable due to its tender, juicy and melt-in-the-mouth texture. The quality of the meat is superb, with a mild, subtle, and buttery flavor. It is best cooked using dry heat methods like grilling, broiling, or pan-searing, with minimal seasoning to fully enjoy the natural taste and tenderness.

How to Choose and Store Lean Beef

When it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, lean beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and essential nutrients. Here are some tips for choosing and storing lean beef products.

Evaluating Quality and Taste

To find high-quality lean beef, consider ordering your meat online. Mail order steak services often have a larger selection and greater transparency about the source of their meat, such as whether it is grass-fed beef or grain-fed beef.

Some meat delivery services offer curated boxes so you can try a wide range of specialty beef options. When you buy meat, look for details about how the livestock was raised and whether it comes from farms that prioritize animal welfare and sustainability. Specialty beef from ethical ranchers is more likely to consistently provide that exceptional taste and tenderness you crave.

When evaluating the taste of lean beef, remember that different cuts can offer unique eating experiences. Short loin, for example, can be more tender compared to skirt steak, which has more robust flavors. The best online meat stores will offer a wide selection to cater to individual preferences, allowing you to explore the nuances of each cut and discover what you enjoy most.

Best Practices for Storing Lean Beef

It's essential to follow best practices for storage to ensure that your beef stays fresh. Depending on your intended usage and timelines, meat can be stored in a variety of ways.

If you’re planning to cook the meat within a few days of buying it, refrigerate it at a temperature between 34-38°F in the original packaging. However, if you plan to store it for a longer period, freezing is the best option. Freeze meat at 0°F or lower, making sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or airtight containers to prevent freezer burn. Specialty beef, such as dry aged or Japanese Wagyu, should be stored carefully to preserve its delicate flavors and textures.

Online meat delivery services typically ship their products frozen, allowing you to transfer them directly to your freezer. Frozen meat can retain its quality for months if stored correctly.

Properly Thawing and Preparing Frozen Beef

The key to retaining the outstanding taste and tenderness of your lean beef is to thaw and prepare it correctly. Defrosting meat in the refrigerator is safe and efficient, as cold air allows the meat to thaw at a consistent temperature. When thawing your previously frozen meat, ensure that it's placed on a plate or in a container to catch any excess liquid during the thawing process. For faster thawing, you can use cold water to defrost the meat, making sure that it's tightly sealed in a leak-proof plastic bag. Remember that thick cuts will require more time to thaw compared to thinner options like skirt steak.

Once your beef is properly thawed, pat it dry with paper towels before proceeding to cook it, as extra surface moisture can interfere with caramelization and browning during cooking. Preheat the cooking surface before placing your meat to help develop a delicious exterior crust. Seasoning, marinades, or specialty rubs can further enhance the flavor, but the key is to let the beef’s natural taste shine instead of overpowering it with too many additives.

Buy the Best Quality Lean Beef From Thomas Farms

Thomas Farms is an exceptional provider of online meat delivery, offering a large selection of lean beef options. We source our products from the best pasturelands in Australia. Our animals are raised with care and respect, ensuring the meat you receive is of top quality and delivers exceptional taste.

Explore our offerings today and experience the difference of buying meat from a trusted and reputable source. Ordering beef online saves time and offers the convenience of having top-quality lean beef delivered right to your door. No grocery store lines or lengthy in-store searches; Thomas Farms has you covered with a wide selection for all your lean beef needs, whether it be grass-fed and pasture-raised meat, or specialty options like organic and halal beef.

Order delicious cuts of lean beef from Thomas Farms today.

FAQs About Buying Lean Beef Online