Australians have long had a love affair with meat cuts, and it’s no surprise given the rich, savoury flavours and nutritional value it brings to the table. The production alone is staggering – the ABS’ livestock report for the March 2024 quarter showed a three per cent improvement in beef output, at 606,000 tonnes, up from December 2023’s 587,800 tonnes.
However, with the cost of living on the rise, it’s important to find ways to manage your food budget without sacrificing the quality and taste of your meals.
In this article, we’ll explore the need to save on the meat portion of your food budget and introduce you to 12 specific choice cuts that are not only delicious but also budget-friendly, helping you maintain a balanced diet.
Saving on Meat
Meat is undeniably a significant expense in many households’ food budgets. However, there are compelling reasons to consider saving on meat without compromising on nutrition or taste.
Budget Constraints
In challenging economic times, managing your food budget is essential. In being mindful of meat costs, you can allocate your resources to other important items.
Health and Variety
While meat is an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients, a balanced diet should include a variety of food items. Saving on meat allows you to diversify your diet with fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Sustainable Eating
Reducing meat consumption can be more environmentally friendly. Choosing budget-friendly cuts can be a step towards sustainable eating and reducing your carbon footprint.
Avoiding Food Waste
Buying budget-friendly cuts encourages resourcefulness in the kitchen. You’re more likely to use every part of the meat, minimising waste.
Think of it: a study by business software vendor Triton on recent Meat and Livestock Australia data stated that while 77 per cent of Australians see red meat production as a major economic driver, 28 per cent want to scale back for various reasons like the above. Seventy-one per cent, meanwhile, want more education about Australia’s meat industry passed down to younger people.
Choice Cuts on a Budget
Let’s dive into some choice cuts of meat that won’t break the bank while still delivering fantastic flavour and nutrition.
Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are not only economical but also incredibly versatile. They have more fat than chicken breasts, which means they’re less likely to dry out when cooked – but at a cost in protein content. The Australian Chicken Meat Federation states a 100-gram cut of skinless chicken thighs has 17.5g protein and 8.4g fat against 22.3g protein and 1.6g fat in 100g chicken breasts. Some chefs claim chicken thighs are perfect for roasting, grilling, or stir-frying.
Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt)
Pork shoulder is a budget-friendly cut that shines when slow-cooked. It’s perfect for pulled pork, stews, and roasts. The longer cooking time breaks down the tough fibres, resulting in tender, flavourful meat.
Ground Turkey
Ground turkey is a lean and affordable alternative to ground beef. Use it in tacos, chili, meatballs, or burgers for a lighter but still satisfying meal.
Beef Chuck Roast
Beef chuck roast is a tough cut that becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. It’s ideal for pot roasts, stews, and braised dishes. You’ll enjoy rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavours.
Lamb Shoulder Chops
Lamb shoulder chops are a flavourful and economical choice. Marinate and grill them or use them in hearty stews and curries.
Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks are not only affordable but also great for family dinners. They can be baked, grilled, or fried, and kids love them.
Pork Loin Chops
Pork loin chops are lean, tender, and budget-friendly. Pan-fry or grill them for a quick and delicious meal.
Beef Brisket
Beef brisket is a juicy cut that benefits from slow cooking. Smoke or braise it for a mouthwatering barbecue or pot roast.
Turkey Drumsticks
Turkey drumsticks are similar to chicken drumsticks but offer a unique flavour. They’re great for roasting or grilling.
Pork Spare Ribs
Pork spare ribs are a popular choice for barbecue lovers. Marinate, smoke, or grill them for tender, savoury goodness.
Beef Shank
Beef shank is an economical cut that shines in soups and stews. The marrow-rich bone adds depth of flavour to your dishes. Given the shank’s location as a major area of muscle movement, it also packs a good amount of collagen.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are budget-friendly and perfect for parties or casual dinners. Bake or fry them with your favourite sauces for finger-licking goodness.
Tips for Making the Most of Budget Meat Cuts
To get the best results from budget-friendly meat cuts, consider the following tips.
Marinate for Flavour
Marinating can enhance the taste and tenderness of budget cuts. Experiment with different marinades and seasonings.
Slow Cooking
Many budget cuts benefit from slow cooking methods like braising, roasting, or stewing. Low and slow cooking tenderises tough meat and infuses it with flavour.
Stir-Frying
Thinly slice or cube tougher cuts for stir-frying. High heat and quick cooking can yield delicious results.
Ground Meat Recipes
Ground meat, like ground turkey or beef, can be used in various dishes like meatloaf, meatballs, chili, and tacos.
Bone Broths
Save bones from budget cuts to make homemade broths or stocks. These can be used as a base for soups and sauces.
Leftovers
Be creative with leftovers. Use them in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or pasta dishes to reduce food waste.
Budget-Friendly Sides
Pair budget cuts with affordable sides like rice, pasta, beans, and seasonal vegetables to create balanced and satisfying meals.
Conclusion
Saving on meat doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour, nutrition, or meal satisfaction. By choosing budget-friendly cuts and employing cooking techniques that make the most of them, you can enjoy delicious and wholesome meals while managing your food budget more effectively. Explore these 12 choice cuts and discover new recipes and flavours that will not only tantalise your taste buds but also keep your wallet happy. Balancing your diet and your budget has never been more delicious!
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official financial or culinary advice. QUICKLE has no working relationships with any meat industry stakeholder or butcher shop.
