Flat meat and flank steak are often used interchangeably in the culinary world, leading to confusion among many meat lovers. While both cuts come from the same area of the cow and have similar textures, they are not exactly the same.
What is Flat Meat?
Flat meat is a thin, rectangular cut of beef that comes from the shoulder area of the cow. It is a flavorful cut that is often used for grilling or broiling due to its tenderness and quick cooking time. Flat meat is known by many names including top blade steak, chicken steak, or simply blade steak.
What is Flank Steak?
Flank steak, on the other hand, comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow and is a long flat cut with a pronounced grain. It is leaner than flat meat with little marbling and has a distinct beefy flavor. Flank steak can be tough if not cooked properly but when prepared correctly it results in a tender and juicy cut.
What are the differences between Flat Meat and Flank Steak?
One of the main differences between flat meat and flank steak is their location on the cow’s body. As mentioned earlier, flat meat comes from the shoulder while flank steak comes from the abdominal muscles. This difference in location affects their texture and flavor.
Flat meat has more marbling than flank steak which gives it a richer flavor but also makes it higher in fat content. Flank steak, being leaner than flat meat, requires careful preparation to avoid it becoming too tough or Chewy.
Another difference between these two cuts lies in their thickness. Flat meat tends to be thinner than flank steak which makes it cook faster and more evenly than its counterpart. Flank steak requires careful attention while cooking to ensure that it doesn’t become overcooked or dry.
How to Cook Flat Meat?
Due to its tenderness, flat meat can be cooked using a variety of methods including grilling, broiling, pan-frying, or baking. It is important to note that this cut can be quite tough if overcooked so it is recommended to cook it to medium-rare or medium for the best results.
How to Cook Flank Steak?
Flank steak requires a little more attention while cooking since it can become tough if not prepared properly. The best way to cook flank steak is by grilling or broiling it for a short amount of time on each side to avoid overcooking. It is recommended to cook flank steak to medium-rare or medium for the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while flat meat and flank steak may seem similar due to their names and location on the cow’s body, they are in fact different cuts with distinct textures and flavors. When deciding which cut of meat to use for your recipe, consider the cooking method you plan on using as well as your personal preference for flavor and texture. With proper preparation and cooking techniques, both cuts can result in delicious meals that are sure to impress even the most discerning of palates.