Whether it’s a juicy cut of steak or savory pork ribs, meat is a staple in many people’s diets. The perfectly balanced mix of protein, fat, and essential vitamins makes it one of the most satisfying foods! While deep-frying and searing may be your go-to methods for preparing meat, there are plenty of healthier options that are just as delicious.
If you’ve successfully spent the first few weeks of 2023 without throwing meat in the oil, we say congratulations! Now take it one step further by trying out these healthy alternatives for cooking meat.
Choose Your Meat Wisely
Although generalized under an umbrella term, not all meats are created equal. Some have a high-fat content, while others are leaner. Certain meats will work better for you, depending on your dietary needs. Researching the nutritional profile of different meats is a great way to ensure you’re making an informed decision.
The meat making insane noise in the culinary world right now is wagyu beef. For those who don’t know, Waygu is a Japanese cattle, now also bred in America and Australia, among other countries. What makes wagyu so great is its health benefits. It is high in conjugated linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid, making it an ideal meal for those with high cholesterol. Also, CLA reduces the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
However, the taste of your meal will depend immensely on the quality of the wagyu beef you choose. Make sure to hit up the best wagyu shop online for the best of the best.
Go Low and Slow
Your cooking technique plays a huge role in the result of your meal. Sure, you can deep fry everything, but that will not do wonders for your health.
Opt for low heat and a longer cooking time to keep your meal healthier. It allows the meat’s natural juices to remain intact while tenderizing the proteins. What is the most popular method? Braising!
Braising involves cooking your meat in a liquid at a low temperature. The slow process breaks down the proteins, resulting in an incredibly tender cut that’s also flavorful. We recommend braising your beef in a delicious red wine reduction or homemade beef stock.
For the best results, let your meat simmer for at least an hour – longer if you can. It allows the liquid to soak up all the flavors and the fat of the meat to melt into a succulent delight.
Marinades and Rubs
Meat doesn’t have to be boring or flavorless. While there are plenty of premade marinades and rubs, you can always make your own. The best part? You can control what goes into it and decide to focus on health or flavor.
Experiment with different ingredients like garlic, shallots, and herbs for a healthy marinade. Avoid processed ones with added sugars like teriyaki. And to lighten up the fat content, use a combination of olive oil and vinegar.
Marinades aren’t just for your meats, either. You can even rub your marinades onto veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or potatoes for a delicious grilled side dish. If you want to get creative, try combining different herbs and spices to make them interesting. You can also add some zing by adding citrus peels or a dash of sugar.
Grilling
Grilling is great because it adds flavor to your meats without all the extra fat.
Make sure to use a meshed metal grill mat or pan to prevent flare-ups. It’s also essential to keep your grill clean so you avoid unwanted carcinogens from forming.
Popular grilling options include chicken, beef steak, and pork chops. For a simple yet delicious flavor, you can marinate them with plain butter, garlic, and rosemary.
The key is to keep an eye on your meats as you cook them (to avoid burning them). Also, remember to let the meats rest for 5 minutes after grilling. It allows the meat’s juices to be redistributed, resulting in a more succulent piece.
3 Healthy Meat Recipes That’ll Win Your Heart
Air Fryer Steak
Let’s face it, mastering the art of steak cooking can be like navigating a minefield – one wrong move and you’ve overcooked your dinner! But don’t give up yet – we believe in your steak-cooking wizardry!
For this delicious meal, all you need is a quality cut of steak, some rub or seasoning of your choice (we love garlic and rosemary), and a dash of olive oil.
To air-fry the steak, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it’s reached the temperature, brush a light layer of olive oil over your steak and season it generously with your rub.
Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook it for 10 minutes. Flip the steak halfway through to ensure even cooking. You can enjoy the simple yet delicious steak with a side of your favorite veggies.
Classic Meatloaf
Who can resist a warm slice of meatloaf on a chilly day? Not us!
This classic dish will make sure everyone’s bellies are happy. The ingredients you’ll need to make this dish include ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices.
Once you have all your ingredients ready, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking tray with foil. In a bowl, mix everything until they are evenly distributed.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the baking tray. Bake the meatloaf for 30-40 minutes or until its internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Enjoy the moist and flavorful loaf with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. Yum!
Wagyu Sukiyaki
Sounds royal and delicious, doesn’t it? This Japanese dish uses thinly sliced Wagyu beef with vegetables and a savory sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and saltiness.
The ingredients you’ll need for the sukiyaki are Wagyu beef, shungiku (Japanese chrysanthemum leaves), shiitake mushrooms, tofu, carrots, and green onions.
Prepare a simple sauce by combining soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
In a skillet or wok, heat some vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the Wagyu beef and stir-fry it until lightly browned. Next, add the vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
Finally, pour in the sauce and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the flavors have blended. Serve warm over a bed of steamed rice.
Final Words
Remember, your food choices play an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. And trust us; you can control your cravings with delicious and healthy cooking methods. Use these tips to upgrade your meat recipes and enjoy the flavors without guilt.
Since we don’t want you to sacrifice flavor for health, try out these recipes.
So, invite over your carnivore squad and get grilling! Happy cooking!