The Most Popular Cut of Meat, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the cut you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:34
When planning a meal or hosting a barbecue, knowing which cuts of meat are most beloved can save time and satisfy guests. Trends in preferences can be handy, ensuring that everyone enjoys their meal to the fullest. This insight guides purchases and helps in exploring new culinary delights that might become your next favorite.
Here, you play a critical role in shaping the list by casting your vote for the cuts of meat you love the most. This dynamic ranking updates live as more votes are cast, reflecting current tastes and preferences. Join others in shaping a useful resource that continually adjusts to new trends and popular choices.
What Is the Most Popular Cut of Meat?
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163votesRibeye is one of the most popular cuts of meat due to its rich marbling, which makes it tender, juicy and flavorful. It's often served in high-end steakhouses and is also a favorite choice for grilling at home.The Beef Ribeye is a highly sought-after cut of beef known for its rich marbling, tender texture, and intense flavor. It is often considered one of the finest cuts of beef due to its exceptional taste and juiciness. The ribeye comes from the rib section of the cow and is composed of the longissimus dorsi muscle. It is commonly cut into steaks which are thick, boneless, and well-marbled, making them perfect for grilling or pan-searing.
- Cut: Ribeye
- Animal: Beef
- Muscle: Longissimus dorsi
- Texture: Tender
- Flavor: Intense
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234votesSirloin is another popular cut of beef that is prized for its tenderness and flavor. It's often used for roasting or grilling, and can also be sliced thin for use in stir-fries or other dishes.Beef Sirloin is a tender and flavorful cut of beef that comes from the primal section of the cow known as the sirloin. It is known for its rich marbling and juiciness, making it a popular choice among steak lovers.
- Cut: Taken from the sirloin section of the cow.
- Tenderness: Tender and easy to chew.
- Flavor: Rich and beefy.
- Marbling: Well-marbled with fat, which enhances flavor and juiciness.
- Texture: Fine-grained texture.
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323votes
Rainer ... · CC BY-SA 3.0Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of meat that is often used for roasting, grilling or sautéing. It's a popular choice for weeknight dinners and is also served in many restaurants.Pork Tenderloin is a lean, tender, and versatile cut of meat. It is a long, narrow muscle that runs along the backbone of the pig. Due to its tenderness and mild flavor, it is often considered the most prized cut of pork.- Cut: Rectangular
- Weight: About 1-1.5 pounds
- Shape: Cylindrical
- Texture: Tender
- Color: Pale pink
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416votesChicken breast is a versatile cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's often grilled, baked or sautéed and is a popular choice for healthy eating due to its lean protein content.The Chicken Breast is a versatile and highly popular cut of meat obtained from the chest muscles of a chicken. It is boneless and typically has the skin removed, making it lean and easy to cook. This cut is known for its tender and moist texture, making it a favorite among health-conscious individuals and cooks worldwide.
- Cut of Meat: Chicken Breast
- Type: Poultry
- Texture: Tender and moist
- Appearance: Boneless, skinless
- Lean: Yes
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511votesLamb leg is a popular cut of meat in many cultures and is often roasted or grilled. It's known for its tender meat and rich flavor, and is often served with flavorful marinades or spices.The Lamb Leg is a prime cut of meat derived from the hindquarter of a young sheep. It is known for its tender and flavorful meat, making it a popular choice for roasting or grilling.
- Cut: Hindquarter
- Tenderness: Tender
- Flavor: Rich and succulent
- Cooking Method: Roasting, grilling
- Preferred Doneness: Medium-rare to medium
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68votesFilet mignon is a very tender cut of beef that comes from the tenderloin. It's often served in high-end restaurants and is known for its delicate flavor and texture.Beef Filet Mignon is a highly prized and tender cut of beef that comes from the smaller end of the tenderloin. It is known for its exceptional tenderness, buttery texture, and delicate flavor, making it one of the most sought-after cuts of meat in the culinary world.
- Cut of Meat: Tenderloin
- Texture: Buttery
- Flavor: Delicate
- Tenderness: Exceptional
- Size: Usually small, individual portions
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712votesPork loin is a lean and flavorful cut of meat that is often used for roasting or grilling. It's a popular choice for holiday dinners and is also often served in restaurants.Pork loin is a popular cut of meat sourced from the back of a pig, where the backbone is located. It is known for its tender and lean meat, making it a versatile option for various dishes.
- Cut Location: Back of the pig, along the backbone
- Texture: Tender and lean
- Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet
- Popular Cuts: Center-cut loin roast, bone-in loin chops, boneless loin chops
- Cooking Methods: Roasting, grilling, pan-frying, braising
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84votesBrisket is a popular cut of beef that is often used for slow cooking or smoking. It's known for its rich flavor and is a staple in many barbecue dishes.Beef Brisket is a popular beef dish that is made from the breast or lower chest part of the cow. It is known for its tender and flavorful meat, achieved through slow cooking or smoking methods. The dish originated from the Southern United States, particularly in Texas, where it is often considered a staple in barbecues and traditional Texan cuisine.
- Cut: Breast or lower chest
- Cooking Methods: Slow cooking, smoking
- Tenderness: Very tender
- Flavor: Rich and savory
- Origin: Southern United States, particularly Texas
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95votesPork shoulder is a versatile cut of meat that can be used for roasting, braising or slow cooking. It's often used for pulled pork and is a popular choice for barbecue dishes.Pork Shoulder is a cut of meat obtained from the upper part of the front leg of a pig. This particular cut is known for its marbling and rich flavor that is perfect for slow cooking methods like roasting, braising, and smoking.
- Alternative Names: Pork butt, Boston butt
- Texture: Tender and juicy
- Flavor: Rich, savory, and slightly sweet
- Recommended Cooking Methods: Roasting, slow cooking, braising, smoking
- Average Weight: Between 5-8 pounds
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1011votesChuck roast is a popular cut of beef that is often used for pot roasts or stews. It's known for its rich flavor and is a budget-friendly option for many home cooks.The Beef Chuck Roast is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that comes from the shoulder area of the cow.
- Origin: USA, Canada, Australia, Argentina
- Type of Meat: Beef
- Part of the Cow: Shoulder
- Texture: Tender, yet slightly marbled
- Flavor: Rich and beefy
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular cut
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FlavorThe taste of the meat is essential in determining its popularity. Cuts with richer and more distinct flavors are often preferred by many people.
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TendernessSofter and more tender cuts of meat are easier to chew and digest, making them more popular. The tenderness is determined by factors such as the amount of marbling (fat dispersed within the muscle) and the muscle's location on the animal.
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MarblingMarbling refers to the dispersion of fat within the muscle. Cuts with more marbling tend to be more tender and juicy, resulting in a better eating experience.
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VersatilitySome cuts of meat can be used in a variety of ways, making them more popular. A versatile cut of meat can be cooked using different methods, such as grilling, roasting, or stewing.
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Cook timeCuts that require less time to cook are generally preferred, as they are more convenient and appealing for busy individuals.
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CostThe price of the meat plays a significant role in its popularity. Generally, affordable cuts of meat tend to have a broader appeal.
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AvailabilityThe ease of finding a particular cut of meat at local butcher shops or grocery stores can affect its popularity. Accessible cuts tend to be more popular than those that are harder to find.
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Nutritional valueCuts of meat that are perceived as healthier, such as lean cuts with less fat, may be more popular among health-conscious consumers.
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Cultural and regional preferencesSome cuts of meat may be more popular in specific cultures or regions due to traditional dishes or culinary preferences.
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Personal preferencesUltimately, personal tastes play a crucial role in determining the popularity of a specific cut of meat. Consumers may have their preferences based on factors such as taste, texture, and culinary experiences.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular cut of meat. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or cut is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1218 views
- 186 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each cut once every 24 hours. The rank of each cut is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular cut of meat
When it comes to meat, there are countless cuts to choose from. From tenderloin to brisket, each cut has a unique texture and flavor that makes it a favorite among meat lovers. But which cut of meat reigns supreme as the most popular?
According to recent polls and surveys, the answer is steak. Specifically, the classic strip steak and ribeye. These cuts are known for their marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. They are often served in high-end restaurants and are a popular choice for special occasions.
However, it's worth noting that the popularity of cuts of meat can vary by region and culture. In some parts of the world, lamb or pork may be more popular than beef. And within the United States, different cuts may be favored in different regions.
Regardless of personal preferences, it's clear that meat is a staple in many diets around the world. And with so many delicious cuts to choose from, there's no shortage of options for meat lovers to enjoy.
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