Should grass-fed beef be prepared differently?

Grass-fed beef has a different taste compared to grain-fed beef. Some may prefer its "leaner" taste, while others may find it milder than grain-fed beef. However, the way grass-fed beef is prepared makes all the difference in its taste!

Here are 5 tips for properly preparing and cooking grass-fed beef to make it as flavorful and tender as possible:

1. Season well before cooking

Salting or marinating the beef in advance can add a lot of flavor to your dish! Giving it time allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat. If your beef is frozen and you want to marinate it for a few hours, thaw it in the refrigerator. If you use another method, like thawing in cold water or the microwave, you must cook it immediately for safety reasons. For a more comprehensive thawing guide, you can check out our thawing guide.

2. Cook slowly and at low temperature

Grass-fed beef is leaner meat. This means that the meat can become drier and tougher quickly when cooked at high heat. The advice is to cook grass-fed beef at lower and gentler temperatures, preferably with indirect heat.

3. Thermometer vs. Timer

Use a thermometer for thicker cuts of grass-fed beef and a timer for thinner cuts. Generally, the cooking time is 5 to 7 minutes per pound of beef at 325 ˚F. It can be challenging to get an accurate reading with a thermometer when used on a thinner cut of beef as the thermometer may go through the other side of the piece.

4. Check the internal temperature properly

The internal temperature for properly cooking grass-fed beef is lower than that of grain-fed beef. Make sure to remove the meat from the heat 10 ˚F below the desired final temperature.

Cooking Guide:

Rare: 120 ˚F

Medium-Rare: 125 ˚F

Medium-Well: 135 ˚F

Well-Done: 140 ˚F

5. Let it rest before serving

Allow the meat to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the heat. This allows the meat juices to distribute evenly and gives a more tender and flavorful end product.

Now that you know the benefits of grass-fed beef and the tips for preparing it well, all that's left is to taste it! If you're like us, you won't be able to do without grass-fed beef products after trying them!