Beef country style strips are a versatile cut of beef that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are made from the sirloin or round primal cut and sliced into long, thin strips. The strips have a tender texture and robust beefy flavor that takes well to marinades and sauces.
Where do beef country style strips come from on the cow?
Beef country style strips are cut from the round or sirloin section of the cow. The round primal lies towards the back of the animal above the hind legs. It comprises complex muscles like the top round, bottom round, and eye of round that are worked hard for locomotion. Country style strips are often sliced from the top round due to its good marbling. The sirloin lies just above the round primal between the hip and ribs. It too contains multiple muscle groups like the top sirloin butt and bottom sirloin flap that get much exercise, resulting in dense, flavorful meat.
What cuts of beef are used?
There are a few specific cuts of beef that country style steak strips come from:
- Top round – This sits at the top of the round primal cut. It’s a large, tender muscle that yields long, flat cuts ideal for country style strips.
- Bottom round – The bottom round sits beneath the top round and also provides good options for slicing. The eye of round within the bottom round is especially prized.
- Top sirloin – The top sirloin butt adjacent to the round makes an excellent choice for country style strips due to its tenderness.
- Tri-tip – Though small, the tri-tip from the bottom sirloin has great texture for slicing into strips.
What are the characteristics of country style steak strips?
Country style steak strips have the following characteristics:
- Cut from round or sirloin primal cuts
- Long, thin strips usually 4-6 inches in length
- Uniform 1/2 to 1 inch width and 1/4 inch thickness
- Grain of the meat fibers runs lengthwise
- Moderate fat marbling between muscle fibers
- Dense, meaty texture requiring proper cooking
- Hearty, beefy flavor
How is it different from other cuts of beef?
Country style steak strips are different from other common cuts of beef in the following ways:
| Cut | Differences |
|---|---|
| Ribeye steak | Ribeye comes from a less exercised part of the cow with more fat marbling. It has a finer grain and more tenderness. |
| Tenderloin | Taken from a rarely used muscle, tenderloin is much more tender with delicate flavor. |
| Sirloin steak | Sirloin steak is cut thicker from the hip closer to the bone. It has larger sections of fat marbling. |
| Flank steak | Flank steak comes from the abdominal area with long, straight muscle fibers. It has robust beef flavor but can be chewy. |
What are some common uses for country style steak strips?
Country style steak strips are extremely versatile and used in dishes like:
- Fajitas – Sliced strips are commonly used for steak fajitas along with peppers and onions.
- Stir fry – Thinly sliced strips cook quickly and pair well with Asian flavors in a stir fry.
- Steak sandwiches – Slices of country style steak make tasty steak sandwich fillings, especially with cheese and onions.
- Kabobs – The strips thread nicely onto skewers for steak kabobs ideal for grilling.
- Steak tips – Marinated and quickly seared for salads or pasta dishes.
- Stew meat – Simmered in stews and chilis to become fall-apart tender.
What are some ways to cook country style steak strips?
There are several cooking methods that work well with country style steak strips:
- Grilling – The high dry heat of the grill sears in moisture and gives an excellent charred flavor. Grill over direct high heat just until medium rare.
- Pan searing – Cooking the strips in a hot skillet produces nice browning while keeping the interior juicy.
- Broiling – High heat under the broiler caramelizes the outside to complement the beefy flavor.
- Braising – Low, moist heat by braising makes the meat incredibly tender and brings out its flavor.
- Simmering in liquid – Gently simmering the strips in a flavorful sauce or stew produces fall-apart texture.
What are some popular marinades and seasonings?
Country style steak strips pair well with these marinades and seasonings:
- Southwestern – Cumin, chili powder, lime, garlic
- Teriyaki – Soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic
- Barbecue – Tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire, paprika
- Garlic Herb – Garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano
- Jerk – Chili peppers, allspice, thyme, brown sugar
- Blackening – Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano
What are some recipe ideas?
Here are some excellent recipe ideas that feature country style steak strips:
Fajitas
Marinate thinly sliced country style strips in fajita seasoning mix. Saute with sliced peppers and onions. Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, cheese, lettuce, rice, and beans.
Stir Fry with Vegetables
Slice country style strips into thin 2-inch pieces. Marinate in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir fry in a wok with broccoli, carrots, snap peas and sliced onions. Serve over rice.
Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Pan sear country style steak slices until cooked through. Place on hoagie rolls topped with sauteed onions, peppers, mushrooms, and melted provolone cheese.
Steak Fajita Salad
Top a salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and avocado with lime cilantro marinated and grilled country style steak strips. Drizzle with vinaigrette dressing.
Beef and Vegetable Kebabs
Thread marinated country style strips alternately with chunks of onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms onto skewers. Grill until vegetables are tender and beef is cooked through.
What are some key tips when cooking country style steak strips?
- Slice across the grain into thin, uniform strips for the most tender texture.
- Marinate the meat for 1-2 hours to boost flavor and moisture.
- Cook quickly over high heat to medium rare doneness to prevent toughening.
- Let rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
- Cut into slices across the grain before serving for tenderness.
- Add a flavorful sauce like chimichurri or peppercorn sauce to complement the beefy flavor.
What are good sides to serve with country style steak strips?
Some excellent side dishes to pair with country style steak strips include:
- Rice pilaf or fried rice
- Sauteed peppers and onions
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini, squash, mushrooms
- Dinner rolls or breadsticks
- Tossed salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted brussels sprouts with bacon
Conclusion
Beef country style steak strips are a versatile, flavorful cut that excels in a variety of dishes from fajitas to kabobs when sliced thin across the grain. Their hearty beefiness takes well to bold seasonings and marinades. Cooked quickly over high heat and served medium rare, they deliver great taste and pleasing texture. Pair country style strips with fresh vegetables, rice, salad, or bread for a satisfying meal.