Close your eyes and think back to the last steak you enjoyed. Its tender and juicy texture, with the rich meaty flavor. The satisfaction of eating Canadian beef cuts just can’t be beat!
The beef produced in Canada is subject to strict standards and regulations, ensuring that consumers receive a safe and nutritious product.
Canadian Beef Grades
Considering that we have almost 50 years sourcing premium beef, it is not surprising how many times we have been asked, “What is the best grade of beef in Canada?”
The short answer is: The best grade of beef is considered to be Canada Prime AAA.
But let’s take a more in-depth look at how beef is graded in Canada.
Beef grading done by the Canadian Beef Grading Agency is based on factors such as marbling (the amount of fat within the muscle), firmness, texture, and color of the meat. The grade is determined by trained graders according to the following criteria:
- Canada AAA: The highest quality grade, with abundant marbling resulting in a juicy and tender eating experience.
- Canada AA: Good marbling, providing a good eating experience with a slightly lower level than Canada AAA.
- Canada A: Minimal marbling with a firm and moderately fine texture.
- Canada B: Lowest quality grade, with little marbling and a coarser texture.
The age and breed of the animal, and the method of production also influence the grades of Canadian beef.
What’s the Best Beef Cut?
Canadian beef cuts are all good -as long as you know how to cook them. The best beef cut for you will depend on your personal preferences and the way you plan to cook and serve the meat.
Beef Cuts Explained
Explaining the different cuts of beef can be a convoluted exercise as the carcass of a steer or heifer is first cut into large, primal cuts.
- Chuck
- Rib
- Loin
- Hip
- Shank
- Brisket
- Plate
- Flank
Primal cuts are then divided into smaller portions of meat that are sold in butcher shops or used by chefs and restaurants for further processing. These subprimal cuts are still large cuts of meat that are too large for most consumers to purchase and prepare in their homes and require additional preparation before being served.
So, let’s simplify things by answering another frequent question, “What are the 4 main cuts of beef found in retail butcheries?”
1. Rib-eye
Typically with the bone left in, the rib-eye steak is a cut of meat that is taken from the rib section of a cow’s back. The rich flavor and tender meat of ribeye makes it a popular choice for steaks and is often considered one of the tastiest cuts of beef.
2. Tenderloin
The tenderloin steak is a top pick for grilling. If you like meat that is both tender and juicy, with a mild taste, this cut of steak originates from the hindquarters of the animal near the upper end (short loin) and is renowned for its tenderness and delightful flavors. Our Chophouse Prime and Canadian Wagyu tenderloin varieties are renowned for their exceptional taste and succulence.
3. Sirloin
A versatile cut that is known for its robust flavor and tenderness, sirloin is often used for steaks and other dishes that require a moist and juicy meat.
4. Striploin
Striploin beef steaks come from the short loin of the animal. They are typically leaner than ribeye steaks, but still offer a good balance of flavor and tenderness. Striploin steaks have a moderate amount of marbling, which contributes to their juicy and satisfying taste. They are a versatile cut of beef that can be grilled, broiled, or pan-fried.
Chophouse Steaks
Beef produced in Canada is known for its high quality and taste. Canadian beef farmers are committed to raising their cattle in a responsible and sustainable manner, using methods that prioritize animal welfare and environmental conservation. The industry loves to argue about which province has the best beef in Canada!
Of course, our vote goes to the Maritimes with their strong tradition of raising high-quality beef using natural and sustainable farming methods. Ontario is known for its hormone and antibiotic-free, grass-fed cattle – and is home to our Brant Lake Wagyu.
But wherever in Canada you like, you can buy premium grade beef in just three easy steps:
- Ogle
- Order
- Enjoy
We at Chophouse Steaks online butchery deliver to most areas in Canada.
Check out our wide range of prime Canadian beef cuts today!
