Lee Farms Go-To Local Beef Cuts and the Recipes We Love to Share Around the Table
At Lee Farms, gathering around the table with a homemade meal is one of our favorite ways to spend time together. For our multi-generational farm family, food isn’t just nourishment. It’s tradition, connection, and care. Especially when it comes to beef raised the right way: locally, responsibly, and with the kind of attention that comes from generations of farming knowledge.
In this blog, we’re shining a spotlight on four of our favorite, flavorful but sometimes underrated cuts of beef. With just a little love and the right preparation, these cuts available at our market can turn an everyday meal into something extra special.
Chuck Eye Steak – The Butcher’s Hidden Gem
Why We Love It: Tender like ribeye, but more affordable. Great flavor and marbling.
Farm Tip: Season simply with salt and pepper, then sear hot and fast.
Recipe Idea:
Grilled Chuck Eye Steak with Garlic Herb Butter
Serve with grilled seasonal veggies and roasted potatoes — perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual cookout.
Why We Love It:
Often called the “poor man’s ribeye”, the chuck eye steak is tender, juicy, and marbled with flavor just like its pricier cousin.
Farm Tip:
Season simply with salt and pepper, and sear it hot and fast in a cast iron pan or on the grill. Let it rest before slicing.
Recipe Idea:
Grilled Chuck Eye Steak with Garlic Herb Butter
After cooking your steak, finish it with a pat of garlic herb butter and serve it alongside grilled seasonal veggies and crispy roasted potatoes. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.
Korean Short Ribs – Full of Flavor and Family Fun
Why We Love It: Thin-cut across the bone (a.k.a. flanken style) makes these fast-cooking and super tender when marinated.
Farm Tip: Best when marinated overnight to tenderize and absorb flavor. Grill over high heat.
Recipe Idea:
Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi) with sesame-soy marinade, grilled and served with rice and pickled cucumbers.
Great for a backyard BBQ with friends.
Why We Love It:
These flanken-style ribs are cut thin across the bone, which means they soak up marinades beautifully and cook quickly on the grill.
Farm Tip:
Marinate overnight in a soy-based marinade for the best flavor and tenderness. Grill over high heat for just a few minutes per side.
Recipe Idea:
Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi)
Use a sesame-soy marinade, then grill and serve with steamed rice and quick-pickled cucumbers. This one’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for backyard BBQs or weekend-get togethers.
Oxtail – Rich, Hearty, and Made for Slow Cooking
Why We Love It: Comfort food at its finest; packed with collagen and deep flavor.
Farm Tip: Brown first, then simmer low and slow to bring out all the goodness.
Recipe Idea:
Slow-Cooked Oxtail Stew with carrots, celery, red wine, and herbs.
Serve with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes — ideal for Sundays or make-ahead freezer meals.
Why We Love It:
There’s nothing quite like the deep flavor and fall-apart tenderness of slow-cooked oxtail. It’s packed with collagen, which gives stews and braises an irresistible richness.
Farm Tip:
Always brown the meat first to build flavor, then simmer low and slow (we’re talking several hours) until it’s melt-in-your-mouth good.
Recipe Idea:
Slow-Cooked Oxtail Stew
Combine your oxtail with carrots, celery, red wine, tomatoes, and herbs. Let it bubble away on the stove or in the slow cooker. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread on a Sunday, or freeze it for easy midweek comfort food.
Skirt Steak – Bold, Beefy, and Built for Marinades
Why We Love It: Quick to cook, packed with flavor, and versatile enough for tacos or salads.
Farm Tip: Always slice against the grain after cooking to keep it tender.
Recipe Idea:
Skirt Steak Fajitas with colorful bell peppers, onions, and warm tortillas.
Optional topping ideas: fresh lime, guacamole, or pickled red onions.
Why We Love It:
Skirt steak is thin, quick-cooking, and bursting with beefy flavor. It’s also incredibly versatile. After just a short marinade, it’s ready for tacos, salads, sandwiches, or stir-fry.
Farm Tip:
After cooking, rest briefly, then slice thinly against the train to keep it tender.
Recipe Idea:
Skirt Steak Fajitas
Sear your steak with bell peppers and onions. Then serve in warm tortillas topped with lime, guacamole, or pickled onions. It’s a festive dinner that comes together in no time.
Bonus: How to Get the Most from These Cuts
Getting the best out of these flavorful cuts starts with a few smart practices. For storing, keep your beef frozen until you’re ready to use it, and always thaw it slowly in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor. When it comes time to cook, knowing the unique characteristics of each cut like whether it’s best for quick grilling or better for slow braising, can make a big difference in how your meal turns out. It’s not about fancy techniques; it’s about confidence in the kitchen and understanding what you’re working with.
If you’re ever unsure how to prepare a particular cut or want suggestions for recipes, don’t hesitate to ask us next time you stop by the market. We love helping our customers discover new favorites and feel great about cooking at home. After all, the goal is to make mealtime delicious, low-stress, and something the whole family looks forward to.
At Lee Farms, we believe that flavorful, affordable cuts aren’t second-best. They’re often the secret weapons in a home cook’s kitchen. Whether you’re grilling, braising, or just trying something new, these cuts are packed with potential and perfect for sharing with the people you love.
Stop by the farm store to shop our beef selection and don’t forget to tag us in your kitchen creations. We love to see what you’re cooking!
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