The Truth About Buying a Whole Steer: My Experience and Breakdown

Is Buying a Whole Steer Worth It? My Experience and Breakdown!

In recent discussions about purchasing a whole steer, opinions vary widely—some say it’s a fantastic investment, while others are more skeptical.

After sharing a photo of my steer, I faced criticism for its size and finishing quality. Despite that, I want to share my experience and why I believe buying a whole steer is the best way to stock up on beef.

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The Cost and Yield

I paid $4.69 per pound for my steer, which included processing. The result was a whopping 448 pounds of meat, divided as follows:

122 pounds of steaks
130 pounds of roasts
196 pounds of ground beef

For anyone contemplating this route, let’s explore the benefits of buying a whole steer.

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Why Buy a Whole Steer?

Cost-Effective: At $4.69 per pound, the price is competitive compared to local grocery stores, especially for premium cuts.
Variety: With a diverse selection of cuts, I have plenty of options for different meals—steaks for grilling, roasts for slow cooking, and ground beef for various recipes.
Quality Assurance: Knowing where the meat comes from gives me confidence in its quality and how the animal was raised.
Freezer Stocking: Having a large quantity of meat means I’m set for many months, reducing frequent grocery trips.

Cooking with My Steaks

While I won’t label my steaks as “prime” based on the opinions of others, the flavor and tenderness have been delightful. Here’s a simple recipe to showcase the natural goodness of the beef.

Recipe: Grilled Steak with Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1 inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Steaks

Bring to Room Temperature: Take the steaks out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Season: Rub both sides with olive oil, then generously season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. For charcoal grills, ensure the coals are glowing red.

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Step 3: Grill the Steaks

Cook the Steaks: Place the steaks on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them.
Flip and Cook: Flip the steaks and cook for another 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, adjusting the time for your preferred doneness.

Step 4: Make Garlic Butter

Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
Serve: Drizzle the garlic butter over the steaks, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with your favorite sides.

Despite the ridicule I encountered, my experience buying a whole steer has been overwhelmingly positive.

The value, variety, and satisfaction of having my freezer stocked with quality beef are unmatched. For anyone considering this option, I highly recommend it. Enjoy exploring different cuts and creating delicious meals that celebrate the rich flavors of beef!