ACP steak, also known as American Choice Premium steak, refers to beef graded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as “Choice” or “Prime.” Choice and Prime steaks are considered higher quality, more tender and flavorful cuts of beef.
What does ACP mean?
ACP stands for American Choice Premium. It is a brand name used to market Choice or Prime graded beef products. The ACP brand is owned by the company Greater Omaha Packing.
What makes ACP steak different?
There are a few key things that set ACP steaks apart from regular Choice or Prime steaks:
- Strict standards – ACP steaks must meet certain standards for marbling, maturity, size, and thickness. Only the top 5% of Choice grade beef qualifies for the ACP brand.
- Specialized feeding – Cattle selected for ACP steaks are fed a specialized diet to ensure optimal marbling and flavor.
- Dry-aging – ACP steaks are dried-aged for at least 21 days to enhance tenderness and taste.
- Hand selection – ACP cuts are hand selected by expert meat cutters to pick the best of the best.
Grading of ACP steaks
All ACP steaks are certified as either USDA Choice or Prime grade. Here is an overview of what these grades mean:
USDA Choice
Choice is the second highest quality grade given to beef, below Prime. Choice grade indicates:
- Moderate to high degree of marbling
- Good texture, firmness, and fine grain
- Flavor is desirable, juicy, and tasty
- About 2-3% of all graded beef qualifies for Choice
USDA Prime
Prime represents the highest quality grade given to only about 2-3% of all beef. Prime beef has:
- Abundant marbling for tenderness and flavor
- Very fine texture, soft and velvety
- Exceptional flavor, juiciness, and tenderness
ACP steaks always meet one of these top tier grades for quality and flavor.
What cut of beef is used for ACP steaks?
ACP steaks utilize several premium cuts of beef:
- Ribeye – The ribeye comes from the rib section. It is tender, finely marbled, and flavorful.
- Strip loin – Also called a NY strip, this lean and tender cut comes from the short loin.
- Tenderloin – Extremely tender and lean, the tenderloin is cut from the loin.
- T-bone – This cut contains both the strip loin and a piece of tenderloin.
These prized cuts – ribeye, strip, tenderloin, and T-bone – account for the exceptional tenderness and taste of ACP steaks.
Benefits of choosing ACP steaks
Here are some of the benefits that set ACP steaks apart from typical supermarket steaks:
- Higher quality – With their Prime or top Choice grade, ACP steaks offer some of the best quality beef you can buy.
- Greater tenderness – Careful aging and hand selection ensures ACP steaks are delicate and tender.
- Richer flavor – Abundant marbling gives ACP steaks a buttery, savory flavor when cooked.
- Better consistency – Stringent standards result in reliable, consistent quality.
- Premier cuts – ACP utilizes only the most tender, sought-after steaks like ribeye and tenderloin.
Where to buy ACP steak
Authentic ACP steaks can be purchased through:
- High-end butcher shops or gourmet grocery stores
- Upscale restaurants or steakhouses
- Online mail order companies specializing in premium steaks
Because of the strict specifications for ACP beef, availability is more limited than standard supermarket steaks. Expect to pay a higher premium for the quality. Prices often range from $25 to $50 or more per pound for ACP steaks.
How to cook ACP steaks
To get the most out of high-end ACP steaks, experts recommend:
- Don’t overcook – Cook to medium rare at most to prevent drying out.
- Pre-heat thick steaks – Let steaks sit out 20-30 minutes before cooking.
- Use dry heat – Grilling, broiling, pan searing are best. Avoid stewing or braising.
- Simple seasoning – Just salt, pepper and perhaps a pat of butter. Don’t overwhelm the flavor.
Aim for an internal temperature of 135°F for medium rare doneness. After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
ACP steak vs other brands
How does ACP steak compare to other top beef brands? Here is an overview:
| Brand | Claims | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ACP | Hand selected top 5% of Choice or Prime | $$$ |
| Snake River Farms | American Wagyu, hand cut | $$$$ |
| Omaha Steaks | Midwest corn fed | $$ |
| Rastelli’s | USDA Prime, dry aged | $$$ |
While brands like Snake River Farms Wagyu can cost more, ACP provides premium Prime and Choice steaks at a more accessible luxury price point. Omaha Steaks brings high quality at a lower price tag but isn’t graded Prime or top Choice like ACP.
ACP steak recipes
Here are some recommended recipes to cook up delicious ACP steaks:
Black Pepper Crust ACP Ribeye
Ingredients:
– 1 ACP certified ribeye (1 1⁄2 inches thick, bone-in)
– 2 tbsp cracked black peppercorns
– 1 tsp sea salt
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Remove steak from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Rub steak all over with olive oil and season generously with salt.
3. Press cracked peppercorns into both sides of the steak, coating the entire surface.
4. Place steak in hot pan and sear 4 minutes per side for medium rare.
5. Rest steak 5 minutes before cutting into slices against the grain. Serve with extra cracked pepper on top.
Coffee Rubbed ACP Filet Mignon
Ingredients:
– 2 ACP certified filet mignon steaks (6-8 oz each)
– 2 tbsp ground coffee
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1⁄2 tsp chili powder
– 1⁄2 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Mix together coffee, brown sugar, chili powder and salt. Rub spice mix all over the filet steaks.
2. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking.
3. Add steaks and cook 4 minutes per side for medium rare doneness.
4. Let steaks rest 5 minutes then serve with remaining coffee rub spooned over the top.
ACP Steak Au Poivre
Ingredients:
– 2 ACP New York strip steaks (12 oz each)
– 1 tbsp cracked black peppercorns
– 1 tsp sea salt
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1⁄4 cup brandy
– 1⁄4 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Season steaks all over with salt then press peppercorns into both sides.
2. Add steaks and cook until browned, about 4 minutes per side. Remove steaks and place on a platter.
3. Add butter to pan and melt. Once foaming, pour in brandy and beef broth, scraping up any brown bits.
4. Once sauce reduces slightly, remove pan from heat. Top steaks with sauce before serving.
Conclusion
ACP steak offers an indulgent yet accessible luxury steak experience. With its emphasis on top graded Choice and Prime beef, hand selection, and dry aging, ACP delivers exceptionally tender, marbled and flavorful steaks. Searing ACP steaks simply with salt and pepper allows the natural flavors to shine. While pricier than generic supermarket steaks, ACP provides one of the best steak options short of ultra premium Wagyu. Any steak lover looking for a reliable premium eating experience will appreciate ACP steak.