Beef strips, also known as beef fajita meat or skirt steak, refer to thin slices of beef cut from the diaphragm muscles of a cow. This flavorful, somewhat chewy cut of meat is a popular choice for many dishes thanks to its versatility and budget-friendly price point.
What Cuts of Beef Do Beef Strips Come From?
There are four main cuts of beef that beef strips are sourced from:
- Flap meat – This comes from the sirloin primal cut near the flank. It has good marbling and is very flavorful.
- Hanger steak – This comes from the plate primal cut near the diaphragm. It has a loose grain and robust flavor.
- Skirt steak – This comes from the plate primal cut on the underside of the cow. It is long and thin with lots of intense beefy flavor.
- Flank steak – This comes from the bottom abdominal area of the cow. It is leaner and more fibrous than other cuts.
When these cuts are sliced across the grain into long, thin strips, they become known as beef strips, fajita meat, or stir-fry beef. The skirt steak in particular is used most commonly due to its thin profile.
Nutritional Profile of Beef Strips
Beef strips are a good source of several important nutrients:
| Nutrient | Amount (per 3oz serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 65mg |
| Protein | 22g |
| Iron | 2mg |
| Zinc | 5mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.1mcg |
As you can see, beef strips provide a good dose of protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and other important nutrients. The fat content is moderately high, but still lower than fattier cuts of beef like ribeye or brisket.
Common Uses for Beef Strips
Thanks to their thin, tender, and flavorful nature, beef strips work well in a variety of dishes:
Fajitas
Beef strips are one of the most popular choices of meat for fajitas. Their texture and flavor pairs perfectly with sautéed peppers and onions wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Stir Fries
Quick cooking beef strips are ideal for stir fry. They can be paired with vegetables like broccoli, carrots, peppers, and snap peas, and tossed with a savory sauce.
Kabobs
Beef strips work great on skewers for kabobs. Alternate them with vegetables, pineapple, or other fruits, and grill them over high heat for a delicious meal.
Stews and Soups
Adding beef strips to stews, chilis, and hearty soups provides protein, flavor, and texture. They hold up well to prolonged simmering.
Sandwiches
Sliced beef strips make tasty sandwich fillings, especially when paired with cheese, sautéed onions and peppers, or complementary spreads and condiments.
Salads
For a hearty salad, marinated and grilled beef strips are a excellent topper. They also pair well with stronger flavored greens like arugula or kale.
Tacos
In tacos, beef strips provide a nice alternative to ground beef. Get creative with fillings like peppers, onions, pineapple salsa, guacamole, and cheese.
Tips for Cooking Beef Strips
To get the most flavor and tenderness out of beef strips in your cooking, keep these tips in mind:
- Cut against the grain – Slicing the strips against the muscle grain shortens the muscle fibers for more tenderness.
- Marinate – Letting the beef marinate for 30min to several hours enhances juiciness and imparts flavor.
- Don’t overcook – Cook just to medium doneness to prevent toughening. Internal temp should reach 145F.
- Sear at high heat – Use high heat to quickly brown the exterior while keeping the interior juicy.
- Let rest – Allow the beef to rest for 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute evenly.
- Slice thin – For stir fries and fajitas, slice no more than 1/4 inch thick for quick, even cooking.
How to Store Beef Strips
To safely store beef strips:
- Refrigerate in original packaging for up to 4 days.
- Re-wrap opened packages tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 4 months for best quality.
- Separate strips into meal size portions before freezing to make thawing easier.
Conclusion
With their lean, flavorful profile, beef strips are a versatile and budget-friendly cut of meat. They work well in a wide range of dishes from fajitas to kabobs, stir fries, tacos, sandwiches, and more. Proper slicing, marinating, cooking, and storing helps maximize their tenderness and flavor. With so many uses, beef strips are a handy staple to keep stocked in the freezer.