Great steak starts with great beef. Whether you’re planning a weekend cookout, celebrating with family, or simply enjoying steak night at home, selecting a quality cut is the first step toward a memorable meal.
That’s why many shoppers look for the Certified Angus Beef® brand. Known for its high standards and consistent eating experience, it’s a favorite for home cooks who want tender, flavorful beef they can feel confident serving.
At Piggly Wiggly Birmingham, our meat department is committed to offering quality beef options for every occasion. Whether you’re shopping for a premium steak or looking for guidance on choosing the right cut, our experienced butchers are here to help you find the best option for your meal.
“I would not put anything out in that case that I would not take home to my family.” — Josh Lapidus, Head Butcher
What Is Certified Angus Beef®?
Certified Angus Beef® is a premium beef brand, not simply a breed of cattle.
While many cattle are Angus, only beef that meets the brand’s strict quality specifications can carry the Certified Angus Beef® label. Those standards focus on the qualities that matter most when the steak reaches your plate, including marbling, tenderness, consistency, and overall eating experience.
For shoppers, that means greater confidence when selecting steaks and roasts for important meals.
Choose Certified Angus Beef® for exceptional marbling, tenderness, and consistent quality. Find premium steaks at participating Piggly Wiggly Birmingham locations and shop with confidence for your next family meal or special occasion.
Why Marbling Matters
If you’ve ever wondered why one steak tastes richer and more tender than another, the answer often comes down to marbling.
Marbling is the fine flecks of fat found within the muscle. As the steak cooks, that fat melts naturally, creating a juicier, more flavorful bite.
According to Piggly Wiggly Birmingham Head Butcher Josh Lapidus, marbling is one of the first things shoppers should notice when evaluating beef. While many customers focus on finding the brightest red steak in the case, Josh explains that color alone doesn’t determine quality. Instead, good marbling is one of the strongest indicators of flavor and tenderness.
“The reddest piece of meat isn’t necessarily going to be the best one in the counter. I like to shop for marbling.” — Josh Lapidus
Fresh beef naturally changes color as it’s exposed to oxygen, so color alone isn’t the best indicator of quality. Instead, look for consistent marbling—the fine flecks of fat that create tenderness, juiciness, and rich beef flavor.
Choosing the Right Cut
Even the highest-quality beef performs differently depending on the cut you choose.
For rich flavor and abundant marbling, ribeye remains a customer favorite. New York strip offers an excellent balance of tenderness and bold beef flavor, while filet mignon is prized for its exceptionally tender texture. Sirloin provides outstanding everyday value for families looking to enjoy quality steak without stretching the grocery budget.
The best choice depends on your cooking method, your budget, and the experience you want to create around the table.
“Pick the wrong cut, and you might think the recipe failed when it was really the cut of meat.” — Josh Lapidus
Not sure which cut is right? That’s exactly what your neighborhood butcher is here for.
Need help choosing the right cut? Our experienced butchers can recommend the best Certified Angus Beef® steaks for your cooking method, budget, and special occasions, ensuring you take home the perfect cut every time.
Tips for Cooking Premium Beef at Home
Great steak doesn’t require complicated recipes—just quality beef and a few simple techniques.
- Start with the right cut. Review How to Choose the Right Cut and learn the basics of Meat Science to understand what makes each cut unique.
- Season simply and cook with confidence. Let the natural beef flavor shine, bring the steak closer to room temperature when possible, and use the best technique for your cut with our Cooking Methods by Cut guide.
- Let it rest. After cooking, rest your steak for several minutes before slicing so the juices stay where they belong, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.
“If you slice into it while it’s still hot, those juices are going to find the easiest way out. Let it rest, and they’ll redistribute throughout the steak.” — Josh Lapidus - Use a meat thermometer. It’s the easiest way to achieve consistent doneness without overcooking.
- Shop and store smarter. Learn what USDA grades and beef labels mean in Understanding Grades, Labels, and Terms, then keep your purchase fresh with our Safe Handling, Storage, and Freshness Tips guide.
With the right cut, the right cooking method, and a few simple techniques, you can enjoy steakhouse-quality beef at home.
More Than Premium Beef—Expert Guidance
One of the advantages of shopping at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham is having experienced butchers available to answer questions before you head home.
Whether you’re choosing steaks for a holiday dinner, planning a football weekend cookout, or looking for the best value for your budget, our meat department team can recommend cuts based on how you plan to cook them. They can also suggest alternatives, prepare custom cuts, and help you shop with confidence.
That’s the kind of personalized service you won’t find in a refrigerated meat case alone.
“At the Pig, there’s always somebody behind the counter who’s going to help you make the right choice.” — Josh Lapidus
Find Certified Angus Beef® at The Pig
“That’s what our butchers are there for.” — Josh Lapidus
When available, participating Piggly Wiggly Birmingham locations proudly offer Certified Angus Beef® as part of our commitment to bringing quality products to Birmingham families. Whether you’re grilling ribeyes, preparing a special dinner, or celebrating with friends, you’ll find premium beef backed by knowledgeable service from people who genuinely enjoy helping customers.
Visit your local Piggly Wiggly Birmingham meat department and let one of our butchers help you choose the right cut for your next meal. While you’re planning your shopping trip, be sure to check this week’s ad and download ThePigBham App on the App Store and Google Play for digital coupons, weekly specials, and meal inspiration. #thepigbham