Walking up to the meat counter shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, a Sunday family meal, or a backyard cookout, choosing the right cut of meat can make all the difference. The best cut isn’t always the most expensive—it’s the one that fits your recipe, cooking method, and budget.
At Piggly Wiggly Birmingham, our meat department is here to help make that decision easier. Head Butcher Josh Lapidus combines his education in meat science with years of hands-on experience to help customers find the right cut for every occasion. His approach is simple: understand what you’re cooking first, then choose the cut that will deliver the best results.
“I would not put anything out in that case that I would not take home to my family.” — Josh Lapidus, Head Butcher
Start with Your Meal, Not the Meat Case
One of the easiest ways to shop for meat is to decide what you’re making before you choose a cut.
If you’re preparing a quick dinner after work, sirloin, chicken breasts, pork chops, or ground beef are great options because they cook quickly and work well in a variety of recipes.
Planning to fire up the grill? Naturally tender cuts like ribeye, New York strip, and tenderloin are excellent choices for high-heat cooking. For larger gatherings, Josh also recommends tri-tip because it can be grilled, sliced into steaks, or smoked, making it a versatile option for feeding family and friends.
“There are value cuts that are incredibly underutilized. Tri-tip is one of my favorites because you can grill it, smoke it, slice it for steaks, or serve a crowd without spending a fortune.” — Josh Lapidus
When you’re making comfort food, slow-cooking cuts such as chuck roast, brisket, pork shoulder, and short ribs are hard to beat. They may take longer to cook, but the extra time transforms them into tender, flavorful meals that are perfect for family dinners.
Match the Cut to the Cooking Method
Every cut of meat has a purpose.
Tender cuts come from muscles that don’t do much work, which makes them ideal for grilling, pan-searing, or other quick cooking methods.
“I don’t see a steer out in the field doing back squats. The muscles that work the hardest are naturally tougher, which is why they shine with low-and-slow cooking.” — Josh Lapidus
Cuts from harder-working muscles contain more connective tissue, so they benefit from low-and-slow cooking. As they cook, the connective tissue gradually breaks down, creating rich flavor and fork-tender meat. That’s why a chuck roast becomes so tender after several hours in the slow cooker, even though it would be tough if cooked like a steak.
Understanding this simple principle can help you choose the right cut every time.
Price Doesn’t Always Tell the Whole Story
It’s easy to assume the most expensive cut is the best choice, but that’s not always the case.
A premium steak is perfect for special occasions, while many value cuts deliver incredible flavor when prepared the right way. Josh often recommends alternative cuts that customers may not have considered, such as Denver steak for fajitas. “You don’t have to spend your entire wallet to please everybody at the grill.” — Josh Lapidus
Choosing the right cut is about finding the best fit for your meal—not simply picking the highest-priced option.
What to Look for When Choosing Meat
Many shoppers naturally focus on color when selecting beef, but Josh encourages customers to look a little closer.
Fresh beef naturally changes color as it’s exposed to oxygen, so a darker steak isn’t necessarily less fresh. Instead of judging beef by color alone, look for consistent marbling—the small flecks of fat that create tenderness, juiciness, and flavor.
“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
If you’re unsure which cut to choose, don’t hesitate to ask your butcher. A quick conversation can help you find the right cut for your recipe while introducing you to new options you may not have tried before.
As Josh puts it, “The best-looking steak isn’t always the best steak.” Looking beyond color and focusing on marbling, cut, and cooking method can help you choose meat that delivers better flavor and value every time.
Questions to Ask Your Butcher
Getting expert advice is one of the benefits of shopping at a full-service meat department. Consider asking:
- Which cut works best for my recipe?
- Is there another cut that offers similar results at a better value?
- Can this be cut or trimmed to the size I need?
- What’s the best way to prepare this cut?
These simple questions can help you shop with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Ask your butcher, ‘What do you think?’ That simple question can open the door to cuts, recipes, and value you might never have considered.” — Josh Lapidus
Build a Great Meal Around Your Protein
Once you’ve chosen your protein, planning the rest of the meal becomes much easier.
Steaks pair well with seasonal vegetables, baked potatoes, salads, or grilled sides. Slow-cooked roasts work perfectly with onions, carrots, potatoes, celery, and warm dinner rolls. For cookouts and family gatherings, adding fresh produce, deli favorites, snacks, and beverages makes it easy to serve a complete meal everyone will enjoy.
Shopping for everything in one place helps simplify meal planning and saves time.
Build a complete meal around your favorite protein by pairing fresh steak with seasonal vegetables, hearty sides, and warm dinner rolls for an easy, satisfying dinner.
Shop with Confidence at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham
Choosing the right cut of meat doesn’t have to be complicated. A little knowledge—and guidance from an experienced butcher—can help you cook with confidence and get the most value from every meal.
At Piggly Wiggly Birmingham, our meat department is committed to helping customers find quality beef, pork, poultry, and seafood for every occasion. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, smoking, or slow cooking, our butchers are here to answer your questions and recommend the right cut for your next meal.
Visit your local Piggly Wiggly Birmingham meat department to speak with one of our experienced butchers, and be sure to check this week’s ad for featured meat specials and seasonal savings. For even more convenience, download ThePigBham App on the App Store or Google Play to access digital coupons, weekly deals, and meal-planning inspiration. #thepigbham