About Traditional Roast Beef

Traditional roast beef is a cut of meat from a cow that can be used in a variety of meals and recipe variations. Roast beef is a tender cut of meat that is best slow cooked to bring out the most flavor and allow for the most options in overall recipes. Roast beef has been a traditional food in many parts of the world, but is most prevalent in the United States and Great Britain. It's known as a staple for many but also as a special-occasion meal for some who like to serve a roast during the holidays, weddings and get-togethers with family and friends.

Significance

The significance of eating roast beef is that the beef contains protein. Protein is essential for energy for the body, and lean meat is part of the major food groups for optimal nutrition. When choosing a cut of roast beef, it is essential to look for a lean cut of meat with minimal amounts of white fat throughout the cut; this will reduce the amount of fat and calories consumed.

Size

Roast beef varies in size, but it is traditionally cut by the butcher at around 2 ½ lb. and also up to 10 lb., with some weights that fluctuate higher or lower. A whole roast can be cooked and then cut up and served in different sizes. A good serving size for a solid slice of roast beef would be around 4 to 6 oz.; this would be a healthy choice paired up with some vegetables such as carrots or mashed potatoes. For shredded roast beef, a much smaller portion can be utilized for sandwiches and other meals due to the fact that roast beef can be made into a hearty sandwich.

Time Frame

When it comes to traditional roast beef, depending on how it is prepared will be how long it will take to cook. When roast beef is cooked in an oven, any roast under 10 lb. should take around 60 to 80 minutes to cook in a sealed cooker. If the roast beef is going to be broiled, it can take around 30 minutes or less. Grilled roast beef can take longer--around 45 minutes, especially if it is being barbecued. Slow cooked and frequently basted are great for an instant smoky flavor. For roast beef in stews, it can take all day for the meat to blend in with the vegetables and beef stock.

Features

Traditional roast beef is most popular as a stand-alone meal that is served for a late lunch or dinner. Roast beef's favorite traditional accompaniments are carrots, potatoes and peas. Gravy and rolls are also a popular side dish to traditional roast beef dishes. Roast beef is a filling meal best served warm.

Considerations

Traditionally, roast beef was served at Sunday family dinners and fine restaurants around the world; it has been served over the years during traditional holidays such as Easter and on Christmas Eve. The most popular way to prepare roast beef has been in the oven and slow cooked for just over an hour. The choice of sides that one serves with roast beef varies per location. In America, potatoes and carrots are a popular side dish. Britain prefers to serve their roast beef with spinach and sometimes sauerkraut. Throughout the world, vegetables that are prevalent or in season in the region are the popular side dishes served with roast beef.

Resources

• Roast beef recipe