Planning for large events can be challenging, especially when it comes to choosing the right cuts of meat that offer the perfect balance between quality, flavour, and cost-effectiveness. At Burts Catering Butchers, we understand the unique needs of catering businesses and event organisers. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, corporate event, or large family gathering, selecting the right cuts of meat is crucial to delivering an exceptional dining experience.

Understand the Event Type and Menu

The type of event will significantly influence your choice of meat cuts. For formal events, such as weddings, clients often expect premium cuts like fillet steaks or lamb racks. On the other hand, casual gatherings like BBQs or buffets might call for more versatile and affordable options like chicken thighs or pork shoulder. It’s important to assess the tone of the event and the style of the menu to guide your meat selection.

• Formal Events: Fillet steak, lamb racks, ribeye, duck breasts
• Casual Events: Chicken thighs, pork shoulder, brisket, sausages

Consider the Cooking Method

Different cuts of meat lend themselves to different cooking techniques, so it’s important to choose cuts that work well with the cooking method your event requires. For large events, cooking efficiency is key. Cuts that can be slow-cooked or roasted are ideal for feeding large groups as they require less immediate attention and hold their flavour when cooked in bulk.

• Slow-Cooked or Roasted: Beef brisket, lamb shoulder, pork belly
• Grilled or Seared: Ribeye steak, chicken breast, lamb cutlets

By choosing cuts that suit the event’s kitchen set-up, you can ensure a smoother cooking process and a more consistent final product.

Factor in Portion Size and Yield

For caterers, understanding the yield of different cuts of meat is essential. Some cuts shrink more during cooking due to fat content, while others hold their size better. When feeding large groups, it’s important to calculate portions carefully to avoid running out of food—or overspending on excess.

For example, leaner cuts like chicken breasts offer a higher yield, while fattier cuts like pork belly may reduce in size during cooking but provide incredible flavour and moisture. Our team at Burts Catering Butchers can help you determine the best portions based on the event size and type of meat.

Choose Cost-Effective Cuts for Large Groups

When catering for a large number of people, staying within budget is a priority. Opting for more affordable cuts that still deliver on taste is a smart choice. Cuts like beef shin, pork shoulder, and chicken thighs are not only economical but also highly flavourful when prepared correctly.

• Beef Shin or Brisket: Ideal for slow-cooked dishes, offering deep, rich flavours.
• Pork Shoulder: Perfect for pulled pork or slow-roasting, giving tender and juicy results.
• Chicken Thighs: Affordable and versatile, ideal for grilling, roasting, or marinating.

These cuts often work well in large portions and can be stretched with sauces or accompaniments, allowing you to serve great food without breaking the bank.

Cater to Dietary Preferences

It’s important to consider dietary preferences or restrictions when selecting meats for large events. Offering a variety of proteins, including poultry, beef, lamb, and pork, ensures that guests with different tastes are catered for. Additionally, offering meat-free alternatives or considering sustainably sourced meats like free-range chicken or organic beef can be a selling point for eco-conscious clients.

At Burts Catering Butchers, we can assist you in selecting the right combination of meats and suggest portion sizes to meet these needs while keeping costs down.

Don’t Forget the Presentation

Presentation is key when it comes to large events. Choosing cuts that not only taste great but also look visually appealing can elevate the dining experience. For buffet-style meals, carving stations with large cuts like roast beef or lamb leg can add a sense of theatre to the service. For plated meals, more elegant cuts like fillet or lamb rack can create a refined presentation.

Our expert butchers can help you select cuts that are as visually impressive as they are delicious, ensuring your event stands out.

Get In Touch

Choosing the right cuts of meat for large events requires careful consideration of the menu, cooking methods, budget, and guest preferences. At Burts Catering Butchers, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality cuts tailored to the needs of caterers. Whether you’re planning a formal event or a casual feast, our experienced team is here to help you make the right choices.

Need help selecting the perfect cuts for your next event? Get in touch with Burts Catering Butchers today, and we’ll guide you every step of the way!