In today’s world where we strive for sustainability and minimising waste, this is just as important for cooking habits too. For us at Burts Catering Butchers, making the most of every ingredient, especially meat, is not only environmentally responsible but also economically worthwhile. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies for minimising meat waste when cooking.
Practical Tips And Strategies
- Plan Your Meals Thoughtfully: One of the most effective ways to avoid meat waste is to plan your meals in advance. Consider the number of servings needed and portion sizes to avoid overbuying. Take inventory of the ingredients you already have on hand and plan your meals around them to prevent duplication.
- Use Nose-to-Tail Cooking: Adopting a nose-to-tail approach means utilising every part of the animal, from the prime cuts to the offal. Get creative with lesser-known cuts like oxtail, beef cheeks, or chicken livers. These cuts are not only flavourful but often more affordable, making them an economical choice for budget-conscious cooks.
- Proper Portioning: When portioning meat for meals, aim for realistic serving sizes to avoid cooking more than necessary. Invest in a kitchen scale to accurately measure portions, especially when cooking for larger groups or catering events. Leftover cooked meat can be repurposed into sandwiches, salads, or stir-fries for future meals.
- Freeze Excess Meat: If you find yourself with more meat than you can use before it spoils, freeze it for later use. Portion the meat into meal-sized servings and store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Label each container with the date and contents to keep track of what’s in your freezer.
- Make Homemade Stocks and Broths: Don’t discard meat bones and trimmings; instead, use them to make homemade stocks and broths. Simmer bones, vegetables, and aromatics in water for several hours to extract maximum flavour. Strain the liquid and use it as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, adding depth and richness to your dishes.
- Utilise Meat Scraps in Pet Food or Compost: Meat scraps and trimmings that are unfit for human consumption can still serve a purpose. Consider using them to make homemade pet food for your furry friends, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. Alternatively, compost meat scraps along with other organic waste to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
- Get Creative with Leftovers: Leftover cooked meat can be transformed into delicious new dishes with a little creativity. Shred leftover chicken or beef to make tacos, sandwiches, or wraps. Incorporate diced cooked meat into pasta dishes, casseroles, or fried rice for quick and satisfying meals.
Get In Touch Today!
By implementing these tips and strategies, you can minimise meat waste when cooking. This helps contribute to a more sustainable food system. Adopting a mindful approach to cooking with meat ensures that every ingredient is valued and utilised to its fullest potential. Let’s cook with efficiency and sustainability in mind, one meal at a time.
If you do live near us, then please feel free to take a look at our extensive range of meats available for delivery here. Or if you’d like to talk to us about an order, to discuss your needs, or just to ask us a question; please call 01424 730417 or fill out an enquiry form here.