Where to Buy Beef Cheeks: Finding Quality Cuts

Introduction: The Rich, Tender Delight You’ve Been Missing

If you’ve ever found yourself searching for the perfect cut of beef to elevate your cooking, beef cheeks might just be your next culinary discovery. Beef cheeks, often considered an underappreciated cut, offer a unique blend of flavor and texture that transforms a simple meal into something extraordinary. You may have heard whispers about this cut, or perhaps you’re a seasoned cook eager to try something new. Either way, once you taste beef cheeks prepared properly, you’ll understand why this cut is so beloved by chefs and food enthusiasts alike.

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But here’s the thing: finding quality beef cheeks can be a bit tricky. Not every butcher or supermarket carries them, and when you do find them, you want to ensure you’re getting the best possible cut. In this guide, we’ll walk you through where to buy beef cheeks, what to look for when purchasing them, and how to make sure you’re bringing home the finest cuts available. We’ll also share tips on how to cook these tender delights to perfection.

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Understanding Beef Cheeks – What Makes Them So Special?

Before you dive into finding the best beef cheeks, let’s explore what makes them such a unique and delicious option for your next meal.

What Are Beef Cheeks?

Beef cheeks come from the facial muscles of the cow. They are part of the head, specifically from the cheeks of the animal. These muscles are used frequently, so they have a lot of connective tissue, making them tough but incredibly flavorful when cooked properly. When cooked low and slow, beef cheeks become extremely tender, developing a rich, beefy flavor that’s unmatched by other cuts.

Why Are Beef Cheeks Special

While beef cheeks aren’t the most common cut you’ll find at your local grocery store, they’re cherished by chefs for their incredible taste and texture. When cooked slowly through methods like braising or slow-cooking, the meat becomes tender and succulent, melting in your mouth. This texture, combined with a deep, rich flavor, makes beef cheeks perfect for stews, tacos, and other hearty dishes.

Flavor Profile of Beef Cheeks

Beef cheeks have a flavor that’s intense and beefy, with a slight sweetness due to their marbled fat. When prepared correctly, this fat melts into the meat, creating an almost buttery consistency. Unlike leaner cuts like sirloin or tenderloin, beef cheeks have a complexity that makes them perfect for slow-cooked dishes, adding richness and depth to whatever recipe you choose.

Popular Dishes to Make with Beef Cheeks

Some of the most popular ways to cook beef cheeks include:

Tacos de Cachete

A Mexican delicacy where the beef cheeks are slow-cooked and shredded then served in tortillas with fresh cilantro, onion, and salsa.

Braised Beef Cheeks

Beef cheeks are slow-cooked in wine or broth with vegetables like carrots and onions until they’re tender and fall apart with a fork.

Beef Cheek Stew

A hearty stew that uses beef cheeks as the base, offering a rich, savory flavor that fills the house with an irresistible aroma.

Now that you understand what beef cheeks are and what makes them so special, let’s move on to where you can find the best cuts.

Where to Buy Beef Cheeks: Top Places to Find Quality Cuts

Finding high-quality beef cheeks can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look. Fortunately, there are several reliable sources where you can find this flavorful cut. Let’s explore the best places to buy beef cheeks, whether you prefer shopping locally or online.

1. Local Butcher Shops – The Best Source for Personalized Service

One of the best places to find beef cheeks is at your local butcher shop. Butchers tend to have a deeper understanding of cuts of meat and often offer higher-quality options compared to supermarkets. When you visit a butcher, you can ask for specific cuts like beef cheeks, which may not always be displayed in the case.

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Why Local Butcher Shops Are Great for Beef Cheeks

• Personalized Service: Butchers are often happy to guide you in choosing the right cuts for your recipes and can provide advice on how to prepare them.
• Higher-Quality Meats: Many local butchers focus on sourcing meats from trusted farms, ensuring you’re getting quality, ethically raised products.
• Freshness: Local butchers often sell fresh, never-frozen cuts, which is essential when purchasing beef cheeks for a tender, flavorful result.

2. Online Butcher Shops – Convenience with a Click

If you’re looking for convenience or live in an area without easy access to quality butcher shops, online meat suppliers are a fantastic option. Shopping online allows you to find a wide range of beef cuts, including beef cheeks, often from specialty farms that focus on ethical sourcing and high-quality meat production.

Top Online Meat Suppliers to Consider

• Crowd Cow: A well-known supplier that offers high-quality beef cheeks from farms with transparent sourcing practices.
• Porter Road: Offers premium cuts, including beef cheeks, sourced from small, sustainable farms.
• ButcherBox: While known for its subscription boxes, ButcherBox also allows you to order individual cuts, including beef cheeks, from grass-fed, humanely raised cattle.

What to Look for When Buying Beef Cheeks Online

• Customer Reviews: Look for feedback from other customers about the quality of the beef cheeks.
• Shipping Policies: Ensure the supplier ships meat in a way that guarantees freshness, especially if you’re ordering frozen beef cheeks.
• Ethical Sourcing: Check whether the meat is grass-fed, hormone-free, and humanely raised.

3. Specialty Meat Markets – Gourmet Stores with Premium Cuts

Specialty meat markets cater to food enthusiasts and offer an array of premium meats, including beef cheeks. These markets often focus on quality and may carry higher-end cuts that aren’t found in your typical supermarket. If you’re looking for a truly top-tier cut of beef cheeks, a specialty market is worth considering.

Where to Find Specialty Meat Markets

If you live in a larger city, you’ll likely have access to specialty meat markets. Stores like Eataly or The Meat Hook offer not just high-quality cuts but also an experience for meat lovers. Be sure to ask the staff about their beef cheek offerings—they may even offer unique preparations you won’t find anywhere else.

4. Local Farmers’ Markets – Direct from the Source

If you prefer buying directly from the source, farmers’ markets can be a great option. While you may not always find beef cheeks every week, many farmers offer direct cuts from their herds, sometimes including beef cheeks, especially if they focus on whole-animal butchery.

Why Buy Beef Cheeks at Farmers’ Markets?

• Freshness: Farmers’ market meat is often fresher than what you’d find in large chain supermarkets.
• Sustainability: You’re supporting local farms that typically practice sustainable farming methods.
• Personalized Interaction: You can speak directly with farmers about their practices and learn more about where your beef comes from.

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5. Supermarkets – Finding Beef Cheeks in Regular Stores

While it’s less common, some large chain supermarkets do carry beef cheeks, especially those with a more extensive meat section like Whole Foods or Costco. If you don’t have access to specialty markets or butcher shops, try asking the meat department manager if they can order beef cheeks for you.

Supermarkets with a Strong Meat Selection

• Whole Foods: Known for its high-quality meat selection, Whole Foods may have beef cheeks in stock or be able to order them for you.
• Costco: While not always available, Costco sometimes carries beef cheeks, especially in areas with a strong demand for premium cuts.

How to Prepare Beef Cheeks: Tips for Cooking Tender, Flavorful Dishes

Now that you know where to buy beef cheeks, let’s dive into how to cook them to perfection. Beef cheeks are at their best when cooked slowly, allowing the meat to break down and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

The Best Cooking Methods for Beef Cheeks

Beef cheeks require patience and low, slow cooking to unlock their full potential. Here are the best methods to cook them:

Braising

Braising is one of the most popular ways to cook beef cheeks. This method involves cooking the beef in a liquid (like broth or wine) at a low temperature for several hours. The result is a deeply flavorful dish where the meat is tender and falls apart easily.

Slow Cooking

A slow cooker or crockpot is perfect for cooking beef cheeks. Simply add the beef cheeks, your choice of liquid, and seasonings, then let the slow cooker do the work. This method works well for making stews, tacos, or soups.

Grilling

Though less common, beef cheeks can also be grilled after being marinated. Grilling them adds a smoky flavor, though the meat will still need to be cooked slowly for tenderness.

Beef Cheeks Recipe Ideas

To help you get started, here’s a simple recipe for Braised Beef Cheeks:

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Beef Cheeks	2-3 lbs	Fresh or frozen
Red Wine	2 cups	Dry, full-bodied
Onion	1	Chopped
Garlic	4 cloves	Minced
Beef Broth	3 cups	Can substitute with water
Herbs (Thyme, Bay)	3-4 sprigs	Fresh or dried

Steps:

1. Sear the beef cheeks in a hot pan until browned on both sides.
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and herbs, and cook until fragrant.
3. Pour in the wine and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
4. Cover and braise in a preheated oven (300°F) for 3-4 hours or until the beef is tender.

Conclusion: Savoring the Best Cuts of Beef Cheeks

Now that you know where to buy beef cheeks and how to prepare them, it’s time to start cooking! Whether you opt for a local butcher, an online shop, or a specialty market, finding high-quality beef cheeks is easier than ever. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure that you’re getting the best cut available and that your beef cheeks turn out tender, flavorful, and unforgettable.

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So, why wait? Visit your local butcher, explore online options, or check out a farmers’ market and bring home some beef cheeks to try in your next dish. You’re about to discover a whole new world of flavors!