Why cant I cook beef (always tough)

[christybell]

Just read the fav meals thread and prompted me to post this question. Everytime I cook beef it is as tough as old boots

Tonight I attempted Beef and Broccoli with rice. I used diced steak and honestly could hardly chew it - gave up...

Doesn't seem to matter what cut I use Sirloin, Ribeye, Rump, Stir fry- if I cook it on the hob in a pan it is just awful...

Any suggestions? Where am I going wrong?

[Megandllsmum]

For dishes similar to what you've made tonight or stew I use braising steak and cook it slow for as long as possible, I make a chunky beef chilli using braising steak and the meats so soft I've done it before with diced beef and it's as tough as old boots. If I do a joint of beef I roast mine in a roaster with a lid on it that makes it softer. Brisket is cheap and I do that in the slow cooker on low all day usually with veg and beef stock

[Greyfriars]

The best steak for stews etc is the cheapest SHIN BEEF! Cook it for at least 3 hrs preferably in a slow cooker. It will melt in your mouth. Don't be put off by all the connecting tissue as it melts and makes wonderful stock. If using soft veg such as broccoli add it for the last 30 minutes.

[EssexSue]

I always cook things like this in the oven for 2 - 3 hours. Less trouble as well.

[globedust]

If you are doing a stir fry type dish (or a quick cook dish on the job) try marinating it in something simple like lemon juice/garlic, etc? It can help tenderise it.

[Excitedx4]

Definitely slow cook it, even put it on before bed on low it will melt in your mouth.

[djewkes]

Well this is what I do...
Steak...rib eye, sirloin or rump...a few minutes either side in a hot pan
Braising steak, shinbeef, brisket... slow cooked for at least 2-3 hours
Rib of beef... roast in oven, it should be rare but not for us... so 160C for 20 mins per lb plus 20 mins...
I personally only roast rib of beef as can't get on with topside, and silverside needs slow cooking too...

[tspill]

Use a slow cooker. Pretty much anything comes out tender.

[katiec68]

I reckon your over cooking it.

"Good" steak will only take minutes to cook.

Cheaper cuts are better slow cooked.

Katie x

[PJB71]

Another vote for the slowcooker 👍🏻