If you’ve been to the butcher lately, you’ll know that there’s some amazing meat on offer. So, what should you do with it? We’ve got 10 recipes for you to try, each of which will make the most of your purchase!

1. Slow-cooked beef cheeks

One of the best cuts of beef for the slow cooker is beef cheek. Cut from the muscle that runs along the side of the head, beef cheek is a relatively tough cut of meat that benefits from long, slow cooking. When cooked properly, beef cheek is incredibly tender and full of flavour. 

The best way to get hold of beef cheek is to speak to your butcher and ask them to prepare it for you. This cut of meat is not always available in supermarkets, so it’s worth getting to know your local butcher. Once you have your beef cheek, slow cook it with vegetables and herbs for a delicious and comforting meal.

2. Pulled pork sandwiches

Another great cut for slow cooking is the shoulder or Boston butt of pork. This cut has a good ratio of fat to meat, making it ideal for succulent pulled pork sandwiches. Cook in your slow cooker with BBQ sauce for a delicious and easy meal – serve on soft buns with coleslaw for an added crunch.

3. Beef Wellington

For a special occasion, why not try making beef Wellington? This classic dish consists of tender fillet steak wrapped in pastry and usually accompanied by pâté and mushrooms. Your butcher can prepare the fillet steak whole, ready for you to wrap in pastry and bake. Serve with roast potatoes and vegetables for an impressive dinner party main course.

4. Steak kebabs

Looking for a tasty BBQ dish? Why not try steak kebabs, marinated in your choice of spices and grilled to perfection. Speak to your butcher about getting hold of cubed sirloin or rump steak, thread onto skewers with vegetables and cook on the grill – delicious served with rice and a side salad.

5. Beef Stroganoff

For a simple yet satisfying meal, try beef stroganoff. Thinly sliced beef (speak to your butcher about getting hold of some sirloin or rump steak) is cooked with mushrooms in a creamy sauce and served over noodles or rice. Add some sour cream for an extra tangy kick and serve with crusty bread on the side.

6. Lamb chops

Lamb chops are a classic and tasty option for dinner – speak to your butcher about getting hold of some loin or rib chops. Marinate in a mix of herbs, garlic, and olive oil before grilling or pan frying until cooked to your liking. Serve with roast or mashed potatoes and vegetables for a delicious meal.

7. Stuffed pork tenderloin

For a more impressive dinner party dish, try stuffing a pork tenderloin. Speak to your butcher about getting hold of a whole pork tenderloin, which can then be stuffed with your choice of ingredients (try spinach, feta cheese, and pine nuts) before being roasted in the oven. Serve with roast potatoes and vegetables for a delicious meal.

8. Roast chicken

Roast chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, and by buying your bird from the butcher you can ensure it’s top quality. Speak to your butcher about preparing and trussing the chicken for you before roasting in the oven with herbs and lemon. Serve with roast potatoes and vegetables for a classic Sunday lunch.

9. Beef rendang

For an Asian-inspired dish, try making beef rendang – a spicy and fragrant slow cooked curry. Use diced stewing beef from your butcher (ask them to prepare it for you) slowly cooked with coconut milk, ginger, lemongrass, chilli, and spices until tender. Serve with rice and garnish with fresh coriander.

10. Sausages

And last but not least, don’t forget about the classic sausage! Your butcher can prepare a variety of flavours for you – from traditional pork to more unique options such as beef and red wine, or lamb and mint. Grill or fry until cooked through and serve with mashed potatoes and vegetables, or in a fresh bread roll with fried onions and mustard.

Grab the freshest meat for a delicious feast!

No matter what cut of meat you choose, your local butcher can provide top-quality products and offer advice on how best to cook it. So next time you’re planning a meal, pay them a visit – your taste buds will thank you.

At The Aussie Butcher,  we have a range of meats and sausages available, as well as recipe ideas and cooking tips. Visit us or check out our website for more information. Happy cooking!

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A visit to the butcher is a natural part of any meat eater’s life, but next time, why not try something different from their selection? Whether you’re buying your entire weekly grocery list at the butcher or just trying to get inspiration for your next meal, there are plenty of ways you can get the most out of this experience. 

From getting advice on cooking techniques to asking questions about their favourite cuts, here are some tips on how to make the most out of your next visit to the best butcher in Auckland!

Bring a cooler bag

It’s important to bring a cooler bag when you go to the butcher for a few reasons. First, it helps to keep the meat fresh. The butcher is typically very busy and may not have time to wrap the meat properly if it’s not pre-packaged. Second, it prevents cross-contamination. If you’re storing raw meat in your regular grocery bags, there’s a risk of contaminating other food items. Third, it keeps your food cold if you’re going to be transporting it for a long period of time. If you live in a hot climate, or if you’re going on a long car ride, the last thing you want is for your meat to spoil. Fourth, It’s more convenient. You can just grab everything you need from the butcher in one trip without having to make multiple trips or worry about your meat thawing out. So next time you head to the butcher, make sure to bring along a cooler bag!

Enquire about their source

If you’re interested in knowing where your meat comes from and supporting local farmers, ask your butcher about the source of their meat. Ideally, they should be able to tell you where the animals were raised, helping you make informed decisions about the meat you purchase. Here at The Original Aussie Butcher, all our meat is sourced only from New Zealand!

Visit during slow hours

To chat with your butcher and get to know them better, aim to visit during slower times. This way, they won’t be rushed and can take the time to answer all of your questions. Plus, they may even be able to give you some tips on how to cook certain cuts of meat!

Ask for recommendations

Your butcher should be a wealth of knowledge when it comes to meat. If you’re feeling uninspired or need help narrowing down your options, ask for recommendations. They can suggest recipes, share cooking tips, and tell you all

about their favourite cuts of meat. The butcher is there to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or for advice!

Bulk buying = savings

If you have the freezer space, buying meat in bulk can save you money in the long run. Ask your butcher if they offer discounts on larger purchases, and take advantage of these savings when you can.

Check cooking guidelines

Before you leave the store, make sure to ask your butcher about any cooking tips or guidelines for the meat you’re buying. This way, you can be sure that you’re cooking it properly and end up with a delicious meal.

Ask for recipes

If you’re really stumped on what to do with a certain cut of meat, ask your butcher for recipe suggestions. They likely have plenty of experience cooking all different types of meat and can point you in the right direction!

Check if they import

For a specific type of meat that’s not readily available in your area, your butcher may try to import it for you. This isn’t always a good thing – you definitely want to know where your meat is coming from and how it’s being stored and managed on its way to you. The freshest meat is often what you can source locally; that’s why At the Original Aussie Butcher, we’re proud to serve you the finest cuts of meat directly from New Zealand!

Follow these tips to get the most out of your next visit to the butcher!

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting the most out of your butcher, but these tips should help you make the most of your next visit! Whether you’re looking for advice on what to cook or ways to save money, don’t be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of the butcher’s expertise. With a little bit of planning, you can turn your next trip to the butcher into a delicious and budget-friendly meal.

Here at The Original Aussie Butcher, we’re always happy to answer any questions you have about our produce. So, whether you’re looking for recipe ideas or tips on how to cook certain cuts of meat, feel free to stop by our store. We’ll be more than happy to help you out.

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