Buffalo vs Beef

a

Comparison


A more precise answer is that grass fed buffalo tastes like grass fed beef. So why buy it? Two reasons; first there is some difference and it is always fun to try something a little different.

The other reason is that it is a leaner and more healthy meat. Some sellers of buffalo claim it has only 1/5 the fat of beef and consequently 1/2 the calories. For me the health aspect offsets the higher price, but if I didn't like the taste I could always just eat less meat and more apples. So the choice I make between beef and buffalo is based on taste and texture.

Let me compare my opinion of a few cuts of buffalo with similar cuts of grain fed beef from Sparrow Market.

Burgers. I'll take the buffalo. It doesn't shrink as much when cooked, it has just a bit stronger flavor that stands up better against the onion and condiments I like add to the burger. It is a bit different to grill because there isn't as much flame up as a beef burger since there is less fat to render out. This is an advantage if you like the burgers very rare. You can place them closer to the fire without getting the flame out on the burger.


Standing Rib. This is a toss up. Far less fat on the buffalo but you probably won't be able to cut it with a fork. Good if you don't like to see fat on your plate, bad if you like Yorkshire pudding.


New York Strip Steak. Sparrows beef wins here. I like to grill it and slice it medalian style. One steak serves two people and and a cat. This is a lean cut and the buffalo strip steaks from TMZ are too small to slice and too lean to be tender and juicy.


Chinese Stir fry. The buffalo wins because it has a bit more flavor.


Soup or Stew. Again I think the buffalo wins because the flavor is a bit stronger. We made a buffalo barley soup based on the bones of the Christmas standing rib and I think it was better than any beef barley I have ever had.


The tend is clear, in most instances I like the buffalo because it has a slightly stronger flavor.  But it is not as tender because it does not have as much fat.  For a burger, stir fry, a stew or soup this is a positive health benefit, not a negative and the buffalo wins on taste.  But when it comes to the standard for a classic steak, particularly a new york strip steak, tenderness is expected in the top of line steak.


Try some for your self and post a comment of your opinion.  Again, it is always fun to try something a little different.