Skip to main content
Get Care MyChart Find a Provider Find a Location
Halley A Molstad
About the author
Halley A Molstad

We all know that chicken breast and fish are lean meats and most of us have a few go-to recipes. Trying different lean meats can be intimidating, but if cooked correctly they can be tender and delicious. Follow these tips to cook delicious and moist lean meat and increase the variety of lean meats in your diet.

  1. Use a meat thermometer to cook to the recommended temperature. Over-cooking can leave meat tough and dry. 
  2. Marinate before cooking to keep meat tender and flavorful.
  3. Use moist cooking methods such as braising, stewing, slow-cooking or wrapping in foil.
Lean Cuts of BeefCooking Method
Sirloinbarbecue, broil, stir fry, pan broil
Tenderloinbarbecue, broil, pan broil
Top loin or strip steakbarbecue, broil, pan broil
Top roundbarbecue, broil, pan broil, roast, stir fry, braise, slow-cook
Flank steakbarbecue, broil, pan broil
Sirloin tipstir fry
Tip roastroast, braise, slow-cook
Eye round roastroast
Arm chuckbraise, slow-cook
Lean Cuts of PorkCooking Method
Center loin chopsbarbecue, broil, pan broil, stir fry
Tenderloinbarbecue, broil, stir fry
Loin roastbarbecue, roast
Fresh ham steakbarbecue, broil, pan broil, roast, stir fry
Fresh ham roastbarbeque, broil, pan broil
Sirloin roastbarbecue, stir fry
Sirloin roastroast
Pork shoulderbraise, slow-cook

Cooking dictionary

  • Barbecue: Cook over an open fire, such as a grill, without added liquid.
  • Broil: Cook under or over direct heat without added liquid or fat.
  • Pan Broil: Cook thin steaks at high heat in a pan without added fat or liquid.
  • Roast: Cook without added liquid in an oven or in a covered grill.
  • Stir Fry: Cook small pieces of meat or vegetables in a small amount of hot oil in a large pan while stirring.
  • Braise: Sear or fry briefly with dry heat and then add liquid and continue cooking in liquid.
  • Slow cook: Cook in a slow cooker with added liquid over low heat for about 8 hours.

Try our korean beef and broccoli bowl recipe, slow cooker beef and sweet potato stew recipe, slow cooker meatball sub recipe, and chicken caprese recipe.

Related articles

Classic greek salad with fresh garden vegetables.

Greek salad recipe

A refreshing and flavorful salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives and feta cheese.

Recipe: Sparkling strawberry mint mocktail

As the weather heats up, it’s important to drink enough water and avoid dehydration—some signs of which include muscle cramps, dizziness or fatigue. Here's a delicious recipe for staying hydrated!
square-of-chocolate-cherry-baked-oatmeal-on-plate

Chocolate cherry baked oatmeal recipe

Makes 6 servings Ingredients 2 cups old fashioned oats 1 tsp. baking powder ¼ cup light brown sugar 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder ¼ tsp. salt 2 cups fresh or frozen
fresh ideas for fruit

Fresh ideas for fruit

Traditionally fruit is eaten plain or doused in sugar and butter and served as a dessert; however, fruit can be used in a wide range of recipes.

1900 South Ave.
La Crosse, WI 54601

(608) 782-7300

Language Support:
Jump back to top