what grade of beef does longhorn steakhouse use

What Grade of Beef Does Longhorn Steakhouse Use? Getting to the Bottom of Their Signature Steaks

As a steak lover, I’m always on the hunt for a great steak dinner that won’t break the bank. Longhorn Steakhouse has become one of my go-to spots for satisfying my steak cravings without emptying my wallet. But I’ve always wondered – what grade of beef is Longhorn actually using for their steaks? Are they splurging on pricey Prime cuts or sticking to a more budget-friendly beef grade?

In this article, we’ll unravel the mystery of Longhorn’s beef grades so you can know exactly what you’re getting when you order one of their famous steaks.

Introducing the USDA Beef Grading System

First, a quick primer on how beef is graded in the United States. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) assigns eight different quality grades that indicate the tenderness, juiciness, and flavor of beef. The top three that matter most for fresh steaks are:

• Prime – This is the holy grail of beef, accounting for only 2% of all graded beef. It comes from young, well-fed cattle and has abundant marbling for ultimate tenderness and flavor. Prime beef goes to high-end steakhouses and special occasions.

• Choice – The next tier down, Choice is still high quality with slightly less marbling than Prime. It makes up the majority of beef sold at restaurants and grocers Choice delivers great taste at a more affordable price point

• Select – With less marbling, Select is leaner but can still be flavorful when cooked properly. It accounts for most ungraded beef sold.

So where does Longhorn fit into this spectrum? Let’s break down their beef grades.

Longhorn Steaks Start with Choice

After doing some digging, it seems that Longhorn uses 100% USDA Choice cuts for all of their steaks. This means all the sirloins, ribs, filets, and other steak offerings are coming from the mid-tier Choice category.

Choice is a smart move for a mainstream steakhouse chain – while it may not be Primer, Choice still offers marbling, tenderness, and hearty beef flavor at a reasonable price point. The rich marbling gives Choice steaks plenty of juiciness when grilled correctly. For a casual dinner out, Choice hits the sweet spot between quality and value.

Why Not Shoot for Prime?

Some steak aficionados may be wondering why Longhorn doesn’t opt for luscious Prime-graded steaks, the highest standard for quality. There’s a few reasons why Prime may not make business sense:

• Supply – With Prime accounting for only 2% of beef, supplies are too limited for a high-volume steakhouse chain. Longhorn needs quantity and consistency.

• Cost – Prime commands a much higher price per pound due to its scarcity. Prime would blow up Longhorn’s budget and require raising menu prices.

• Overkill? – The buttery richness of Prime could overwhelm flavors for the casual diner. Choice offers plenty of marbling for most tastes.

For a family-friendly chain, Choice grade allows Longhorn to keep prices modest while still delivering satisfying steak flavor. Prime is more about prestige, which isn’t Longhorn’s vibe.

Mastering the Art of Choice

While Prime has cachet, the truth is even Choice can deliver an amazing steak experience in the right hands. With skillful preparation and cooking, Choice beef shines. This is where Longhorn excels – their kitchen mastery makes those Choice steaks sing.

Here’s some secrets to Longhorn’s success with Choice steaks:

• Seasoning – Longhorn uses a signature blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and spices to amp up the beefy richness of Choice.

• Hot and Fast – Steaks are seared at high heat on a grill or flat top to caramelize the outside while keeping the inside tender.

• Resting – Longhorn lets steaks rest after cooking so juices can absorb back into the meat for added moisture.

• Cook to Order – Steaks are always cooked to requested doneness temperatures for customized results.

Their techniques coax every ounce of flavor out of Choice steaks, from the sizzling outer crust to the juicy center.

Tasting the Choice Difference

Can the average eater really notice the difference between Prime and Choice? Potentially, but it depends on the diner’s palate and the cooking methods.

A Prime steak may highlight a richer buttery mouthfeel and bolder beefiness. However, a talented kitchen can still make Choice taste incredible. At a polished chain like Longhorn, the grade of beef takes a backseat to proper cooking.

And today’s Choice beef isn’t too shabby, with marbling that still delivers plenty of tenderness and juiciness when done right. The grade differences come down to nuance rather than huge contrasts.

Satisfaction Starts with Choice

While Prime hangs out in the limelight, the trusty Choice grade provides extremely tasty beef for everyday feasting. Here’s why you can feel good about Longhorn’s Choice steaks:

• Marbling – Choice features enough fat ribbons to make the meat flavorful, moist, and tender.

• Hearty Beefiness – Thanks to the marbling, Choice packs a bold, beefy wallop in every bite.

• Tenderness – Choice grades well on tenderness, though Prime has a slight edge. Still melts in your mouth.

• Juiciness – Expert cooking coaxes lots of moisture out of Choice. No need to drown it in sauce.

So next time those steak cravings hit, feel confident heading to Longhorn Steakhouse for a satisfying USDA Choice cut, cooked to perfection. While Prime or Wagyu beef may sound fancier, Longhorn’s Choice steaks deliver on the flavors you crave at the right price.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m suddenly hungry for a juicy sirloin! Gotta love Choice.