Showerthought: Cutting stew meat with the grain isn't a mistake

Jesse Ross · 2026-02-23T20:30:53.096002+00:00

I always thought you had to cut against the grain for tender meat. But for stews, going with the grain helps the pieces stay together during long cooks. It made my beef stew much better.

lindabarnes6mo ago

Wow, gotta try that with my next pot roast!

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kim.nina6mo ago

Wouldn't with-the-grain cuts keep their shape better when browning for stew?

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paulc916mo ago

Actually, my chef friend told me the same thing, @lindabarnes.

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jessica_moore6mo ago

My last pot roast was a disaster. I tried searing it like the chefs say, but I got distracted and burned one side to a crisp. The inside was still raw, so I had to microwave it. @lindabarnes, I hope your attempt goes smoother. I've since learned to set timers. What's your biggest kitchen fail?

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