Meat

Varies (e.g., Bos taurus for beef, Sus scrofa domesticus for pork) Protein, Main Course Ingredient

Meat Protein, Main Course Ingredient

At a Glance

  • Category Protein, Main Course Ingredient

The Forktionary Angle

"The foundational protein, offering endless culinary possibilities, from delicate roasts to hearty stews."

Definition

The edible flesh of animals, typically muscle tissue, used as a significant source of protein in human diets worldwide.

Essential Amino Acids Contains all nine essential amino acids
Global Production Over 360 million tonnes produced annually
Optimal Storage (Raw) 1-2 days refrigerated, 6-12 months frozen

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Meat are:

Umami savory rich varies by animal and cut

Chef’s Secret

Always allow cooked meat to rest before slicing to redistribute juices, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.

Best Substitutes

Plant-based meat alternatives

in many recipes
Ratio 1:1

mushrooms

for umami/texture

Buying Guide

Look for good color, minimal liquid in packaging, and a reputable source.

Recipes Using Meat

30 Minutes Or Less Course 30 Minutes Or Less Dinner Party

Exotic Fruits Barbecue Marinade

Unlock the secrets to unbelievably juicy and flavorful barbecue with our Exotic Fruits Marinade! This vibrant blend of aromatic spices and tropical fruits infuses your meats with an unforgettable taste of the exotic. Perfect for chicken, pork, beef, or even tofu, this marinade is a game-changer for your next grilling adventure. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds!

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60 Minutes Or Less One Dish Meal Main Ingredient Seasonal

Aunt Dina's One Dish Meal

Craving comforting stuffed cabbage rolls but short on time? Aunt Dina's One-Dish Cabbage & Meat Delight is your answer! This incredibly flavorful recipe skips the tedious wrapping and delivers all the deliciousness of stuffed cabbage in under an hour. Tender potatoes and juicy cabbage simmer in a rich tomato-meat sauce – a hearty and satisfying weeknight meal the whole family will love!

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4 Hours Or Less Pasta Eggs Dairy Preparation

Baked Ziti With Mini Meatballs

Experience the irresistible comfort of authentic Italian-style baked ziti, elevated with flavorful mini meatballs. This recipe uses high-quality ingredients for a truly memorable dish. We recommend using authentic Italian brands of pasta sauce and crushed tomatoes (28 oz cans – use slightly less). Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this baked ziti is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Get ready for a symphony of cheesy goodness and tender meatballs.

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Side Dishes Rice Guatemalan Course

Belizean Traditional Beans And Rice

Authentic Belizean Beans and Rice recipe, passed down through generations! This hearty and flavorful side dish is the perfect complement to Caribbean chicken, fish, or any savory main course. Experience the vibrant tastes of Belize in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe. Learn how to create tender beans and perfectly cooked rice, a staple in Belizean cuisine.

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Dietary 5 Ingredients Or Less For 1 Or 2 Soups Stews

Allysha's Really Awesome Ramen

Ignite your taste buds with Allysha's Really Awesome Spicy Ramen! This fiery noodle bowl is packed with flavor, featuring a perfectly cooked egg and an array of delicious toppings. This homemade recipe is easy to follow, ensuring a quick and satisfying meal. The key is to perfectly cook the noodles – avoid overcooking for a delightful, non-mushy experience! Get ready for a slurp-worthy adventure!

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Marinades And Rubs Marinades And Rubs 3 Steps Or Less Course

All Purpose Hawaiian Marinade

Unlock the secrets to unbelievably juicy and flavorful grilled meats with this All-Purpose Hawaiian Marinade! Originally created for a party, this recipe has become a staple, working wonders on chicken, beef, pork, tuna, and shrimp. The vibrant blend of tropical flavors will transport your taste buds to paradise. Perfect for 3 lbs of your favorite protein, this marinade is easy to make and guarantees impressive results every time. Try it with pineapple coconut juice for an extra burst of island flavor!

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Toddler Friendly Dietary Easy Kid Friendly

5 Minute Pita Pizza

Transform leftover ingredients into delicious 5-minute pita pizzas! This kid-approved recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend snack. Use up odds and ends from your fridge and let your creativity shine with endless topping combinations. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both easy and incredibly satisfying!

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Course Preparation African Time To Make

Beans With Spinach Lubya B Selk

Embark on a culinary journey to Libya with this vibrant Beans with Spinach Lubya B Selk recipe! This hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, is traditionally made with meat but easily adaptable for vegetarians. Imagine tender beans simmering in a rich sauce infused with fragrant spinach, zesty herbs, and warming spices. This slow-cooked masterpiece is also ideal for your crockpot, freeing up your time while the delicious aromas fill your kitchen. Get ready to experience a taste of authentic Libyan cuisine!

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Time To Make Lunch Kid Friendly Vegetables

Apple Gouda And Turkey Wrap With Bacon

This delicious Apple Gouda & Turkey Bacon Wrap is the perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey or enjoy a quick and satisfying lunch anytime! Crispy bacon, creamy Gouda, sweet apple slices, and fresh greens are all nestled in a warm tortilla for a flavor explosion. Even carb-lovers will rejoice with this recipe from our Carb-Lovers Diet Cookbook.

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Side Dishes Greens Side Dishes Collard Greens

Best Collard Greens Ever

Transform ordinary collard greens into an unforgettable culinary masterpiece! This recipe, adapted from a renowned TV chef, delivers melt-in-your-mouth collard greens with a depth of flavor that will leave you licking your plate clean. Get ready to experience collard greens like never before – even if you've never been a fan, this recipe is guaranteed to convert you! Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Middle Eastern Weeknight Time To Make Inexpensive

Abgousht

Dive into the rich and flavorful world of Persian cuisine with this Abgousht recipe! This hearty lamb stew, slow-cooked to perfection, is packed with tender lamb, chickpeas, potatoes, and a medley of aromatic spices. A comforting classic, perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. Easy to follow instructions will guide you to a delicious, authentic Abgousht.

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Cuisine Veal Beef Italian

Authentic Rag Alla Bolognese

Discover the true taste of Italy with this authentic Ragù alla Bolognese recipe! Developed after 3.5 years living in Northern Italy, this recipe captures the essence of the classic sauce, as enjoyed in countless Italian homes and restaurants. Unlike many modern interpretations, this recipe stays true to tradition – no herbs, just the perfect balance of salt, pepper, and rich, savory meats. Experience the depth of flavor from slow-cooked pancetta (or bacon, if needed) and the finest quality ingredients. Prepare for a culinary journey that transports you straight to the heart of Italy!

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Taste Mood Cuisine Course North American

Beef And Mozzarella Wraps

Juicy ground beef or turkey filling seasoned with savory herbs and spices, nestled in crispy baked wonton cups and topped with melty mozzarella cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer!

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Course Occasion Low Carb Course

Belgian Chicken Fricassee Vol Au Vent

Indulge in this creamy, classic Belgian Chicken Fricassee Vol-au-Vent, a recipe fit for royalty! Traditionally known as "Koninginnenhapje" (Queen's Nibble), this delightful dish was a Sunday staple in my father's home. Perfect as a sophisticated starter or a satisfying main course served with rice or potato purée, this rich fricassee is surprisingly easy to make. Its elegant flavor and creamy texture will impress your guests, and it freezes beautifully for future enjoyment. Get ready to experience a taste of Belgian culinary tradition!

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Asian Indian Asian Time To Make

Aurora Curry

A culinary journey inspired by my childhood in Alaska! This Aurora Curry recipe blends the warmth of Indian spices with British curry influences and Alaskan ingenuity. Developed from years of experimentation, it features a creamy almond or soy milk base (perfect for those with lactose intolerance!), tender vegetables, and your choice of protein. This isn't your grandma's curry – it's a unique, flavorful adventure in every bite! Top with your favorite yogurt for an extra creamy finish.

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Cuisine 4 Hours Or Less Dietary Main Ingredient

Bigos From Out Of This Kitchen

Dive into the rich flavors of authentic Polish Bigos! This hearty hunter's stew, made with a secret family recipe, is incredibly flavorful but requires some time and patience. The result? A deeply satisfying, complex, and unforgettable dish perfect for a chilly evening. Get ready for an adventure in taste!

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One Dish Meal One Dish Meal Course Main Dish

Bierocks

Taste the tradition! This Bierock recipe, passed down from a German community in Eastern Oklahoma, delivers savory, hand-held pies bursting with flavor. Learn to make these delicious treats, perfect for a comforting meal or a unique appetizer. The dough is wonderfully soft and the filling is hearty and satisfying. Get ready for a culinary journey back in time!

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Main Dish Vegetables Meat Time To Make

3 Layered Tunisian Tagine

Forget everything you think you know about tagines! This vibrant 3-layered Tunisian delight is closer to a stunning frittata, boasting layers of savory ground meat, spinach, cheese, and herbs. A warm appetizer, a hearty main course served with couscous, or even elegant finger food – this versatile egg-based masterpiece is perfect served warm or cold. Prepare to impress with this unique and flavorful recipe!

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