Better and Lighter Meat Dishes

Vegetarian cuisine may be gaining a hold, but let\'s admit it-there\'s a meat lover in all of us. Since the early days, meat has been a staple in people\'s diets and we\'ve just found new ways to make it better. Whether it\'s a fun backyard party or an everyday dinner, no meal is complete without a bit of meat on the table.

The main reason home cooks don\'t like using meat is that they think it\'s complicated. It\'s not-in fact, they\'re actually quite easy to cook. And most of them are quite versatile, going perfectly with vegetables, spices, and even other meats. It\'s all a matter of knowing how to prepare it and create a light, healthy mix that really packs in the flavor.

If you\'re new to cooking with meat, the first rule to follow is that there\'s a safe cooking temperature. Even if you want your steak rare, it should still reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees, which is where most bacteria are killed off. Otherwise, the low heat will just cause them to multiply. If you cook big pieces such as pot roast, a meat thermometer may be a good investment.

You should also try using new cooking methods besides the usual grilling, frying or broiling. Most of these require the use of added fat, which needless to say isn\'t exactly healthy. For your next meal, try steaming or baking the meat instead. Both methods use sealed-in heat to cook the meat, except that steaming uses moist heat while baking is more dry. In both methods, the flavors really seep in and you don\'t need the fat to make it taste better.

Another useful cooking method is slow cooking. The slow cooker or crock pot seems tailor-made for meat dishes, as it effectively tenderizes the meat and brings out its natural flavor. It works especially well when used with other ingredients, such as vegetables. The flavors really mix well together and make for a more satisfying dish. Use it for heavy main dishes such as roast beef or stew, or for a rich-tasting appetizer such as soup.

Cooking with meat doesn\'t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right methods, you can create fast, easy meat dishes that are just as satisfying. These tips show you how.