Is Angus Beef Kosher? Everything You Need to Know

Kosher dietary laws can seem complicated to those unfamiliar with them. If you love Angus beef and want to know if you can enjoy it on a Kosher diet this article will clear up the confusion. We’ll walk through what makes beef Kosher explain how Angus beef fits in, and give tips for finding and cooking certified Kosher Angus. Let’s dive in!

What Makes Beef Kosher?

For beef to be considered Kosher, it must meet several requirements according to Jewish law

• The cow it comes from must be a kosher animal This means it has split hooves and chews its cud Cows meet these criteria.

• The slaughtering must be done in a specific manner by a trained shochet (ritual slaughterer). They use a super sharp knife to cut the throat quickly and humanely.

• The blood must be removed from the meat through a process called kashering. This involves soaking and salting the meat to draw out all blood.

• The meat processing facility must also be certified Kosher to prevent any mixing of Kosher and non-Kosher meats.

So Kosher certification requires more than just picking the right breed of cow. It depends on the entire raising, slaughter, and processing process meeting strict kosher standards.

Can Angus Beef Be Kosher?

Angus refers to a cattle breed, not a specific type of beef. Most Angus beef on the market is not kosher. However, it is possible for Angus beef to meet the requirements.

Recently, the Certified Angus Beef® brand partnered with a kosher certifier to create an approved line of Glatt Kosher Angus. This means it’s been certified by the Orthodox Union (OU) as meeting their strict standards for kosher.

To achieve this certification, the cattle must be humanely slaughtered by trained shochets. The meat then undergoes the koshering process to remove all blood. In addition, the processing facilities must be fully certified kosher.

Besides meeting the OU’s kosher rules, this line of Angus must also pass the Certified Angus Beef® brand’s 10 criteria for high quality beef.

So while not all Angus beef is kosher, you can find specialty Angus products like this that have valid kosher certification. You just have to look for the symbols of certifying agencies like the OU.

Where to Find Certified Kosher Angus Beef

Since most Angus beef is not kosher, you have to seek out specialty certified products. Here are some places to find OU certified kosher Angus:

• Some high-end kosher restaurants and steakhouses, like Prime Hospitality Group’s restaurants in New York, offer Certified Angus Beef® brand kosher cuts.

• Kosher grocery stores and butcher shops like Prime Butcher Baker in Manhattan also carry certified Angus.

• Online mail order companies like Grow and Behold offer kosher certified Angus beef selections.

• Your local kosher markets may be able to special order certified Kosher Angus. Ask your butcher.

When browsing, look for the symbols of the OU, OK, Star-K and other kosher certifiers to be sure it’s legitimately kosher. And check for the Certified Angus Beef® brand name and label as an indicator of quality.

Why Kosher Certification Matters

Eating non-kosher foods is completely off-limits for observant Jews who keep kosher. So valid certification is essential when purchasing meat like Angus beef. Kosher symbols ensure:

• The cows are a kosher type and were raised according to Jewish dietary laws

• The slaughtering and processing met kosher requirements

• The meat is free of any blood or non-kosher mixtures

Kosher certification also appeals to many non-Jewish consumers who associate it with purity, quality control, and ethics. Studies show consumers see kosher as a mark of food safety and integrity.

So when buying Angus beef, kosher certification really matters – both for religious reasons and as an indicator of responsible quality production.

Tips for Cooking Kosher Angus Beef

Once you’ve sourced certified kosher Angus beef, you can cook up delicious recipes at home. Here are some tips:

• Use less salt since kosher meat is already salted as part of the koshering process.

• Cook low and slow, at about 225°F – 250°F for 1.5 hours per pound to properly tenderize.

• Slice brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness.

• Plan for roughly 1/2 pound of meat per person. Adjust up for big eaters.

• Try underrated kosher cuts like deckle, ribeye, or chuck shoulder clod.

• Add spices and acids at the end for flavor without burning.

• Allow roasted meats to rest for 10+ minutes before slicing to retain juices.

With certified Angus beef and the right techniques, you can create amazing kosher dishes like brisket, stews, grilled steaks, and burgers.

Common Questions about Kosher Angus Beef

Let’s wrap up with answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is all Angus beef kosher?

No, most conventional Angus beef is not kosher certified. You have to look for specialty products with valid kosher certification.

What makes Angus beef kosher?

Angus beef must meet all the standard requirements for kosher like proper slaughter and processing under rabbinical supervision. The newly available OU certified Angus indicates it has passed.

Where can I buy kosher Angus beef?

Check high-end kosher grocers, butchers, restaurants and online mail order sites. Look for kosher symbols like OU and Certified Angus Beef® branding.

Is kosher beef better?

Kosher standards often result in exceptionally high quality. Many people perceive kosher beef as safer, more ethical and better tasting.

Is kosher beef healthier?

Kosher beef undergoes processes like salting to remove blood, which some believe improves its health profile. However, kashrut laws focus mainly on purity and spiritual health rather than nutrition.

Is kosher beef more expensive?

Yes, the special handling kosher beef requires makes it a bit pricier than conventional beef. But the quality and culinary advantages make it worthwhile for many.

Can you cook kosher beef on Shabbat?

No, kosher rules prohibit cooking on the Shabbat. Plan ahead by doing any cooking the day before the Jewish sabbath starts.

Satisfy Your Angus Beef Cravings the Kosher Way

So if you love great tasting Angus but want to stick with your kosher diet, certified Angus options are out there. With this guide, you know what to look for when sourcing legitimate kosher Angus beef. Get ready to fire up those kosher-friendly recipes and savor the penultimate combination of quality, flavor and faith.