As thousands of Argentina fans pour into Texas for the World Cup, a debate has emerged about which region produces the best beef. Texas, which ranks number one in the United States in beef production, is facing off against Argentina, which is known for its high-quality grass-fed beef.
The Case for Argentine Beef
Argentine chef Carlos Eduardo Barahona, who has lived in Texas since 1998, claims that Argentine beef is unbeatable. He says that the savory texture and style of the cut make it superior to Texas beef. Barahona also notes that Argentine beef cattle are mostly grass-fed, which results in leaner meat with intense earthy flavors.
On the other hand, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller argues that U.S. beef, particularly Texas beef, is the best. He says that the predominantly grain-fed beef in Texas has more marbling, which makes it juicier and more tender. Miller also notes that Texas has helped improve the quality of Argentine beef by selling them high-quality breeding stock.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the debate over which region produces the best beef comes down to personal preference. Argentine fan Gonzalo Herrera says that he doesn’t see a massive difference between the two, but notes that the key is knowing which cuts to buy and finding the equivalent of what he eats in Argentina.
The debate has also sparked a discussion about recipes and cooking styles. At Corrientes 348 Argentinian Steakhouse in Dallas, steaks are prepared with just salt and mesquite charcoal, while Texans often use pepper, butter, and barbecue sauce.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
