As the cost of living continues to rise, many have been feeling the pressure on their wallets a bit more these days, and it's got everyone scrutinising every corner of our spending to find ways we can tighten our belts without completely sacrificing our quality of life.

But the good news is, with a bit of savvy shopping and careful meal planning, you don’t have to sacrifice protein from your meals or break the bank in the process.

Australian Meat Emporium’s Commercial Director, Harriette Greenhalgh, recently shared her top budget-friendly tips for buying meat.

If you’re on the hunt for a good BBQ, then you can’t go past the increasingly popular beef rump cap priced at $28 per kilo.

Australian Meat Emporium’s Commercial Director, Harriette Greenhalgh, gave budget-friendly tips for buying meat. Image source: serhii_bobyk/Freepik.

For meat to slow cook with, chuck steak is the way to go at $18 per kilo, while the versatile and popular beef brisket will set you back $15 a kilo.

Beef mince is another family favourite that’s going for around $12 a kilo, and if you’re looking for the perfect Sunday roast, head to the butcher and treat the family to a beef roast for also $15 a kilo.

Harriette also recommends going off the beaten track and playing around with different cuts of meat that are often cheaper but can still be tasty when cooked the right way.

She said: "If you steer away from the scotch fillets and the porterhouse and look for more interesting cuts, like an oyster blade steak for instance, these are super tender on the BBQ…"

Oyster blade steak will only set you back less than $15 for three steaks.

The other trick to saving money is to get your butcher to slice your purchases into smaller portions. Allocate the right portion for each meal you’ll be cooking and freeze the rest in smaller bags for other meals later on–this will help you avoid spoiled meat.

If you’re looking for other options, here are affordable protein-packed substitutes for days you prefer to skip the steak:

Look into the family of legumes–like lentils, peas, and beans. These humble pantry staples come in at around $6 to $7 a kilo when purchased dry. Widely beloved black beans pack 19.9 grams of protein per 100 grams, while lentils offer 24.5 grams of protein per 100 grams. These can easily be incorporated into a myriad of dishes, from soups to salads and more. You can try out this recipe if you want a nutrient-dense meal!

Another option would be eggs which are about 50 cents for a large size. Each egg can serve up to 12.2 grams of protein, making them an economical and robust substitute for meat. Beyond scrambled eggs, omelettes, frittatas, and quiches are are all excellent ways to incorporate this protein into your diet.

Seeds and nuts are also good sources of protein–almonds can give you 19.7 grams of protein per 100 grams, and sunflower seeds around 20.8 grams. These can be easily tossed in salads, blended in a smoothie, or enjoyed as a snack.

For those who love dairy, Greek yogurt can be your alternative. At $4.40 a kilo, it offers you 6 grams of protein per 100 grams. It's versatile enough to jump from breakfast to dinner as a smoothie or a marinade.

Key Takeaways

• Australian Meat Emporium's Commercial Director Harriette Greenhalgh shared tips on how one can enjoy protein-packed meals without breaking the budget.
• She advised using different underrated cuts of meat like beef rump cap, chuck steak, and beef brisket, which are cheaper but versatile in terms of cooking methods.
• She also suggested buying meats like oyster blade steak, which are tender and cost less compared to premium cuts like scotch fillets.

Do you have any tips when buying meat in the market? Or other protein-packed alternatives? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

[messy]

Australian meat Emporium, Harriett, Thank you for the variety of ways to cook the cheaper cuts of meat, But people have to start making another meal from the leftovers, IE. if you have a meat and veg. dinner any leftovers can be turned into a Home made Pie for Dinner just add a few more potatoes and veg or can of Red beans make sure the pastry is cooked underneath you will have a hit. You can turn most leftovers into another meal, may have to do add something else to give that change to your leftover meals. Just don't tell them then surprise them. Mary messy.

 

[messy]

Australian meat Emporium, Harriett, Thank you for the variety of ways to cook the cheaper cuts of meat, But people have to start making another meal from the leftovers, IE. if you have a meat and veg. dinner any leftovers can be turned into a Home made Pie for Dinner just add a few more potatoes and veg or can of Red beans make sure the pastry is cooked underneath you will have a hit. You can turn most leftovers into another meal, may have to do add something else to give that change to your leftover meals. Just don't tell them then surprise them. Mary messy.