What Cuts of Meat Should You Buy?

Are you wondering what cuts of meat you need for creating specific German meals?

Whether you're wanting to recreate a classic family recipe, or simply want to explore something new, knowing the different cuts of meat used for each recipe is essential.

So let's dive fork-first into some of the most popular German meats used in traditional recipes! Knowing this will not only make your cooking experience smoother, but also makes sure that your dishes come out tasting as authentic as possible.

Schweineschulter (Pork Shoulder)

A common cut in German cuisine is Schweineschulter, also known as pork shoulder. It's perfect for recipes like Schweinebraten (roast pork).

This cut of meat is marbled with fat, allowing it to become tender and juicy when cooked slowly. It's often served with potatoes and a rich gravy.

Rindergulasch (Beef Stew Meat)

For hearty dishes, Rindergulasch, or beef stew meat, is essential. This cut is typically from the chuck or round.

It's best for slow-cooked recipes, like the iconic German goulash. This dish is deliciously savory, often served over egg noodles, rice or potatoes. Goulash was, for sure, one of my favorite childhood meals!

Schweinshaxe (Pork Knuckle)

Next is Pork Knuckle, which is integral to making Schweinshaxe, a beloved Bavarian (home of Oktoberfest!) dish of roasted pork knuckle.

The pork knuckle's rich layers of fat and meat ensure a crispy, flavorful skin while keeping the meat tender and moist.

Rinderschulter (Beef Chuck)

Beef Chuck, or Rinderschulter, is another common cut of meat found in German cooking, especially for rouladen (can also be made with Top Round Beef).This dish was always a special one and involves thin slices of beef rolled up with mustard, bacon, onions, and pickles, then braised until tender.

Rinderschulter is ideal because it becomes soft and succulent, soaking up the savory juices quite perfectly.

Kasseler (Smoked Pork)

Kasseler, which is a cured and slightly smoked pork or ham, is often made from the neck or loin. It can be used in various recipes, including stews and casseroles. The smoked flavor is what adds depth to dishes.

While ham was not my favorite growing up, pork chops with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes was always delicious!

But wait, there's more!

For a more in-depth review of these and other different meat cuts, watch this video we found!

And there you have it! A small sampling of what cuts of meat goes into these delicious German meals.

Remember to keep an eye out for the next "Little Nibbles" in your inbox for more Oma-approved tips & bits! (and if you're not getting those, sign up today!)

Cheers, :)

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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.

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