122 [bibimbap] originally uploaded by Evan Blaser
According to this NPR piece, eating raw meats is back in style but the CDC says the associated risks are definitely not worth it. However, many disagree and for good reason.
From the article:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is amplifying recommendations it’s made for years: Don’t eat raw or undercooked ground beef. And the call may take on new significance in the wake of reports released last week about a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella in which nearly half the victims reported eating a raw ground beef dish at the same restaurant.
[...]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says seven of the 16 people who were sickened reported eating kibbeh, a Middle Eastern dish made with Bulgar wheat, ground lamb or beef in this case, and spices, at the same restaurant before becoming ill back in December. There are traditionally both raw and cooked versions.
[...]
And how does steak tartare taste? “The raw, soft and creamy beef is perfectly balanced by the sharp and pungent flavors from capers, mustard and onions and by the crisp fries,” says writer Brian Lambaek.
But is eating raw meat worth it? CDC would say definitely not.
Raw beef, when properly cared for, is absolutely wonderful to eat as is described above. Texture and flavor are two of the most important parts of eating and uncooked meats provide both in a big way. While there is always the chance of contracting illnesses from ill-cared for meats and vegetables, the risk is a bit higher with meats, as everyone already knows; however, even though the CDC recommends otherwise, the benefits definitely outweigh the risks in the opinion of many. If you have gone through life avoiding such dishes simply because someone suggested you not do it for health reasons; live a little, it’s worth it.
What about you? Do you eat raw/uncooked meats? Is this because of the recent diet trends or simply because uncooked meats are tasty? Do you ignore the CDC’s shoe leather cooking recommendations anyway? Whatever you have to say about this one go ahead and comment on as I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Dakota Complaints Map
Dakota Inmate Dashboard
Loading ...
January 30th, 2013 at 8:04 am
I’ve been over to the 112 Eatery 3 times in the last few weeks and I order the Steak Tartare every time. It’s so good that I don’t know that I would even want a burger again sometimes (except the 112 burger is similarly amazing).
Regarding risks. I think you want to make sure you have some idea of the place you are going to order raw meat. I most certainly not try it at a place that was not recommended to me by someone personally or at least that had a reputation solid enough for me not to be concerned.
A good back up for the uninitiated might be carpaccio. Many of the local places that serve it (primarily Italian) flash sear the meat before chilling it to avoid any health issues.
January 30th, 2013 at 8:21 am
I love tartare! In addition to eating it at restaurants that serve it I have made it at home. It is delicious and I’ve never had any more reservations about eating it than any other dish at a restaurant.
I agree with lefty that you want to make sure you’re eating at a reputable place (112 Eatery may have been the first place I had) or buy your meat from a reputable place if you’re making it at home.
As for the general CDC cooking recommendations – BAH! I order both my burgers and steaks rare and when I’m cooking at home, particularly pork, there’s no way I’m going to ruin good meat by cooking all the flavor out of it.
January 30th, 2013 at 8:56 am
Yawn. More of the “food safety” snoozefest.
Just yesterday, the same CDC announced that leafy greens accounted for the most food-borne illnesses nationwide. Dairy products accounted for the most hospitalizations (primarily from unpasteurized milk, cheese, and cream).
So, even if you order that beef/burger so well-done it’s charred into a hockey puck, you were more likely to get sick from the lettuce they put on top anyway.
No matter what you eat and where you eat it, you are under some degree of risk.
January 30th, 2013 at 10:50 am
As mentioned, it is all about how it is handled and the source of the meat. I wouldn’t get tartare from Denny’s, but I’d get it from 112 Eatery. I also wouldn’t get a burger cooked less than medium from Denny’s.
Eating food is a risk, even if you prepare it yourself. I’d prefer to get sick by eating super delicious raw meat over touching the elevator button after some doucebag co-worker touched it who came to work sick when they should have stayed home. I’d rather die eating sushi than having lived a long life never having a bite of it.
January 30th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
I grew up in the Paper Valley area of Wisconsin. A “treat” we had at gatherings was something called Cannibal Sandwiches. I loved this as a kid. Pretty sure my wife would freak if I had this for dinner. I know she hated our family experience with Sunday brunch consisting of pan fried blood sausage. That was our Sunday morning pre-Packer game brunch as a kid.
January 30th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
Here’s a recipe for Cannibal Sandwiches: http://gr82bme.hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Make-A-Cannibal-Sandwich
January 30th, 2013 at 6:26 pm
Two posts in a row about handling raw beef, huh?
January 31st, 2013 at 11:37 am
Never had raw meat and don’t plan too. I’m the kind of person who likes well-done because I have a weird stomach. I probably don’t know what I’m missing though right? My dog would disagree. He eats raw mice.
January 31st, 2013 at 11:54 am
Your dog should at least pan-sear the mice before eating them.
January 31st, 2013 at 6:26 pm
It’s hard for him, even though he does still have his thumbs! Ironic too, since he catches the mice that have nested in our grill, of all places. I swear one of these days we’ll turn it on and find poor Mickey and Minnie well-done.
January 31st, 2013 at 6:38 pm
Perhaps cooking classes?
January 31st, 2013 at 10:02 pm
For the dog, of course…..
January 31st, 2013 at 10:25 pm
No raw meat for me, it just doesn’t appeal. I remember eating raw cookie dough as a kid, in fact I bought pasturized eggs just so my kids could eat cookie dough!
February 5th, 2013 at 2:34 pm
Rare is the only way to eat a burger.
Signed, a guy who used to order them well-done.