Beef shoulder clod, also known as chuck shoulder clod or simply chuck clod, is a flavorful, budget-friendly cut of meat that more home cooks and professional chefs are discovering. Coming from the chuck primal or shoulder area of the cow, beef shoulder clod offers great versatility and value compared to typical steaks. If you want to get your hands on quality beef shoulder clod to cook delicious roasts, braises, tacos, soups, and more, here is an essential guide on where to buy it.
Overview of Beef Shoulder Clod
The beef shoulder clod is part of the chuck or shoulder primal cut which comes from the area above the animal’s front legs. This section contains portions of the shoulder muscles and neck and gets a good workout resulting in well-exercised, flavorful meat.
Specifically, the clod consists of two main muscles – the triceps brachii and brachialis, separated by a layer of connective tissue. Whole shoulder clods usually weigh 8-12 pounds.
While it contains quite a bit of connective tissue shoulder clod is known for its beefy flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. Slow cooking with moist heat is ideal to break down the connective tissue and tenderize this cut.
Thanks to its extensive marbling and collagen, shoulder clod requires low and slow cooking methods like braising, stewing, or barbecuing to reach its full potential But the payoff is succulent, fork-tender beef bursting with flavor at a fraction of the price of typical steaks.
Where to Source Quality Beef Shoulder Clod
As shoulder clod gains popularity, here are some top places to buy it:
Online Butcher Shops
Specialty online butchers offer convenient nationwide delivery of high-end meat like American Wagyu shoulder clod direct to your door. Two recommended options are Snake River Farms and Crowd Cow.
Warehouse Clubs
Bulk shopping destinations like Costco and Sam’s Club regularly stock shoulder clod in larger pack sizes at competitive prices, making them a budget-friendly source.
Independent Butcher Shops
Full-service butcher shops often carry whole shoulder clods and will custom trim and cut them to your specifications. This allows you to purchase the exact amount you need.
Ethnic Markets
Mexican, Asian, halal and other ethnic grocery stores commonly sell shoulder clod for dishes like barbacoa, pho, and curry. Check their meat counter or ask the butcher.
Direct from Farms
Buy directly from local ranches, farms, and slaughterhouses to source entire shoulder clods. Ask at farmers markets and farm stands if shoulder clod is available.
Costco
Costco sells USDA Select grade boneless shoulder clod in 28 lb. cryovac bulk packs at an impressive value of around $3/lb. The warehouse club regularly stocks them.
What to Look For When Buying Shoulder Clod
Keep these tips in mind when shopping for shoulder clod to ensure you pick high-quality cuts:
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Grading – Select Choice grade or higher for optimal marbling, tenderness and moistness. Prime or Wagyu offers even more fat marbling.
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Marbling – Moderate marbling provides essential flavor and moisture. Too little may dry out when cooking.
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Weight – Choose 8-12 lb. packs to get a whole clod for better value per pound.
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Thickness – Pick clods over 3 inches thick for even cooking.
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Color – Fresh, bright cherry-red lean meat is ideal. Avoid dull browns/grays.
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Pack date – Look for a distant sell-by date so you have ample time to cook or freeze.
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Packaging – Intact cryovac wrapping or butcher paper maintains freshness. Avoid torn, damaged packaging.
Proper Storage and Handling
Follow these tips for storing beef shoulder clod after buying it:
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Refrigerate immediately, ideally below 40°F.
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Use within 5 days for best quality, up to 7 days maximum.
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Re-wrap partial clods in fresh butcher paper or plastic wrap.
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Freeze portions for 4-6 months if not using right away. Thaw in fridge before cooking.
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Keep cryovac-sealed packs in original packaging in fridge or freezer.
Proper storage keeps shoulder clod’s flavors and textures at their peak when you are ready to cook it.
Delicious Shoulder Clod Recipes to Try
Once you get your hands on quality beef shoulder clod, put it to use in these recommended recipes:
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Slow roasted shoulder clod – Easy, tender pot roast
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Red wine braised shoulder clod – Rich, hearty braise
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Smoked beef shoulder clod – Tender pulled beef sandwiches
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Vietnamese pho with thinly sliced shoulder clod – Flavorful soup
From roasts to tacos, shoulder clod excels when braised or barbecued low and slow.
With its deep beefy flavor and affordable price, shoulder clod is an excellent alternative to pricier cuts of beef. Source fresh shoulder clods from online or local butchers, bulk stores, farms, and markets. Use proper storage and handling. Braise, smoke, or roast shoulder clod for incredible results. When you want budget-friendly, delicious beef, turn to the flavorful and versatile shoulder clod!
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ET 735 for Project Smoke Texas Clod HD
FAQ
What is another name for beef shoulder clod?
There’s a good chance you have never heard of this cut of meat: Beef Shoulder, also called beef clod and beef chuck. It refers to the shoulder and neck region of the cow. The beef shoulder is relatively tender and one of the cheapest cuts of beef.
How much does a shoulder clod cost?
How Much Does Shoulder Clod Cost? A whole shoulder clod will cost at least $50 and possibly close to $100.
Does Costco sell shoulder clod?
USDA Select Beef Shoulder Clod, 28 lb avg wt | Costco.
What is beef shoulder clod good for?
Shoulder clod uses go beyond BBQ and steak applications. Clod heart can also be used as ground beef, cubed steak and sliced and diced meat.
Where can I buy beef shoulder clods?
Crowd Cow sells grass-fed beef shoulder clods sourced from independent, sustainable ranches. Bulk shopping clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club regularly stock beef shoulder clods in larger pack sizes: Costco: Costco has USDA Choice grade beef shoulder clods available in 28 lb bulk packs. They offer impressive value at around $3/lb.
Is shoulder clod a good cut of beef?
Beef shoulder clod, also known as beef chuck shoulder clod or simply chuck clod, is an underrated and flavorful cut of beef that is growing in popularity. Coming from the chuck primal of the cow, shoulder clod offers great value and versatility at a lower cost than typical steaks.
How do I get the best quality beef shoulder clod?
To help you get the best quality beef shoulder clod, keep the following tips in mind when purchasing this cut of meat: Grading: Look for grades of Choice or higher from USDA, like Prime or Wagyu. This indicates increased marbling, tenderness, and flavor. Marbling: Moderate marbling ensures flavor and moisture.
Where can I buy shoulder clod?
When thinly sliced, shoulder clod transforms into the melt-in-your-mouth beef that is essential for a comforting bowl of pho. With its deep beefy taste and value price, shoulder clod is a phenomenal alternative to pricier cuts of beef. Source shoulder clods from online butchers, big box stores, butcher shops, or direct from farms and ranches.
Where does beef shoulder clod come from?
The beef shoulder clod comes from the chuck primal, which is located in the front of the animal right above the brisket. It consists of portions of the cow’s shoulder and neck. This is a well-exercised area which results in a tougher yet intensely flavored meat. More specifically, the shoulder clod comes from the shoulder muscles of the chuck.
Is shoulder clod a good steak?
Due to its marbling and extensive connective tissue, shoulder clod requires slow cooking to break down and reach its full potential. The result is succulent, pull-apart beef that costs a fraction of typical steak cuts. While beef shoulder clod has traditionally been popular with barbecue enthusiasts, it is now gaining mainstream appeal.