Chipped beef facts for kids
Modern chipped beef product, showing coiled packing
|
|
| Type | Meat |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Main ingredients | Beef |
Chipped beef is a special kind of beef that has been prepared in a unique way. It's made by pressing, salting, and drying beef, then slicing it into very thin pieces. Sometimes, makers even smoke the dried beef to give it more flavor.
Today, you can often find chipped beef sold in jars or flat plastic packets. It looks like small, thin, flexible leaves of beef. It's a type of processed meat that's ready to be used in different dishes.
Contents
What is Chipped Beef Used For?
Chipped beef is often used to make a popular dish called frizzled beef. This is also known as creamed chipped beef. In the U.S. military, it has a famous nickname: "S.O.S." You can also enjoy chipped beef with eggs for a tasty meal.
Where Can You Find Chipped Beef?
In the United States, chipped beef is a common breakfast item in many diners and restaurants. It's especially popular among people who have served in the military.
Creamed chipped beef, often served on toast, is a traditional meal in all parts of the U.S. Armed Forces. This is because it's nutritious, easy and quick to prepare, and not too expensive to make in large amounts. This makes it perfect for feeding many people at military bases.
You can still find creamed chipped beef on menus in many diners, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. Some chain restaurants like Golden Corral and Silver Diner still offer it. However, other places like IHOP and Cracker Barrel have replaced it with other options, like sausage gravy.
You can also buy chipped beef in frozen form from companies like Stouffer's. You just heat it up and put it on toast. It's usually quite salty. The meat itself is also sold under brand names like Knauss and Carson's. Sometimes, Steak-umm is used as a similar substitute.
Chipped Beef on Toast
Chipped beef on toast, also called creamed chipped beef on toast, is a simple but classic dish. It's made with thin pieces of dried beef mixed into a creamy white sauce. This mixture is then served on top of toasted bread. Some people like to add Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
Besides toast, chipped beef is also often served on bagels, English muffins, biscuits, home fries, rice, mashed potato, and even in casseroles.
Chipped Beef in the U.S. Military
For a long time, chipped beef on toast was a very common meal for members of the United States Armed Forces. Because of this, it became a symbol of the military experience.
In American military slang, this dish is often called "Stew On a Shingle," "Same Old Stuff," or "Something On a Shingle." These are common nicknames used by service members.
Images for kids
-
Modern chipped beef product, showing coiled packing
-
Individual sliver of chipped beef
See also
In Spanish: Chipped beef para niños
