If you’re a steak lover, you’ve probably seen steaks for sale at the grocery store or on restaurant menus labeled as “Certified Angus Beef ®.” This label indicates extremely high-quality Angus beef, which is why it’s the only brand of beef we use for our steaks at DC STEAKHOUSE. Continue reading to find out just what makes Certified Angus Beef ® so exceptional.

What Does Certified Angus Beef ® Mean?

Angus beef refers to meat that comes from the Aberdeen Angus breed of cattle, which are more muscular than other breeds. Angus beef cuts typically have a high amount of marbling, which makes a juicier and more tender steak. However, not all Angus beef is created equal.

Certified Angus Beef ® is a brand that was started by the American Angus Association. If a steak is labeled “Certified Angus Beef ®,” it means the beef passed the brand’s evaluation requirements known as the “10 specifications for quality.”

These specifications are split into three different categories—marbling and maturity, consistent sizing, and quality appearance and tenderness. Together, they ensure that the meat that carries this brand is the highest quality available.

Certified Angus Beef ® vs. USDA Prime

Although the Certified Angus Beef ® label indicates high-quality beef, it is not a grading system like the USDA classifications. The USDA classifications can also apply to beef from other types of cattle besides Angus. However, Angus beef that has been labeled “Certified Angus Beef ®” will also have a high USDA grade.

USDA graders evaluate beef based on its quality and consistency to give it one of the following grades:

Prime is the highest grade of beef, which has a high level of marbling. Prime beef is more tender and juicier than lower grades, especially when cut from the loin or rib.
Choice beef has less marbling, but is still considered high-quality beef that is very juicy and tender.
Select is the lowest grade for steaks; it has less marbling and is leaner than Prime or Choice beef.

Three Reasons Why We Serve Certified Angus Beef ® at DC STEAKHOUSE

1: High Standards of Quality

The USDA already has high standards for evaluating beef, but the Certified Angus Beef ® brand is even more selective when it comes to determining top-quality beef. Before it can be evaluated using the Certified Angus Beef ® Ten Standards for Quality, the beef must first receive a Prime or Choice USDA grade.

Plus, restaurants and grocery stores must be licensed to carry “Certified Angus Beef ®” before they can sell it. Regular audits are conducted at these establishments to guarantee that you are purchasing beef that meets the brand’s rigorous standards. By choosing Certified Angus Beef ® for our steaks, we’re able to consistently serve our customers fresh, high-quality, mouthwatering steaks.

2: Exceptional Flavor

Certified Angus Beef ® is known for its high marbling, which is what makes the steak so flavorful. You can tell when you bite into a Certified Angus Beef ® steak, because the meat is full of flavor and simply melts in your mouth. We want to provide our customers with a delicious steak dinner to remember, so we only serve Certified Angus Beef ®.

3: Trusted Brand

The Certified Angus Beef ® brand was established in 1978, and has been delivering exceptional quality beef ever since. This consistency and the way the brand has been helping generations of families sustain their farms and ranches have made Certified Angus Beef ® a trusted brand. Thanks to these high standards, you can always trust a steak from DC STEAKHOUSE to be as juicy, tender, and flavorful as possible for the type of steak cut and the level of doneness you select.

Savory Steak Dinners in Downtown Chandler

At DC STEAKHOUSE in Chandler, Arizona, we aim to meet all of your expectations when it comes to delicious, savory steak dinners. We only serve steaks that are Certified Angus Beef ® to verify that you always get a top-quality steak, no matter the cut. We also offer a wide selection of fine wines to pair with your steak and enhance your meal. If you’re looking for a great place to have dinner in downtown Chandler, give us a call at 480-899-4400 to make a reservation.

Images used under creative commons license - commercial use (5/26/22). Images provided by the Certified Angus Beef Marketing Library.