Cookbook sales are booming. Sales rose 15% in 2023 alone. This is expected to further increase this year.
With so many flooding the market, which meat recipe book should you choose without getting ripped off? Read on and you’ll know which of these meat cookbooks is best for you.
The Carnivore Cookbook
Meat: Everything You Need to KnowOur Top Products
1 - The Carnivore Cookbook
A great Carnivore Cookbook designed specifically for meat-eaters.
If you’re a fan of Franklin Barbecue, Michael Ruhlman, or Bill Kim,you’re in the right place.
One of our favorite books to have at home and give to friends.
- Contains a detailed account on the science of eating
- Easy-to-follow instructions with pages of colorful pork and beef recipes
- Comes with meal planning for the whole month,a weekly grocery list, and easy substitution suggestions, you’ll never have to stress again about what to eat.
- Includes simple substitution suggestions
- A few people have suggested that some recipes are unimaginative and tasteless
2 - Meat: Everything You Need to Know
Written by a fourth-generation butcher, Pat LaFrieda, the author of Meat: Everything You Need to Know knows a thing or two about the most flavorful cuts of meat to get from your local butcher.
- Contains secret family favorites
- Endorsed by New York City celebrity chefs
- Filled with interesting anecdotal stories from generations of meatpacking
- Over 75+ mouth-watering meals
- Experienced chef abilities required
- Tricky preparation procedures like butterflying a veal chop.
3 - Hardcore Carnivore
This Hardcore Carnivore book showcases Jess Pryles’ vast knowledge of meat techniques and the science behind eating meat.
This girl knows BBQ and when we say that, we mean it—whilst always willing to learn new tips and tricks, Jess pretty much knows everything there is to know about how to cook the perfect pulled pork or beef brisket.- Patricia Gadsby, Discover Magazine
- Well organized and separated by type of meat.
- Cookbooks like this might help with meal planning
- Includes tasty extras like sides, master sauces, and rubs
- Pages of tasty slow-cooked BBQ ribs
- A UK to US translation makes it confusing
- Pricier than most in the same category
4 - Meat: A Kitchen Education
If you’re a meat-lover and a fan of James Peterson, this Meat: A Kitchen Education book doesn’t disappoint.
Whether you’re looking for a recipe book that looks great on your coffee table or the best cookbooks with plenty of meat cooking recipes, this is a meat lover’s book.
- Classic simple preparations for every type of meat
- Easy-to-read processes presented in a sophisticated way
- A remarkably useful book containing tips that save you a ton of money in your grocery shopping
- Perfect for both the experienced and beginning home cook
- The title is misleading as the book doesn’t provide detailed information about meat.
5 - The River Cottage Meat Book
The Meat Book by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall was originally a UK sensation.
It has been reworked specifically for an American audience. The River Cottage is a manifesto not to be missed.
- A helpful guide about choosing and storing meats
- Highly regarded as a comprehensive guide
- Extensive information about sourcing high-quality produce and products
- Interesting details about meat production and cooking techniques
- A UK to US translation makes it confusing
- Pricier than most in the same category
6 - Cook's Illustrated Meat Book
With 425 tried and tested ‘bulletproof’ recipes for beef, pork, lamb, veal, and poultry, the Cook’s Illustrated Meat Book had you covered all year round.
- Lists mistakes to avoid
- Matches specific cuts with the best home-style method
- Easy recipes for the perfect roast every time
- 27-page master class on shopping, storing, and seasoning
- Recipes require access to a large, chef-style, well-equipped kitchen
7 - The Complete Nose to Tail
The Complete Nose to Tail by Fergus Henderson. Famous for his London restaurant, Fergus Henderson has had some of the biggest foodies in the business travel to experience his culinary delights.
- Highly recommended by Mario Batali, Anthony Bourdain, and Jamie Oliver
- A conscientious and resourceful knowledge approach
- Two books in one showcasing mouth-watering products
- Shows you how to use ALL the animal parts
- Only for the adventurous palette and not the fussy/plain eater
8 - Michael Symon’s Carnivore: 120 Recipes for Meat Lovers
Making it on the New York Times Best Sellers list, the 120 meat-centric recipes show Michael’s passion for meat and marinades is undeniable.
I love meat! No, that is not a confession, but rather a proclamation
- Celebrity Chef, Restaurateur, Former Co-Host of “The Chew"
- Key sections on breeds, cut type, and techniques
- A great help at both the meat counter and in the kitchen
- Contains nutritious and delicious recipes for beef, pork, poultry, lamb, goat, and game
- Not aimed at meat-eaters as it includes country meats with a lot of vegetables
- Includes a lot of non-keto sides like apple and celeriac salad and Sicilian cauliflower
9 - Good Meat: The Complete Guide to Sourcing and Cooking Sustainable Meat
This belongs on the shelf of every carnivore out there. If you eat meat or if you have ever considered eating meat, you need a copy of Deborah Krasner's work of art.
-Grit.com, Rural American Know-How Magazine
- Simple guidance and instruction
- A new cookbook designed specifically for sustainably raised meats
- An interesting focus on 2020 farm-to-table way of cooking and eating
- 200+ gourmet recipes for pork, beef, lamb, poultry, and game.
- Limited information on the technical skills of cutting meat
10 - Primal Cuts: Cooking with America's Best Butchers
A celebration of the art of artisanal butchery. Primal Cuts has helpful information about eating and sourcing local food.
This book has the chefs and the butchers as the heroes of the meat cooking recipes.
- A complete nose-to-tail approach to butchery
- Colorful pictures and interesting country recipes
- Celebrates the people and processes behind meat consumption
- Teaches you how to cook 7 days with conventional and unconventional meat cuts
- The UK to US translation makes it confusing
- Recipes are poorly written and the book lacks passion
What to Look for When Buying a Meat Cookbook
1. Consider Your Cooking Abilities
As a novice home cook, you will benefit from recipe books with more detail and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions.
Whereas a budding Michelin-star chef with years of experience will be looking for unique and different recipes, utilizing advanced cooking techniques and new spice combinations.
2. Think About What You Like to Eat
Is your style a meat-smoking manifesto, or do you like slow-cooked hearty stews? What you like will influence the style of recipe books best for you. If you’ve decided to try 30-days of carnivore, get recipe books specifically designed with this in mind.
3. Read the Reviews
There’s nothing worse than getting a book and then realizing it wasn’t what you thought it was. Read the 1-star and 5-star reviews to get the bigger picture of what type of cookbook it is.
How to Substitute Different Ingredients
You can easily customize your best recipes to suit your lifestyle.
Depending on how strict you are, you can easily substitute various ingredients, herbs, and spices.
For a great fat substitute, many people like to use products like ghee, butter, bacon grease, or tallow.
Some cookbooks suggest salt as your only seasoning choice. If this is too bland you can throw in a bit of herb and grated cheese to add some extra flavor.
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What’s the Best Meat Cookbook for You?
The right cookbook depends on your health, your goals, and which diet and lifestyle best serves you [2]. If you’re a meat-lover wanting the right paperback or kindle book, choose The Carnivore Cookbook.
It’s specifically designed for carnivores who enjoy grilling dishes at home. It covers the basics, is easy to follow, and has a ton of meat recipes. In fact, I had a hard time putting it down. It has 2020 Best Sellers List written all over it.
Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy duck confit or a mouth-watering flank steak, this book will satisfy your cravings.
The Carnivore Cookbook
Our #1 Recommendation
- Contains a detailed account on the science of eating
- Easy-to-follow instructions with pages of colorful pork and beef recipes
- Comes with meal planning for the whole month,a weekly grocery list, and easy substitution suggestions, you’ll never have to stress again about what to eat.
- Includes simple substitution suggestions
