AHDB has launched a new initiative to encourage families and couples to break up their lockdown meals with a weekly steak night.
Around 20% of the UK’s beef is consumed in the eating-out market, with steak a popular choice, but current lockdown restrictions mean there will be 2.5 billion fewer eating-out occasions between April and June this year.
With social media an increasingly important source of recipe inspiration, AHDB is rallying industry and chefs to use the hashtags #steaknight and #makeitsteak over the next three months to show consumers how to enjoy restaurant-quality steak in the comfort of their own home.
The initiative aims to put steak on the menu for some of the additional 500 million meals a week which will now be consumed at home during lockdown.
There’s no set day for steak night with AHDB hoping families will pick a night that works for them and make it a regular fixture of the at-home menu.
For those unsure where to start, AHDB has a range of quick and easy recipes, such as steak nachos with salsa, Korean beef bibimbap and bistro steaks on garlic bruschetta, on its Simply Beef and Lamb website.
Will Jackson, AHDB strategy director for beef and lamb, said: “We want to join up the supply chain and showcase the fantastic ways we can all enjoy an eating-out experience in the comfort of our living rooms by linking up communities across social media with farmers and chefs to share their expert knowledge and tips.
We encourage everyone to prepare and share simple steak recipes to help people cook with confidence in their own home during these difficult times.
Steak can also make a valuable contribution to a balanced diet, as red meat is naturally rich in protein, low in salt and provides eight vitamins and minerals which contribute towards good health.
Red meat, such as beef, is one of the main sources of vitamin B12, which is typically only found naturally in animal products, such as meat and milk. Vitamin B12 helps the immune system work normally and contributes to normal psychological function.
The #Steaknight campaign is part of AHDB’s extensive consumer-focused marketing and PR programme, and complements Great British Beef Week, taking place from April 23 to 30.
