Pittsburgh Butchers Directory

Embracing a keto or carnivore lifestyle means focusing on high-quality meats, fats, and simple, satisfying meals. Pittsburgh Butchers and Birch Creek Farmery offer exceptional, locally-sourced meats perfect for these diets. Inspired by Dr. Ken Berry’s advice on keeping things simple and nutrient-dense, and the creative, joyful approach of Eat Happy Kitchen, here are three detailed, foolproof recipes that celebrate the best cuts from Birch Creek Farmery and make keto and carnivore eating effortless and delicious.

---

1. Birch Creek Ribeye Steak with Garlic-Herb Butter

Why Ribeye?
Dr. Ken Berry emphasizes fatty cuts like ribeye for satiety and optimal nutrition on keto and carnivore diets. Birch Creek Farmery’s grass-fed ribeye is rich in healthy fats and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 Birch Creek Farmery ribeye steaks (1.25–1.5 inches thick)
• 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons ghee or tallow (for searing)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for keto)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–16 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Bring Steaks to Room Temperature:
   Remove steaks from the fridge 30–60 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season:
   Liberally coat both sides with salt and pepper. Press seasoning into the meat.
3. Make Garlic-Herb Butter:
   In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic, parsley, and lemon zest. Mix well and set aside.
4. Heat Pan:
   Place a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over high heat. Add ghee or tallow. Wait until it’s shimmering but not smoking.
5. Sear Steaks:
   Place steaks in the hot pan. Don’t crowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Sear for 3–4 minutes without moving, then flip and sear another 3–4 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp 130–135°F). For medium, add 2 minutes per side.
6. Baste:
   In the last minute, add half the garlic-herb butter to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon melted butter over the steaks repeatedly.
7. Rest:
   Remove steaks to a plate. Top with remaining garlic-herb butter. Tent loosely with foil and rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips from Dr. Berry:

• Don’t fear the fat—eat the steak’s fat cap for best results.
• Skip the lemon zest for strict carnivore.

---

2. Carnivore Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Why Pork Belly?
Pork belly is rich in fat and flavor, making it ideal for both keto and carnivore diets. Birch Creek Farmery’s pork belly is pasture-raised for superior taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Birch Creek Farmery pork belly, skin removed, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (omit for strict carnivore)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for keto)
• 2 tablespoons Birch Creek Farmery lard or tallow

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5–3 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours 15 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Set oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Prep Pork Belly:
   Pat pork belly cubes dry. Toss in a bowl with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
3. Arrange and Bake:
   Place cubes fat-side up on the rack. Bake for 2 hours.
4. Crisp and Glaze:
   Remove from oven. Place cubes in a clean bowl, add lard or tallow, and toss to coat.
5. Finish:
   Return cubes to the rack. Increase oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake 20–30 minutes, flipping once, until crispy and caramelized.

Serving:
Eat hot, straight from the pan, or use as a topping for eggs.

Tips from Eat Happy Kitchen:

• For extra flavor, drizzle with melted beef tallow before serving.
• For strict carnivore, omit all spices except salt.

---

3. Lamb Chops with Rosemary & Pink Salt

Why Lamb?
Lamb from Birch Creek Farmery is grass-fed and nutrient-dense, providing excellent protein and fat for keto and carnivore diets.

Ingredients:

• 6 Birch Creek Farmery lamb rib chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted tallow
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional, for keto)
• 1 tablespoon coarse pink Himalayan salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prep Chops:
   Pat lamb chops dry. Brush both sides with olive oil or tallow.
2. Season:
   Sprinkle with salt, rosemary, and pepper (if using). Press seasoning into the meat.
3. Heat Pan:
   Place a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add chops.
4. Cook:
   Sear 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. For medium, add 1–2 minutes per side.
5. Rest:
   Remove from pan, tent with foil, and rest 5 minutes.

Serving:
Serve with pan juices. For keto, pair with a simple side like sautéed spinach in butter.

Tips from Dr. Berry:

• Lamb fat is highly prized—don’t trim it off.
• For carnivore, use only salt.

---

Final Thoughts: Sourcing & Simplicity

Birch Creek Farmery’s pasture-raised, grass-fed meats are ideal for keto and carnivore diets, aligning with Dr. Ken Berry’s recommendations for nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods. Pittsburgh Butchers and Birch Creek Farmery give you access to the best local cuts—perfect for building a sustainable, satisfying way of eating.

Pro Tips:

• Always cook meat to your preferred doneness using a meat thermometer.
• Resting meat after cooking ensures juiciness.
• For strict carnivore, keep seasonings minimal—just salt and animal fats.

Enjoy these recipes as the foundation of your keto or carnivore lifestyle, knowing you’re fueling your body with the best local meats Pittsburgh has to offer. Call the farm, 724-313-6996, to place an order or stop by.