TOEFL® Vocabulary Flashcard

Filet mignon is a small, tender cut of beef taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin. It is considered one of the most prized cuts of beef due to its tenderness and flavor. Often served in upscale restaurants, filet mignon can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, pan-frying, or broiling, and is frequently accompanied by a rich sauce, such as béarnaise.

• For our anniversary dinner, I ordered a filet mignon at the finest steakhouse in town.

• The chef recommends not cooking the filet mignon beyond medium rare to preserve its tenderness.

• Can you suggest a wine that pairs well with filet mignon?

Ham is a popular meat choice in many cultures, especially during holidays like Christmas and Easter. It is often served either cold or heated, and can be bought in various forms including whole, half, or sliced. The flavor of ham can vary widely depending on the methods of curing and cooking.

• We're having ham sandwiches for lunch.

• She glazed the ham with honey and brown sugar for the holiday dinner.

• I prefer turkey to ham during Thanksgiving. 

Kebab is a popular dish that originated in the Middle Eastern cuisine but has gained popularity worldwide. It involves skewering pieces of meat, and sometimes vegetables, and grilling them. This dish can be found in various forms in different cultures, such as the Turkish shish kebab or the Indian seekh kebab. Each variety has its unique spices and preparation methods, making kebabs a versatile and beloved food choice in many countries.

• We ordered chicken kebabs at the new Middle Eastern restaurant.

• Kebabs are perfect for an outdoor barbecue.

• Do you prefer your kebabs with lamb or beef? 

Lamb chops are cuts from the rib, loin, or shoulder of the lamb. They are a popular choice in many cuisines around the world, often appreciated for their tender texture and rich flavor. Lamb chops can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, broiling, or frying, and are commonly seasoned with herbs like rosemary and mint to enhance their flavor.

• I ordered a grilled lamb chop at the restaurant last night.

• She seasoned the lamb chops with rosemary and garlic.

• Can you recommend a good wine to pair with lamb chops?

• Marinating lamb chops in herbs and garlic enhances their taste significantly.

Lean ground beef is a popular choice for those who are trying to reduce their fat intake but still enjoy beef. It is often used in dishes like hamburgers, meatloaf, and tacos where a lower fat content is desirable. Choosing lean ground beef can help in managing weight and promoting heart health due to its reduced saturated fat content.

• For a healthier option, I always choose lean ground beef for my recipes.

• Lean ground beef is perfect for making meatballs because it keeps them light and not too greasy.

• When cooking with lean ground beef, it's important to add some moisture since it has less fat. 

Marinating is a culinary technique used to impart more flavor or to tenderize meat, fish, and vegetables. The process involves soaking the food in a marinade, which is a mixture of seasonings and acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice. This technique not only enhances the taste but also can help in breaking down the tougher fibers in the meat, making it softer and easier to cook.

• Please marinate the chicken for at least four hours to enhance its flavor.

• I usually marinate beef with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

• To make the pork more tender, you should marinate it overnight. 

"Medium rare" is a term commonly used in cooking, especially when preparing steaks or other cuts of meat. It describes the level of doneness where the meat is mostly warm through the middle with a hint of pink. This level of cooking is preferred by many as it retains the natural flavors and juiciness of the meat, making it tender and enjoyable to eat. Cooking meat to medium rare requires precise timing and temperature control to achieve the perfect balance between cooked and tender.

• I ordered my steak medium rare, just how I like it.

• The chef recommends the beef to be cooked medium rare to preserve its juiciness.

• Can you cook the lamb medium rare, please?

Medium well is a term commonly used in cooking, especially when preparing steaks and burgers. It indicates that the meat is cooked such that it is more done than medium but not as much as well done. The inside of the meat will have a slight pink line in the center, showing that it is not completely cooked through, but there is no rawness. This level of doneness is preferred by those who dislike meat that is too raw or too dry.

• I'd like my steak cooked medium well, please.

• I ordered my steak medium well because I don't like it too pink.

• The chef recommended not to cook the beef burger more than medium well to maintain its juiciness.

• Can you please cook the lamb chops medium well? I prefer them not too rare.

Pork refers to the meat from domestic pigs. It is one of the most commonly consumed meats worldwide, particularly popular in East Asian and European cuisines. Pork can be cooked in various ways, including roasting, frying, and stewing. It is often praised for its tenderness and flavor, which can vary significantly depending on the cut and preparation method.

• We had roasted pork for dinner last night.

• Pork is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines.

• Can you recommend a good recipe for pork chops? 

A pork chop is a cut of meat from the pig, specifically from the loin, which runs from the hip to the shoulder. The meat can vary in thickness and can be cooked using various methods such as grilling, frying, or baking. Pork chops are popular in many cuisines around the world and are appreciated for their rich flavor and relatively quick cooking time.

• I'm planning to grill some pork chops for dinner tonight.

• Marinate the pork chops in garlic and herbs for extra flavor.

• She prefers her pork chops to be cooked well-done. 

Ribs are essential parts of both the human skeletal system and various structural designs. In anatomy, ribs protect vital organs such as the heart and lungs. In architecture and design, ribs serve to reinforce the strength and stability of structures. This dual use in both biological and structural contexts highlights the versatility and importance of ribs.

• He broke a rib during the soccer match.

• I love to barbecue ribs and chicken in the summer.

• The ribs of the umbrella help it maintain its shape in strong winds. 

Ribeye steak is a popular choice among beef lovers due to its rich marbling and flavor. This cut comes from the rib section of the cow and includes a "rib-eye" of fat, which helps the meat stay juicy when cooked. The ribeye can be cooked in various ways, including grilling, pan-frying, or broiling, making it versatile and favored in many cuisines.

• I ordered a ribeye steak at the restaurant last night, and it was incredibly tender and flavorful.

• When shopping for beef, I always look for a ribeye with good marbling.

• The chef recommends cooking the ribeye to medium-rare to best enjoy its natural flavors.

• The chef recommended cooking the ribeye to medium-rare to preserve its tenderness.

• For our anniversary, I cooked a ribeye steak with a side of garlic mashed potatoes.

The term "roast" refers to the method of cooking something, usually meat, in an oven or over an open fire. The process involves cooking the food slowly at a high temperature, which enhances its flavor and tenderness. Roasting can also refer to making fun of someone playfully, but in the context of food, it's all about the heat and the delicious results it produces.

• She decided to roast the chicken with some herbs and spices.

• We gathered around the fire to roast marshmallows on a cold night.

• The chef's special roast was praised by all the guests at the dinner. 

Salmon is a popular fish known for its pink to orange meat and is widely consumed around the world. It is not only appreciated for its taste but also for its nutritional benefits, including high omega-3 fatty acid content which is good for heart health. Salmon can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, baking, and smoking. It's also a significant cultural symbol and food source in many indigenous communities, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

• Grilled salmon is my favorite dish.

• Wild salmon is generally considered healthier than farmed salmon.

• The chef prepared a salmon fillet with a lemon butter sauce. 

Sausage is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world. It can be made from various types of meat and is often seasoned with a blend of spices, making it a flavorful addition to many dishes. Sausages come in many forms, including fresh, smoked, and dried. They are often used in dishes like casseroles, pasta sauces, and as a pizza topping.

• I bought some Italian sausage for the spaghetti sauce.

• He prefers eating sausage with mustard.

• During the barbecue, we grilled burgers and sausages. 

Short ribs are a popular cut of beef primarily taken from the brisket, chuck, plate, or rib areas of the cow. They consist of a short portion of the rib bone, which is overlain by meat which varies in thickness. Short ribs are versatile and can be cooked in various ways, including braising, grilling, and stewing, making them a favorite in many cuisines around the world.

• We're having braised short ribs for dinner tonight.

• We cooked short ribs in a slow cooker for eight hours.

• The chef recommends the braised short ribs as tonight's special.

• Short ribs are best when they are cooked slowly to tenderize the meat.

• Marinated short ribs are popular in Korean cuisine, often grilled as galbi.

Sirloin refers to a cut of beef from the back of the cow, specifically the upper part of the loin. This cut is popular for its balance of flavor and tenderness, making it a preferred choice for steaks and roasts. Sirloin can be divided into several types, including top sirloin and bottom sirloin, which differ slightly in texture and fat content.

• I ordered a grilled sirloin steak at the restaurant last night.

• We ordered a sirloin steak medium rare at the restaurant.

• The chef recommended the sirloin as it is both flavorful and tender.

• For a healthier option, choose a lean cut of sirloin with minimal marbling.

T-bone steaks are a popular choice among steak enthusiasts due to the distinct flavor profiles of both the sirloin and tenderloin cuts on either side of the T-shaped bone. This steak is best enjoyed grilled or broiled and is often served in high-end steakhouses.

• He ordered a T-bone steak at the new steakhouse.

• I prefer a T-bone because it offers two types of steak in one.

• Make sure the T-bone is cooked to medium-rare to keep it juicy and flavorful.

• The chef recommended the T-bone for its flavor and tenderness.

Tuna is a popular type of fish that is consumed worldwide in various forms, such as canned, fresh, or as sushi and sashimi. It is known for its meaty texture and rich flavor, which makes it a favorite among seafood lovers. Due to its high demand, tuna species such as the bluefin are critically endangered, leading to increased efforts in sustainable fishing practices.

• I love adding fresh tuna to my salads for extra protein.

• Many sushi dishes include raw tuna as a key ingredient.

• Overfishing of tuna poses a serious threat to marine biodiversity. 

"Well done" is a phrase used to commend someone for performing a task or job excellently. It is often used in professional and personal settings when someone exceeds expectations. The term can also refer to the level of cooking, particularly with meat, indicating that it has been cooked thoroughly.

• You did a well done job on this project.

• The steak is well done, just as I requested.

• Everyone applauded and said "well done" after her performance.

• Your project was really well done; the boss is quite impressed.

• She cooked the steak well done just as I like it.

• Everyone agreed that the presentation was well done and very informative.