Why We Crave A Great Steak

Steak's worldwide popularity can be attributed to its enticing flavours, nutritional value, and cultural significance. Whether it's a traditional dish or a modern delicacy, steak continues to captivate taste buds and provide a satisfying and fulfilling dining experience across the globe.

Choosing the right cut

Steak lovers have a range of cuts to choose from, each offering a unique taste and texture. The best cuts – tender, juicy and prepared with savoury sides, can feel like a luxurious meal. Each type of cut has its own unique flavour profile and understanding that will make preparing and cooking a whole lot easier. Let’s check it out!

Filet Mignon: Celebrated for its unparalleled tenderness, this lean cut from the tenderloin muscle provides a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Best prepared with simple seasonings to showcase its natural flavour.

Ribeye: Known for its rich flavour and juiciness due to generous marbling with fat. Can be cooked on a grill, in a pan, or sous vide to achieve a flavourful crust and succulent interior.

T-Bone and Porterhouse: These steaks combine the tenderloin and strip steak, separated by a T-shaped bone, offering both tenderness and robust flavour. Ideal for sharing or for those with hearty appetites.

New York Strip: A classic choice with a balance of tenderness and bold flavour, cut from the short loin. Versatile and can be prepared in various ways, from grilling to pan-searing.

Top Round: A lean and versatile cut from the hindquarters, known for its affordability. While not as tender as some cuts, it's suitable for marinating and can be used in stir-fries, stews, and thinly sliced roast beef.

Flank Steak: Lean and flavourful, cut from the abdominal muscles. While not the most tender, proper marinating and slicing against the grain enhance tenderness. Ideal for stir-fries, fajitas, or thinly sliced for sandwiches.

Nutritional goodness

Beyond its exquisite taste, steak packs a nutritional punch. Rich in high-quality protein, steak provides essential amino acids necessary for muscle development and overall health. It’s also a significant source of iron, crucial for maintaining energy levels and preventing anaemia. Additionally, steak contains essential vitamins such as B12, B6, and niacin, contributing to a well-rounded and nutritious diet.

Cooking techniques

The way a steak is cooked can significantly influence its flavour and texture. Grilling remains a classic and beloved method, imparting a smoky char to the exterior while preserving the juicy tenderness within. Pan-searing, another popular technique, creates a flavourful crust, especially when complemented by butter, garlic, and herbs.

For those seeking precision, sous vide cooking has gained popularity. This method involves vacuum-sealing the steak and immersing it in a water bath at a controlled temperature, ensuring consistent doneness throughout. Finishing with a quick sear provides the desired caramelisation, resulting in a steak that is perfectly cooked from edge to edge.

From rare to well-done

The preferred level of doneness is a personal choice that greatly impacts the dining experience. Rare steaks, with a cool, red centre, preserve the maximum juiciness and natural flavour. Medium-rare, medium, and medium-well provide varying degrees of pinkness, tenderness, and flavour, while well-done steaks offer a fully cooked, slightly drier experience. Achieving the perfect doneness requires attention to cooking times and temperatures, ensuring the steak meets individual preferences.

A digital probe thermometer is the best tool you can buy for cooking steak. It will give you an instant read on the steaks doneness and prevent over cooking.

Match made in heaven

A well-prepared steak is often accompanied by thoughtfully chosen side dishes and beverages. Classic pairings like a robust red wine or a creamy béarnaise sauce can elevate the dining experience. Grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad serve as perfect complements, providing a variety of flavours and textures to savour alongside steak – the star of the show!