Everybody loves a good steak now and then. Steak is easy to prepare and always satisfies. However, sometimes we get stuck in a rut and tired of eating the same old steak dinner. Usually, when you want something different you go to a steakhouse.
There’s no need to spend much money eating out at a steakhouse. When you want something different, elevating your simple steak dinner isn’t difficult. There are a lot of ways to cook a steak from grilling to reverse searing that make it so much better. In this article, we will go over the best ways to elevate a steak.
1 – Choose the right meat
The key to a great steak dinner starts with selecting the right cut of meat. Each cut has its unique flavor and texture, making it important to know what you’re looking for. For instance, ribeye is known for its rich marbling and rich flavor. On the other hand, filet mignon, prized for its tenderness, offers a softer, more delicate texture.
Whichever cut you choose should have a lot of marbling. Marbling is the streaks of fat throughout the meat that add richness and flavor. This fat melts during cooking, adding flavor and juiciness to the steak.
A high-quality choice like Japanese A5 Wagyu steak is famous for its marbling and extraordinary taste but comes with a higher price tag. If the steak is for a special occasion then some wagyu is worth it.
2 – Preparation techniques
The way you cook your steak plays a big part in flavor and texture. Grilling is ideal for those who love a smoky flavor. It’s best done over high heat to achieve a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Oven-finishing is often used in restaurants for thicker cuts like ribeye or porterhouse. After searing a steak on the stovetop, transfer it to a preheated oven to cook through evenly.
Reverse searing is another technique, particularly suited for thicker cuts. Start by cooking the steak in a low-temperature oven until it’s almost at your desired doneness, then finish by searing it in a hot pan for a crisp exterior.
3 – Add some sauce
A great steak can be elevated further with the right sauce or topping. Classic steak sauces like peppercorn, béarnaise, and mushroom add depth and richness to the dish.
A peppercorn sauce brings a spicy kick that complements the meat’s rich flavors. It has some cream in it so it adds another depth of richness to the steak.
Béarnaise sauce, a type of hollandaise, is a bit more complex than a cream sauce but worth the effort. This rich, buttery sauce with a hint of herbs pairs beautifully with tender cuts like filet mignon.
Mushroom sauce is a hearty option that goes well with any steak especially if you add some garlic to the sauce. Like the peppercorn sauce, it has cream but it also adds a savory, earthy element to your steak dinner.
