Monday, February 10, 2014

Steak Out Know Your Cuts

Nothing beats a good , juicy steak.It's always a special treat to come home and enjoy a good cut with a glass of wine .Yet what is the best steak to buy?Is a skirt style one better than a Tbone? What makes a good sandwich kind?There are different cuts,each unique ,suited to certain dishes . There are a few varieties out there.Some cuts are cooked one way while other methods leave them either too tough or under cooked.One popular cut is chuck.This is a popular sort during the winter season because it contains a larger amount of collagen than other kinds.This means ,a chewier ,almost more gristlier texture.The best cooking method for this is slow cooking like braising, a covered fry pan way . You can also stew or roast it.Chuck can be used for hamburger too if you want a better burger.Another tougher texture is flanksteak or the original London Broil.Again this has a more thicker feel that is best suited for a broiler.It is very flavorful so a simple salt and pepper rub will do just nicely.Sirloin too, has a very elastic texture and would be good on a grill(although this cut makes for a fantastic Steak Piedmontese, cooked in a hot anchovy bath until tender). Many steak lovers will tell neophyte cooks to try the New York Strip steak.This is similar to a porter house or T bone steak but without the filet or tenderloin attached.It is best off grilled but you can also pan fry it in a mix of olive oil and butter.Many steak houses feature porterhouse chops which are always a crowd pleaser.It's also worth the sometimes high price thanks to it being two steaks.It's a combination of strip steak and tenderloin filet.It is a large steak , perfect for two or just as a single meal for the quintessential Meat lover.Another favorite is the rib eye. This is from the cow's rib section and generously marbled with fat, making it juicy ,tender and flavorful ,a perfect trifecta.These steaks are generally roasted in the oven to soften the fat.Another member of the red meat elite is the T-bone.Like the porterhouse cut, it is a mix of two different cuts,namely the tenderloin and a smaller filet than the porterhouse. There's nothing like coming home to a good steak dinner, especially one that's been expertly prepared.Shop for the cut that suits your recipe and tastes.It will make for a delicious dish, perfect for any steak lover.

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