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Are you a carnivore diet enthusiast looking to take your steak game to the next level?
Look no further! I’m gonna be sharing 15 insider secrets from top chefs and steak aficionados to help you cook the most mouthwatering, restaurant-quality steaks right at home.
Get ready to impress your friends and satisfy your inner caveman with these sizzling hot tips!
Photo by Los Muertos Crew
1. Choose the Right Cut
Ribeye, strip, and filet mignon are classic choices, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Flank steak and skirt steak are packed with flavor and perfect for quick-cooking carnivore meals. The key is to select a cut that suits your taste preferences and cooking style. Thicker cuts like ribeye are great for searing and finishing in the oven, while thinner cuts like flank steak are ideal for quick grilling or pan-searing.
2. Go Grass-Fed
Grass-fed beef is higher in omega-3s, vitamins, and antioxidants compared to grain-fed. It also has a richer, beefier flavor that pairs perfectly with the simplicity of the carnivore diet. Look for beef that is certified grass-fed and finished, ensuring you get the most nutritious and flavorful meat possible.
3. Bring It to Room Temperature
Letting your steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking ensures even cooking and prevents a cold, gray center. This simple step allows the steak to come up to temperature gradually, which helps it cook more evenly and prevents the outside from overcooking while the inside is still cold.
4. Pat It Dry
Use paper towels to thoroughly pat your steak dry before seasoning. This helps create a delicious crust when searing. Removing excess moisture from the surface of the steak allows for better browning and crisping when you sear it in the pan or on the grill.
5. Season Generously
Don’t be shy with the salt! Liberally season both sides of the steak with kosher salt and let it sit for 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the salt to penetrate and season the meat from within. Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the natural flavors of the beef and creating a delicious crust.
6. Get Your Pan Ripping Hot
For the perfect sear, your pan needs to be smoking hot. Use a heavy-duty pan like cast iron and let it heat up for at least 5 minutes before adding your steak. A hot pan is essential for creating a beautiful, caramelized crust on your steak. Be patient and let the pan get ripping hot before adding the meat.
7. Baste with Butter
Basting your steak with butter adds a rich, steakhouse flavor. Simply tilt the pan and spoon the foaming butter over the steak for the last minute of cooking. Basting not only adds flavor but also helps create a glossy, restaurant-quality finish on your steak. The butter also helps the steak cook more evenly and prevents it from drying out.
8. Flip Often
Contrary to popular belief, flipping your steak frequently results in a better steak. Aim to flip every minute for a perfect medium-rare. Flipping your steak frequently allows for more even heat distribution, which prevents one side from overcooking while the other is still raw. It also helps create a more uniform crust on both sides of the steak.
9. Use the Flip Test
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can test for doneness by gently pressing on the steak with your finger. Rare steak will feel soft and squishy, medium-rare will be slightly firmer with some give, and well-done will be hard and solid. The flip test is a handy way to gauge the doneness of your steak without relying on a thermometer. With practice, you’ll be able to feel the difference between rare, medium-rare, and well-done steaks.
10. Let It Rest
Letting your steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
11. Slice Against the Grain
Cutting your steak against the direction of the muscle fibers makes it more tender and easier to chew. Look for the lines running through the meat and slice perpendicular to them. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite more tender and easier to chew. It’s a simple trick that can make a big difference in the texture of your steak.
12. Experiment with Cooking Methods
Grilling, pan-searing, broiling, and even sous vide are all great ways to cook steak. Try different methods to find your favorite. Experimenting with different cooking methods is a great way to find your personal preference and add variety to your steak repertoire. Each method has its own unique benefits and results in slightly different flavors and textures.
13. Invest in a Meat Thermometer
An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of steak doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding bone. Pull it off the heat at 125°F for medium-rare. A reliable meat thermometer is an essential tool for any steak lover. It takes the guesswork out of determining doneness and ensures you don’t overcook your steak.
14. Embrace the Fat
Carnivore dieters can enjoy the healthy fats in steak guilt-free. Marbling and a nice fat cap add flavor and moisture to your steak. Fat is an essential component of a well-cooked steak, adding richness, flavor, and moisture. Embrace the marbling within the meat and the fat cap on the outside. These fats render during cooking, basting the steak in its own deliciousness.
15. Pair with Simple Sides
When it comes to sides for your carnivore steak, less is more.
Opt for simple, nutrient-dense options that complement the richness of the meat without overpowering it. Roasted bone marrow and crispy pork rinds are delicious and satisfying options.
Unleash Your Inner Steakhouse Chef
There you have it, 15 tips to help you steak your claim as a carnivore cooking master! With these insider secrets, you’ll be whipping up steakhouse-worthy meals in no time. Happy cooking, carnivores!
