Steak Cuts 101: How to identify steak cuts easily
Before we select the right steak, we need to identify the tight steak cuts first:
When we finish BBQing steaks, grilling steaks or sous vide cooking steaks, how can we cut them right for better steak serving?
Cut Steaks 101: here are some steps for your reference :
- Rest your steak for 5–10 minutes before cutting. This step is crucial as it gives the meat time to saturate in its juices rather than running onto your plate.
- If you are carving a bone-in steak, cut along the bone and pull the meat away. Take a good look at your steak and note which direction the fibers are running. Slide your knife back and forth across those fibers — across the grain — cutting your steak into slices. Keep each piece no more than ¼ inch thick.
- To make each bite extra tender, hold your knife blade at a 45° angle; this is called "cutting on the bias". Cutting against the grain this way exposes more surface area in each fiber and keeps the fibers from being stacked directly on top of each other in each slice of meat, further weakening the bonds that hold them together.
Tips for Steak and Wine Pairings:
Serving the steak with the right wine is a well enjoy for everyone, here are some tips for your reference:
- When pairing steak and wine, it’s important to remember that the wine should be chosen based on the cut of the steak you are serving.
- Fattier steaks pair well with full-bodied vino, while leaner cuts should be paired with lighter reds.
- Always consider the flavors you’re using to season and cook your steak – this will greatly affect what type of wine you choose.
- Consider the other foods you’ll be serving with your meat – this will help determine the right type of wine to pair with your meal.
- Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment and taste different wines until you find the perfect match.
By the way, serving the steak with our own homebrewed beer is another kind of achievement.
Two vital tips for BBQ, grilling or sous vide cooking steaks more effectively and successfully:
- Take the cooking steak temperature seriously. Monitoring the inner temperature of cooking steak from time to time or frequently is a must for successful steak cooking;
- Pay attention to the cooking time, do not over cook or under cook because of failing to control the steak cooking time;