Monday, October 12, 2009

Choosing and Cooking Different Cuts of Steak

By K.C. Kudra

Do you have trouble telling your steaks apart? Many of us do, especially if we eat mostly steak prepared for us in restaurants. That can make it pretty tricky if you decide you would rather start preparing your own gourmet steak dinners. Here is a look at what kind of steaks you can buy and how they are best prepared, to help you in your steak cooking endeavors.

Rib Eye - One of the best cuts for all around cooking, this is a steak with a high fat level that makes it almost impossible to ruin. Even beginners can turn out a tender, flavorful, juicy rib eye steak with minimal difficulty. This steak is great under the broiler, in the pan, or on the grill.

New York Strip - Also, this versatile and tender cut is relatively flavorful. It is best prepared by pan frying or grilling, not broiling. The fat can be trimmed, but do it only after cooking - the fat is what adds the flavor to this great steak.

Tenderloin - This is one of the most expensive cuts of steak on the market, and is extremely tender and lean. That has why many decide to pan sear it in butter, or cook it in a wrapping of bacon. Due to its price, most people only cook tenderloin as a special treat.

T-Bone - This is one of the classic steaks, combining a tenderloin and a New York Strip. The familiar Porterhouse is a kind of t-bone steak cut further up the loin, and known for tenderness and size. They can be tricky to cook, since the bone makes it hard to get the center fully done - this is not a steak for those who like theirs well done. Avoid searing or pan frying this steak in favor of putting it on the grill or under the broiler.

Flank Steak - This long thin cup of meat is traditionally used for making London Broil. Many people like it during grilling season, as it is a good choice for large groups. This steak is more flavorful but tougher than the above steaks, and should be marinated, grilled or broiled whole, and sliced across the grain on the diagonal.

Skirt Steak - This cut is a lot like flank steak in flavor and toughness, and is an old cowboy favorite that has a number of different cooking options. This is a great choice, whether you are cooking steak indoors or outside. Use it in fajitas, or stuff and braise it.

Top Sirloin - A popular budget steak, top sirloin is more tender than flank steak but tougher than tenderloin. This lean cut ought to be pounded and marinated, and is great in kebabs. However, it can be cooked in an assortment of other ways.

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