How To Quickly Elevate Your Steak's Flavor After It's Done Cooking
If steak is a frequent dinner for you, then you're certainly aware that different cuts of beef can result in a different meal. Ribeyes, New York strips, filet mignons, porterhouses — each cut brings something slightly different to your plate after it's been cooked to perfection.
The cut (and quality) of the steak you choose and your preferred cooking method are both ways to enhance the flavor of this beloved food, but, of course, seasoning is paramount when it comes to bringing out the best of steak. This deluxe animal protein takes well to a generous amount of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, and spice rubs and marinades are an option for boosting flavor, too.
All of the above methods for flavoring steak come into play before it is cooked, but luckily, there are additional opportunities for boosting its flavor after it comes off the grill or the saute pan.
Add a spice rub
Elevating the flavor of a perfectly cooked steak reaches new heights with the addition of tantalizing rubs post-cooking. This culinary technique transforms an already delicious steak into a sensory masterpiece, enhancing both taste and texture. The key lies in the marriage of a sizzling hot steak and a well-balanced rub, creating a burst of flavors that dance on the palate.
One enticing option is a smoky barbecue rub, featuring a harmonious blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, or chipotle powder. These elements infuse the meat with a rich, smoky essence that complements the steak's natural juices. The result is a symphony of flavors, with the heat from the steak intensifying the aromatic spices.
For a more herbaceous twist, a garlic and herb rub proves to be a delightful choice. A combination of garlic powder, dried thyme, basil, and oregano — or any other herbs you like — imparts a fragrant and savory profile. The herbs contribute depth, while the garlic adds a robust kick, creating a well-rounded flavor experience.
Alternatively, a pepper rub with flaky salt and a blend of coarsely ground black, pink, and white peppercorns adds a bold and peppery zing. The coarser texture of the pepper provides a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Experimenting with these rubs allows for a customized culinary adventure, turning a simple steak into a gourmet masterpiece. Whether craving smoky, herbaceous, or peppery notes, the addition of post-cooking rubs transforms a steak dinner into a memorable feast for the senses.
Fresh garlic for added flavor
Seasoning generously with salt, coating with steak rub, or bathing in a marinade are all excellent ways to boost steak's flavor before it hits the grill or cast iron skillet. But what if you're looking to add some additional zing after the steak has cooked? This is a common tack followed by steakhouses all over the world, which will, variously, top cooked steak with a round of compound butter, serve it with herbaceous chimichurri, or slather it in tangy steak sauce.
These are all great options if you have the time, but if you don't, why not dip into your pantry's supply of fresh garlic? All you have to do is slice a clove of garlic in half and rub it over your cooked steak, adding a subtle allium flavor to the juicy meat. Hey, if it works for garlic bread, why not for beef, too?