What Makes Steak So Delicious?

You've likely heard the old adage that a steak should be cooked to "medium," but what does that mean?
The USDA defines a medium-rare steak as one that's cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for a juicy and tender piece of meat.  The result? A perfectly pink center! 

For those who prefer their steaks well done, rest assured:
You won't sacrifice any flavor by cooking your steak longer than medium rare.  Some people say they like their steaks even more when they're cooked past this point. But if you're worried about losing too much moisture during extended cooking times--or just aren't sure how long yours should go on the grill--here are some tips for getting exactly what you want out of every mealtime experience:

The Basics of Grilling a Steak

Prepare the steak. To ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection, it's important to prepare it properly before grilling. First, pat dry the meat with paper towels and season liberally with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper if you like! Then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking (this lets juices collect at the center).

If you want extra flavor from your meal, consider using a marinade!

Ideas for Delicious Toppings and Sides

• Sauces
• Grilled vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Coleslaw
• Macaroni and cheese

Recipes for Delicious Steak Meals

Grilled Steaks with Onion Sauce and Onion Relish

This recipe involves a few unique ingredients and steps but is well worth the wait. There are so many flavors that complement the smoky flavor of grilling the steak. This recipe is a treat for your family or a great way to impress guests! Although shown with ribeye eye steaks, it can be used with any of our hand-cut steaks.

Garlic Grilled Steaks

If you love garlic and Worcestershire sauce, this recipe is for you! We love this recipe because it's full of flavor, but uses staple kitchen pantry ingredients and is easy to follow along and complete no matter what your skill level is when it comes to preparing steaks. 

Perfect Soy Grilled Steak

This recipe really is perfect. It's savory, it's hearty and it has just a little Asian-inspired flavor, but is not overwhelming. It lets the natural flavor of the steak shine through, but amplifies the overall flavor and leaves you enjoying your steak even more than you thought possible.

Steaks with Chimichurri Sauce

This recipe is perfect for you if you like to grow your own herbs, especially parsley! It's such a fresh and light compliment to a smoky grilled steak. If you have not tried chimichurri before, we suggest you hurry to do so this year. Tip: If you make too much chimichurri, freeze extra in ice cube trays and thaw when you are grilling your next steak!

Tips for Making the Most of Your Steak Meals

• Use the right cut of steak.
• Marinate your steak.
• Add flavor with rubs and spices.
• Cook your steak to the right temperature, then let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Steak

• Refrigerate steak in the original packaging. If you don't have a vacuum-sealed bag, wrap your meat in plastic wrap and then place it in a resealable plastic bag.
• Freeze steak for up to 3 months. To freeze raw beef, use freezer-safe packaging such as freezer bags or containers with locking lids; if you're freezing cooked meat (like leftovers), transfer them to an airtight container before placing them in the freezer.
• Reheat steak on the stovetop by placing it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, flipping occasionally; cook until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F (63 C) for medium rare or 160 F (71 C) for medium well done.

Health Benefits of Eating Steak

Steak is a great source of protein. Few foods are as nutrient-dense as beef, which is a complete protein food and a valuable source of several essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, selenium, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12.  

How to Choose the Right Steak

When you're choosing a steak, there are a few things to consider. First is grade - different grades for beef, ranging from Prime down to Select. Prime is the highest quality and Select is the lowest; if you want your steak to be tender and flavorful, go with Prime or higher grades.

Next up is marbling: this refers to how much fat runs through each cut of meat (marbled=good).
Texture matters when cooking steaks since some cuts are harder than others due to their muscle structure or thickness; if you're looking for something with more chewiness then opt for something like flank or skirt steak instead of ribeye which tends toward tenderness when cooked properly

The Best Cuts of Steak for Grilling

There are many cuts of steak that are ideal for grilling. Here are some of the best:

• Ribeye
• Strip steak
• Sirloin (also known as top sirloin)
• Filet mignon (aka tenderloin)
• Skirt steak, flat iron, and hanger steaks

Steak is a delicious and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed year-round. However, grilling a steak is the best way to enjoy it. Grilling allows you to get all of the flavors of your favorite cut of meat without having to worry about overcooking it or burning it on the grill.

The next time you're looking for something new in your diet, consider trying out some different cuts of steak! You may find yourself surprised by how much variety there really is out there!