Steak is one of the most beloved meats in the world and is on the menu in almost every country. It is a cut of meat that comes from the muscles of a cow and is popular because of its juiciness and tenderness. But did you know that there are different types of steak, each with their own characteristics and flavor profile? Souvy went to investigate for you! We will discuss the different types of steak and tell you more about their unique properties. Whether you are a true meat lover or just curious about the world of steak, this blog is perfect for you!
The Origin and History of Steak
Before we tell you more about the different types of steak, let's first go back in time to the origins and history of steak. Steak is one of the most popular and beloved meats in the world. It is not only delicious in taste, but also versatile in preparation and can be eaten in many ways. But what is the history behind this delicacy and how did it develop into the different types we know today?
The history of steak actually goes back to ancient times, where meat was already an important part of the daily diet. In the Middle Ages, meat was seen as a symbol of wealth and power, and was often associated with kings and nobles. It was also an important food for soldiers and sailors, because of its high nutritional value.
Cutting steaks evolved over time and required a certain amount of skill. It was important to cut the meat correctly to ensure the best quality. In the early years of American history, there were several ways to cut steak, depending on the region in which it was cut.
Today, there are several different ways to cut steak, each resulting in a different texture and flavor. From the tender and buttery tenderloin to the firm and robust rump steak, each type of steak offers a unique experience.
Whether it's enjoying a juicy sirloin steak in a fancy restaurant or grilling a rump steak on the backyard barbecue, the love for steak will always remain.
Different types of steak
Each steak has its own taste, texture and cooking time and is therefore suitable for different dishes. We will discuss the different types of steaks and show you what makes each piece of meat so special.
Sirloin steak
Entrecote, also known as 'loin steak', is a very popular cut of beef known for its tender texture and rich flavor. The entrecote is cut from the thin loin of the beef and contains a small amount of fat that contributes to the flavor. The fat on the edge of the steak is often not removed during cooking, because it enhances the flavor of the meat. Entrecote is particularly suitable for grilling or baking and is often served with sauces such as pepper sauce or red wine sauce.
T-bone
The T-bone steak is named after the T-shaped bone that runs through the center of the steak. This steak is cut from the sirloin and the tenderloin, offering two different types of meat in one piece. The tenderloin has a fine texture and subtle flavor, while the sirloin has a firmer texture and a richer flavor. The T-bone steak is ideal for grilling and is often served with baked potatoes and vegetables.
Rib eye
Ribeye is one of the most flavorful steaks available and is cut from the ribs of the beef. The ribeye steak has a high fat content, which makes the meat very tender and juicy. The fat melts during cooking and penetrates the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful. Ribeye is ideal for grilling, but can also be baked or fried. It is often served with fries and vegetables.
Rump steak
The rump steak, also called buttock steak, is cut from the topside of the beef and has a firm texture. The meat is less fatty than other steaks and has a firm and full flavor. Rump steak is ideal for grilling or baking and is often served with potatoes and vegetables.
Bavette
Bavette, also known as 'vinkenlap', is an elongated and flat steak that is cut from the breast part of the beef. The meat has a coarse texture and is very tasty. Bavette is often marinated before it is grilled, which contributes to the taste and tenderness of the meat.
Beef tenderloin
Beef tenderloin, also known as filet mignon (the point), is one of the most popular and expensive steaks. It is a long, thin muscle located at the back of the beef and contains no fat. This makes the meat lean, tender and soft in texture. The tenderloin has a subtle flavor and is therefore ideal to combine with strong seasonings, such as mushrooms, mustard or blue cheese. Because the tenderloin contains little fat, it is important not to overcook it to prevent it from drying out.
Flank steak
Flank steak is an elongated piece of meat that comes from the abdominal muscles of the beef. It is a fairly tough piece of meat and is therefore often marinated to improve the flavor and tenderness. Flank steak is also one of the cheaper steaks and is therefore popular in South American cuisine. It is often used for dishes such as fajitas and carne asada. The meat has a strong, robust flavor and is delicious in combination with spices such as chili and cumin.
Sous vide: the tastiest way to prepare steak
There is an art to cooking different types of steak. There are several ways to create the perfect cut of meat, and each method has its own unique benefits. One of the most popular methods is grilling, which grills the steak at high temperatures to create a perfect crust and a juicy interior.
Another popular method is baking. This involves baking the steak in a hot cast iron pan with oil or butter. This gives a crispy crust and a juicy interior. An advantage of this method is that you can use the leftovers from the pan to make a tasty gravy.
Roasting is a third option. In this method, the steak is baked in the oven. This is a slower method, but the result is a perfectly cooked piece of meat with a crispy crust and a tender interior.
But the best method of all isto cook steak sous vide . In this method, the steak is placed in an airtight plastic bag and cooked at a constant low temperature in a water bath. This ensures even cooking and retains all the juices and flavors of the meat. After sous vide cooking, the steak is briefly seared for the perfect crust. The result is a juicy, tender and flavorful steak where every bite is a taste sensation. Curious about more types of meat sous vide pasteurization ?
Whether you choose to grill, bake, roast or sous vide, the most important thing is to pay attention to the meat and prepare it with respect and love. No matter which method you use, if you prepare the steak with love, it will always be a delicious meal.
Sous vide preparation: step by step
Sous vide cooking is a technique that has become increasingly popular in the kitchen in recent years. It is also the perfect way to prepare a delicious steak! Below you will find a step-by-step guide to preparing steak sous vide:
Step 1: Choose the right steak
For sous vide preparation, it is best to use a thick piece of steak, about 3-5 centimeters thick. For example, choose an entrecote or ribeye. Make sure the steak is at room temperature before you start cooking it.
Step 2: Herbs
Season the steak to taste with salt, pepper and any other herbs or spices. You can do this before vacuum packing the steak.
Step 3: Vacuum packing
Place the steak in a vacuum bag and make sure it is sealed tight. You can optionally add some fresh herbs or a knob of butter before you vacuum the bag with the vacuum sealer .
Step 4: Prepare sous vide
Preheat the sous vide container to the desired temperature. This is different for all types of steak. You can find the exact temperature for your desired type of steak here . Place the vacuum-packed steak in the water and make sure it is completely submerged, possibly use our thermal insulation balls for this . Then leave the steak in the water bath for the indicated time, depending on the desired doneness and the type of steak.
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Step 5: Finishing
Remove the steak from the vacuum bag and pat it dry with kitchen paper. Heat a frying pan or cast iron pan with some butter or oil on high heat and fry the steak briefly on both sides until it is nicely browned. Then let the steak rest for a while under aluminum foil , so that the juices can be distributed properly.
And voilà, your perfectly cooked sous vide steak is ready to serve!
From marinades to herbs
There are many ways to enhance the flavor of steak and one of the most popular ways is to use marinades, sauces and spices. By choosing the right combination, you can take the flavor of the meat to the next level.
A classic sauce that is often served with steak is the red wine sauce. This sauce is made by boiling red wine, stock, onion and herbs and then thickening it with butter and flour. The sauce gives a rich and deep flavor to the steak and is perfect for a special occasion.
Another popular sauce is peppercorn sauce. This sauce is made by boiling peppercorns in a mixture of stock and cream, and then thickening them with a mixture of butter and flour. The sauce has a spicy and creamy taste and goes perfectly with a juicy steak.
Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and garlic are also great additions to steak. These herbs can be mixed with oil and brushed onto the steak before it is pan-fried or grilled. This not only adds flavor, but also adds a wonderful aroma.
Finally, if you want to add an exotic flavor to your steak, you can opt for a marinade with Asian flavors, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. The marinade should be marinated for at least a few hours before cooking the meat, so that the flavors can really soak in.
Whatever sauce, seasoning or marinade you choose, it is important to remember that the quality of the meat is the most important factor for the taste of the steak. Therefore, always choose high-quality meat and combine it with the right flavors to create a delicious and flavorful meal.
Types of steak dishes
Steak is a versatile cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. A popular way to serve steak is in a salad, where the steak is thinly sliced and placed on a bed of lettuce. Other popular dishes include steak stroganoff and steak tarts.
In steak stroganoff, the steak is cut into small pieces and fried together with onion, pepper and mushrooms in a creamy sauce based on sour cream and mustard. The dish is often served with rice or mashed potatoes.
Steak can also be used in Mexican cuisine, such as in a steak burrito or taco. In this case, the steak is often marinated in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil and spices such as cumin and chili powder.
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