Tips To Cook The Best Steak Club
Steak lovers know nothing is better than biting into a juicy, flavorful cut of meat. The club steak is a cut that has grown in favor recently. But what exactly is a club steak, and how can you cook it to perfection?
In this article, we’ll answer these questions and give you some tips on cooking the best steak club.
What Is A Club Steak?
Club steak, also known as bone-in strip steak, is a beef cut that comes from the short loin section of the cow. It’s called “club steak” because it is traditionally served in private clubs and restaurants. It’s a relatively small, tender cut with a strip of fat running down one side and a bone running through the center.
Is Club Steak A Good Cut?
Club steak is a delicious cut of meat that many steak enthusiasts favor. Moreover, it is well-liked for being tender, juicy, and has a rich, beefy flavor. One of the benefits of club steak is that it has a good amount of marbling, contributing to its tenderness and flavor.
How to Make Club Steak Tasty?
To make club steak tasty, it’s essential to season it well. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper can work wonders, but you can also add other herbs and spices to elevate the flavor. Cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder are some common seasonings for steak.
Club steak can also be marinated before cooking to improve its flavor. A marinade can help the meat become more soft and give it a richer flavor. You can prepare a simple marinade with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. Let the steak marinate in the mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
How Do You Tenderize Club Steak?
While club steak is already a tender cut of meat, there are a few techniques you can use to make it even more tender. One approach is to pound the steak with a meat mallet. The meat gets tenderized as a result of the breakdown of the meat’s fibers. However, be mindful not to overdo it because you can end up turning the meat into mush.
Another way to tenderize club steak is to use a marinade, as mentioned earlier. The acid in the marinade aids in separating the meat’s connective tissue, making the steak more soft. You can also use a commercial meat tenderizer, which contains enzymes that break down the proteins in the meat.
The Best Way to Cook Club Steak
Now that you know how to tenderize and season club steak, it’s time to cook it to perfection. Here are several guidelines for cooking the best steak club:
Bring the Steak to Room Temperature
When you plan to cook the steak, make sure you take it out for at least 30 minutes before allowing it to come to room temperature. This ensures that the steak cooks evenly.
Preheat Your Grill or Pan
Ensure that the cooking utensil is bought up to the right heat level before the meat is placed on it. This helps to create a sear on the meat, which adds flavor and helps to lock in the juices.
Cook the Steak to The Desired Doneness
The best way to cook club steak is to use a specific instrument to check the heat level within the meat. For rare steak, cook until the temperature reaches 125°F. If you want a medium-rare, cook until the temperature reaches 135°F. While to cook a medium, wait until the temperature reaches 145°F. And for well-done, cook until the temperature reaches 160°F.
Let the Steak Rest
After cooking, let the steak cool down before serving it sliced. This will make the juices thoroughly infuse in the meat, resulting in a more juicy and flavorful steak.
How Long Does Club Steak Take To Cook?
With a few simple tips, you can easily cook a delicious club steak to perfection. For instance, remember to season it well and marinate it if desired. Moreover, you can also tenderize it using a meat mallet, marinade, or commercial tenderizer.
The cooking time for club steak varies depending on various factors, such as the thickness of the steak, the cooking method, and the desired level of doneness. Generally speaking, a 1-inch thick club steak will take about 4-5 minutes per side to cook on a hot grill over high heat for medium-rare doneness.
However, if you prefer your steak to be medium or well-done, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. A medium steak will take about 5-7 minutes per side, while a well-done steak will take 8-10 minutes per side.
It’s important to remember that these cooking times are just guidelines, and you should only use them as a reference. The best way to ensure that the steak is cooked properly is to use the appropriate tool to measure its temperature. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 135-140°F, while medium will be 145-150°F and well-done will be 160°F or higher.