Cooking a “Cheap” Cut of Steak
When it comes to the more affordable cuts of steak we want to keep in mind that they normally have a stronger flavor which makes them perfect for marinades.
Step 1: Marinade
It doesn’t take much to make a great marinade. For a simple one, try:
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh pepper
Crush the garlic cloves with the palms of your hands until the outside splits open, releasing the flavor. Toss them in a bag or bowl with the steak and other ingredients.
Marinate the steak overnight if you have the time, but at the very minimum, you should let it soak for at least 30-60 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Skillet and Steak for Cooking
Cast-iron skillets are great for cooking any kind of steak, but they are known for heating unevenly. To avoid this problem, you should preheat the skillet in a low-heated oven for about 20 minutes to ensure a constant temperature all over the pan.
Dry it off as much as possible. Dabbing it with a paper towel is an easy way to absorb excess moisture— plus you can just throw them away when you’re finished.
The reason you want the steak to be as dry as possible is so that when you lay it in the pan, you get a nice crust. If there’s too much moisture, the meat will steam and you won’t be able to get the nice outside finish.
Once your steak is dry and the skillet is warm, pour a generous amount of oil into the pan. Any type of oil will do, but one with a high smoking point (like canola oil) is preferred.
Helpful hint: You’re going to want to let it sit untouched for 5-10 minutes before cutting it. By allowing the meat rest for a few minutes it allows it to finish cooking and lets the fibers relax, resulting in a much nicer texture.
Now let's look at cooking that expensive cut of steak.
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