What are the best substitutes for hanger steak? The best substitutes for hanger steak are shoulder steak, skirt, and flank steak. These cuts of beef offer a similar texture and beefy flavor as hanger steak.
If you’re looking for a delicious and tender cut of meat, hanger steak is a popular choice. However, it can be tough to find or expensive. Luckily, plenty of substitutes can be just as flavorful and tender.
I’ve included many other substitutes for hanger steak, so read on to explore!
In This Article
What Is Hanger Steak?
It’s a cut of beef that comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow, near the diaphragm. Hanger steak is known for its rich flavor and tenderness, making it a popular choice for grilling or pan-searing.
When cooked correctly, hanger steak can be deliciously tender and flavorful. However, if overcooked, it can become tough and dry.
The key to preparing hanger steak is to season it well with salt and pepper or your favorite spices, and then cook it quickly over high heat to sear in the juices.
Hanger steak is a lean cut of meat, but it is rich in fat and has a strong beefy flavor. It is well-marbled, which means it has a rich grain of fat running through it that helps to tenderize the meat and keep it moist.
It can be substituted with other cuts of beef if it’s unavailable or you’re looking for a leaner option. Some of the best substitutes for hanger steak include shoulder steak, skirt or flank steak, and tri-tip.
When preparing hanger steak or any of its substitutes, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s best-served medium-rare or rare to maintain its tenderness and flavor.
You can also slow-cook hanger steak to make it more tender or marinate it in red wine or other seasonings to enhance its rich flavor.
Best Substitutes For Hanger Steak
If you’re looking for a substitute for hanger steak, you have several options to choose from.
Here are some of the best substitutes for hanger steak:
Shoulder Steak
Shoulder steak is an excellent substitute for hanger steak. It is a lean cut of meat that is tender and flavorful. It has a rich beefy flavor and is best cooked with high heat.
You can season it with your favorite spices or marinate it to tenderize the meat.
Shoulder steak is budget-friendly and can be pan-fried, grilled, or used in stir-fries.
Skirt Steak
Skirt steak is a long, flat cut of beef that is well-marbled and has a strong flavor. It is a versatile cut of meat that can be slow-cooked or pan-seared.
Skirt steak is best cooked with high heat and seasoned with salt and pepper or your favorite spices.
It is a great substitute for hanger steak in fajitas, stir-fries, or as a steak topper on burgers.
Flank Steak
Flank steak is another great substitute for hanger steak. It is a lean cut of meat with a rich flavor. It has fewer grains than hanger steak, which makes it a bit tougher.
However, you can tenderize the meat by marinating it for a few hours before cooking.
Flank steak is best cooked with high heat and seasoned with salt and pepper or your favorite spices. It is perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or using in stir-fries.
Tofu
If you’re looking for a vegetarian substitute for hanger steak, tofu is a great option.
It is a healthy and inexpensive source of protein that can be seasoned with your favorite spices or marinade.
Tofu has a firm texture and can be grilled, pan-fried, or used in stir-fries. It is a great substitute for hanger steak in vegetarian fajitas or salads.
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is another great substitute for hanger steak. It is a lean cut of meat that is easy to cook and has a mild flavor.
Chicken breast is best cooked with high heat and seasoned with your favorite spices or marinade.
It can be grilled, pan-fried, or used in stir-fries. Chicken breast is a great substitute for hanger steak in salads, sandwiches, or as a steak topper on burgers.
How To Cook Hanger Steak
Hanger steak is a flavorful cut of meat that can be cooked in several ways.
Here are some methods to try:
Marinating
Marinating hanger steak can help tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor.
To marinate, mix together your desired marinade ingredients and place the steak in a resealable plastic bag with the marinade.
Refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to overnight.
Grilling
Grilling is a popular way to cook hanger steak. Preheat your grill to high heat and season the steak with salt and pepper or your desired seasoning.
Grill the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Pan-Searing
Pan-searing is a quick and easy way to cook hanger steak. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over high heat.
Season the steak with salt and pepper or your desired seasoning and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is a great way to tenderize tough cuts of meat like hanger steak. Place the steak in a slow cooker with your desired seasonings and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and juicy.
When cooking hanger steak, it’s important to keep in mind that it is a lean cut of meat with rich flavor, but it can become tough if overcooked.
For best results, cook to medium-rare or medium and let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Other Delicious Steak Options
If you’re looking for other delicious steak options to substitute for hanger steak, there are several cuts of beef that can be used. Here are three options to consider:
Bavette Steak
Bavette steak is a cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin primal cut. It is also known as flap steak or sirloin tip steak.
Bavette steak has a similar texture to hanger steak, but it is a bit leaner. It has a rich, beefy flavor and is best cooked over high heat.
Bavette steak is a great option for grilling or pan-searing.
Chuck Steak
Chuck steak is a cut of beef that comes from the shoulder area of the cow. It is a tougher cut of meat, but it is also very flavorful.
Chuck steak has a rich, beefy flavor and is best cooked low and slow. It is great for braising, stewing, or slow-roasting.
Chuck steak can also be grilled or pan-seared, but it should be marinated first to help tenderize the meat.
Tri-Tip Steak
Tri-tip steak is a cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin primal cut. It is a triangular-shaped cut of meat that is lean and flavorful.
Tri-tip steak has a slightly firmer texture than hanger steak, but it is still tender and juicy. It has a rich, beefy flavor and is best cooked over high heat.
Tri-tip steak is a great option for grilling or pan-searing.
Each of these steak options has its own unique flavor profile and texture, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your taste preferences and cooking style.
Whether you’re looking for a leaner option like bavette steak or a more flavorful option like chuck steak, there is a steak out there that can be used as a substitute for hanger steak.
