As a chef, I have spent years perfecting my steak recipes and techniques, and one of my favorites is buttering aged steak.
Aged steak has a rich and intense flavor that can be further enhanced with simple steps.
In this article, I will show you how to butter aged steak at home to achieve a juicy and flavorful dish.
In This Article
What Is Aged Steak?
An aged steak is a high-quality cut of meat stored at a controlled temperature and humidity level to allow enzymes to break down the muscle tissue, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
There are two types of aging methods to consider: Wet aging and Dry aging.
Wet-age steaks are typically vacuum-sealed and stored for a few days to a few weeks, allowing the beef’s natural enzymes to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender steak.
Dry-aged steaks, on the other hand, are left to lose moisture in the refrigerator for several weeks, resulting in a more flavorful and complex taste.
Why Butter Your Aged Steak?
Buttering your aged steak is a great way to add a decadent and rich flavor to the dish while keeping it savory and juicy.
Butter also acts as a natural fat that adds a delicious layer of richness to the meat’s surface.
This recipe is perfect for you if you aim for that deep, buttery flavor.
How To Butter Aged Steak At Home
1. Prep Work
First, remove your aged steak from the fridge and place it on a cutting board at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to let it warm up.
This step is necessary to ensure even cooking and avoid the steak being overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside.
2. Dry the Steak
Use a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel to pat the steak’s surface dry.
This step will help ensure the steak forms a delicious crust when cooking and helps the butter stick to the surface.
3. Salt and Pepper
Generously season your aged steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Be sure to coat the entire steak’s surface to add maximum flavor.
4. Heat Your Skillet or Grill
Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over high heat.
Once the skillet or grill is hot enough, add a tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet.
Let the butter melt and become fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
5. Cook the Steak
Carefully place the aged steak on the skillet or grill and let it cook for three to four minutes on each side or until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.
6. Baste with Butter
In the last minute or two of cooking, add another tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet, and spoon the melted butter over the steak.
This technique, called basting, adds a rich and luscious flavor to your steak.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove the steak from the skillet or grill and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes.
This step is crucial for the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.
Cut the steak into slices, serve, and enjoy!
FAQs
What Is The Best Steak Cut For Buttering?
Any cut of a steak works well for buttering, but prime cuts like ribeye and New York strip lend themselves particularly well to this technique. These cuts have the perfect balance of fat and meat, two ingredients that work exceptionally well with butter.
Can I Butter My Steak If It’s Not Aged?
Yes! Buttering your steak can enhance its flavor, no matter how old it is. However, aged steaks have a more intense flavor and are more tender, so they work superbly well with this technique.
Can I Use Salted Butter?
It is not recommended to use salted butter. The extra salt can overpower the steak’s flavor, so it’s best to use unsalted butter, allowing the steak to be seasoned to your liking.
Can I Cook Aged Steak On The Stove?
Yes! Cooking your aged steak on the stove is a great option. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet or grill, a regular frying pan or grill pan works well. However, be sure that the pan is hot enough before adding the steak to sear the surface properly.
