MAKING A "FINGER LICKING" STEAK

By Sam Robins

What a great idea- to save money and enjoy your delicacy at the same time?
For steak lovers, enjoying a good steak at home may be a new idea to save you money. With this step by step guide, you can be sure to make a great mouth wetting home made steak.

First, know your steak. Steak is not just steak. Different cuts require different ways of cooking. For example, a 1 inch thick filet would not be cooked in the same way as a 1 thick sirloin. This therefore calls for an understanding on the different cuts of steak and their methods of cooking. Note that the basic characteristic to look for in choosing your cut is the way the white fat in the beef is distributed.

Know your method of cooking. There are many methods of preparing steak. From broiling to grilling, there is no one ideal cooking method for all steaks. However, there are ideal methods for various cuts. For a mouth licking steak, it is good that you first identify the method you will use to prepare it. For a finger licking home made steak, it is advisable to remove it 30 to 60 minutes before cooking it. This is simply to allow it to come to room temperature before exposing it to a hot pan or grill

Maintain the flavor of the steak by seasoning it rather than masking it. Since steak is naturally flavorful, maintain this flavor other than masking it. Adding some more ingredients to the steak is fine, but these need to be chosen on their ability to complement the steak's flavor and not to mask it.

You can enhance the flavor of your steak by seasoning it. However, it is greatly advised that you use only those ingredients that do not replace the natural flavor of the steak, but instead complement it. Your choice of ingredients should therefore not be those that would remove the flavor on your steak. Unnecessary moving and poking of your steak should be avoided, as this does nothing other than destroying your steak's texture and flavor. Turn the steak when necessary as this sees to it that the steak maintains its natural flavor. It is highly recommended that you use spatulas or tongs other than forks for poking on the steak.

To know whether your steak is ready or not, you can gently press your finger at the centre of the steak. Your steak should change from bouncing back as you press to being firm. This is an indication that your steak is ready. Allow your steak to cool for about ten minutes, before cutting it, to avoid loss of moisture and important juices.

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