For the Love of Steak
Steak is a staple on many tables, from the family kitchen to the most famous steakhouses. Throughout history, there have been numerous steak dishes that stand out for their innovativeness and cultural impact. With that in mind, here are 20 steak recipes everyone should know.
1. Steak Diane
Steak Diane is a mid-century preparation of pan-seared steak with a sauce made of cognac, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, and fresh herbs, traditionally flambéed at the table. An icon of high-end, old-school New York City restaurants in the 1950s and 1960s, it offered drama and deeply savory, buttery flavor. Named for Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, Steak Diane was originally prepared with venison.
2. Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak is a dish of seasoned ground beef patties topped with a rich gravy made of either mushrooms or onions. It was a common meal in rural areas and among those on a tight budget. Affordable and filling, Salisbury steak was a low-cost way to eat a steak-like dinner. Served over mashed potatoes and vegetables, the dish is considered a comforting throwback to traditional American home cooking.
3. Cowboy Steak
This bone-in ribeye is a bold, beefy tribute to the American frontier spirit. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, the steak is grilled over an open flame. The abundant marbling of the cut means it stays juicy and tender throughout, making each bite as delicious as the last.
4. Delmonico Ribeye
The Delmonico ribeye is a classic steak that’s been around for centuries. It’s a perfectly marbled, juicy ribeye with a deliciously crispy crust. This steak is named after America’s first fine-dining restaurant, Delmonico’s in New York City.
5. Tomahawk Steak
The Tomahawk steak is a colossal, bone-in ribeye that's as show-stopping on the grill as it is on your plate. Featuring a long, Frenched bone that mimics the handle of a tomahawk axe, this cut provides all the rich flavor and marbling of a cowboy steak but with even more visual pizzazz. If you're a steak lover looking for the ultimate in presentation and taste, the Tomahawk steak is the way to go.
6. Gallagher’s Steak
NYC institution Gallagher's Steakhouse is famous for nearly 100 years of grilling steaks over hickory coals and dry-aging beef in a traditional, oversized display locker. This old-school technique creates an incomparable flavor that has been lost by many steakhouse shortcuts. Served with their signature steak sauce, Gallagher's steaks capture the heart of traditional New York steakhouse dining.
7. Yankee Pot Roast
Root vegetables and meat are slow-braised until tender in a savory broth. Once a common dish for family meals on cold winter nights, the Yankee pot roast is comforting and warm. It has French origins but is now a traditional American home-style dish.
8. Prime New York Strip
Prime New York strip is a well-known cut prized for its ideal tenderness and robust, beefy flavor. Characterized by fine marbling and a firm texture, it offers a juicy, flavorful bite that has made it a staple on steakhouse menus for decades. Frequently seasoned simply and seared to perfection, this classic steak highlights the essence of high-quality beef.
9. Grilled London Broil
Grilled London broil is a simple method that turns a tough, inexpensive cut like flank steak into a tender, flavorful meal. The beef is marinated to add moisture and flavor, then grilled carefully and sliced thinly against the grain. London broil has long been a method for highlighting a robust marinade and an easy technique.
10. Swiss Steak
Swiss steak is a comforting dish made by braising tenderized beef in a tomato-based sauce along with vegetables. The “Swiss” in Swiss steak is not related to Switzerland at all but to the swissing process of tenderizing tough cuts of meat. Braised to fork-tenderness, this slow-cooked favorite turns cheap beef into a tasty, melt-in-your-mouth dish.
11. Carne Asada
Carne asada is a sizzling Mexican favorite of marinated skirt or flank steak grilled to smoky perfection. A citrus, garlic, and soy-based marinade infuses the meat with bold, zesty flavor. Served hot off the grill, it's the ultimate taco or burrito filling or the star of a simple summer feast.
12. Steak au Poivre
Steak au poivre is a classic French dish that showcases the crisp crackle of cracked peppercorns with a velvety cognac cream sauce. Pan-seared to perfection, the steak develops a crust of flavor that complements its tender, juicy interior. Elegant and indulgent, this timeless recipe brings Parisian bistro charm to your table.
13. Herb-Crusted Filet Mignon
Herb-crusted filet mignon takes one of the most tender cuts of beef and slathers it with a garlic and herb coating. The dried herbs create a savory crust on the steak as it grills. The herbs add a wonderful texture and depth to the butter-soft filet mignon meat.
14. Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken-fried steak with gravy is a Southern comfort food classic. The buttermilk breading fries up crunchy while the steak inside stays tender. Drenched in creamy milk gravy, it's a hearty, down-home dish that never goes out of style.
15. Jack Daniel Flank Steak
Jack Daniel’s flank steak is a delicious, Kentucky-inspired recipe that braises steak in whiskey for maximum flavor. It's a hearty meal perfect for the grill on any weeknight or weekend cookout. The meat gets a complex, sweet, and smoky flavor thanks to a marinade of whiskey, soy sauce, garlic, and spices.
16. Jerk Steak
Jamaican jerk steak offers a bold island flavor that will spice up your meal. Fiery and aromatic, this spice blend is a perfect complement to juicy flank steak. Served over rice and topped with a tropical fruit salsa, it is a flavorful dish that is full of Caribbean spirit.
17. Steak with Gorgonzola Sauce
Steak with Gorgonzola sauce is a decadent dish that combines tender, pan-seared beef with the rich, tangy creaminess of blue cheese. The sauce can be made in advance for convenience, and it pairs well with various cuts of steak, making it a versatile and indulgent addition to any steak night. This is a true steakhouse classic simplified for at-home enjoyment.
18. Tri-Tip Steak
Boneless tri-tip steak is a tender and flavorful cut that can be marinated with garlic-soy sauce. Grilled, it is juicy, savory, and perfect with roasted potatoes and vegetables. This simple dish is easy to make and absolutely delicious and satisfying.
19. Skillet Pepper Steak
Skillet pepper steak and rice is an easy budget meal that anyone can make. The strips of beef are tender and combined with bell peppers for a colorful dinner any night of the week. The dish is flavored with Cajun or Creole spices for big flavor with just a few simple ingredients.
20. Steak Fajitas
Fajita steaks are a vibrant Tex-Mex classic, marinated then grilled for a big smoky flavor. Served blazing hot with warm tortillas and fresh toppings like peppers, onions, salsa, and guacamole, it's an easy and customizable dish that makes steak night a fun and festive meal for the whole family.
