Although not a versatile as other sections, the flank and short plate areas are home to 3 popular cuts including flank steak, skirt steak and hanger steak. All have their own distinct flavors and textures, and are economical, making them a popular choicesfor many dishes.
In this article, we will provide a detailed summary of each of these cuts, including information on their flavor, texture, and best cooking methods. We will also give specific instructions on how to prepare each cut to help you make the most of your next steak dinner.
Although not a versatile as other sections, the flank and short plate areas are home to 3 popular cuts including flank steak, skirt steak and hanger steak. All have their own distinct flavors and textures, and are economical, making them a popular choicesfor many dishes.
In this article, we will provide a detailed summary of each of these cuts, including information on their flavor, texture, and best cooking methods. We will also give specific instructions on how to prepare each cut to help you make the most of your next steak dinner.
Flank steak is a long, thin cut of beef that comes from the lower chest of the cow. It is a lean cut that is best when cooked quickly over high heat. Flank steak has a coarse texture and is rich in beefy flavor with a pronounced grain. It is a versatile cut that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fry, fajitas, or grilled and sliced for sandwiches.
To prepare flank steak, marinating is key. A marinade helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor. A classic flank steak marinade includes soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and red wine vinegar. To cook, preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
Skirt steak is a long, flat cut of beef that comes from the diaphragm of the cow. It has a distinct flavor and a coarse texture that is best when seared over high heat. Skirt steak is often used in dishes like fajitas or steak tacos.
To prepare skirt steak, season with salt and pepper and cook over high heat on a grill or in a cast-iron skillet for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
Hanger steak is a tender and flavorful cut of beef that comes from the plate section of the cow. It also has a coarse texture but a beefier flavor than flank steak. Hanger steak is best seared over high heat.
To prepare hanger steak we recommend the same preparation as a skirt steak. Season with salt and pepper and cook over high heat on a grill or in a cast-iron skillet for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
A: Flank steak is best cooked quickly over high heat, such as on a grill or in a cast-iron skillet. It's important to marinate flank steak to help tenderize the meat and add flavor. Classic marinades include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and red wine vinegar. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
A: Hanger steak is best cooked quickly over high heat, such as on a grill or in a cast-iron skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
A: Hanger steak and flank steak both come from the lower chest of the cow, but they have different textures and flavors. Hanger steak is more tender and has a beefier flavor than flank steak, while flank steak has a coarse texture and a pronounced grain. Both cuts are best seared over high heat, such as on a grill or in a cast-iron skillet. Hanger steak is often cooked to medium-rare, while flank steak is often cooked to medium.