A chef taught me how to create a restaurant-quality steak night at home that's as elevated as it is easy and affordable: Here's your step-by-step guide.
Steak is usually one of the most expensive items on a restaurant menu, but it’s quite easy to master for a cozy date night at home.
Steak has always been something of a splurge dinner for many of us. When I go out for steak, it's something I have to plan ahead and commit to. We know it's one of the more expensive items on a restaurant menu, and it always feels like a special treat.
But why do we need to get dressed up and get in the car to have a special dinner? Date nights at home can be even more special, and a great steak is actually quite easy to make right in your home kitchen.
The key is to keep things casual, use the right ingredients, and keep the supporting sides simple and casual. Make sure the the steak is the star, too, of course, according to Ashley Lonsdale, ButcherBox chef-in-residence, who I interviewed over email recently.
It's important to keep a great cut of meat at the center, and it needs no competition, so Lonsdale recommends turning to the classic steak frites (steak and fries) for perfecting your next romantic date night at home.
Source your steak: High-quality beef will ensure a high-quality dinner, so set yourself up for success. "I choose grass-finished beef for the best flavor," said Lonsdale.
It's important to note that grass-finished steak cooks a little faster than conventional, so lower your internal temperature targets by 5 to 10 degrees. "I recommend cooking one large steak, like a thick-cut ribeye, New York strip, or even an impressive tomahawk, which makes for a dramatic presentation and serves two with leftovers," said Lonsdale.
Prep your steak: To coax out even more flavor and optimal texture from your steak, consider salting your steaks ahead of time and allowing them to dry-brine for a juicy and well-seasoned result, advises Lonsdale. Do this the night before, placing the steak, uncovered, on a wire rack in the refrigerator for the best browning and crust when it's time to cook.
Start the sides: Potatoes and greens are the perfect pairing. "You may be surprised to know a lot of professional kitchens source their French fries pre-cut and frozen!" said Lonsdale. It saves a significant amount of time and money, and the outcome is still a delight. Convection-roast, air-fry, or deep-fry pre-cut, frozen fries at home for perfect steak frites.
Similarly, keep the salad simple. This night is all about the steak! "Greens with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper are a perfect, cooling balance to the pleasant richness of steak and potatoes," said Lonsdale.
Cook, rest, slice: A hot, well-seasoned cast-iron pan is the ideal cooking vessel for an at-home steak night, as it heats evenly and consistently.
"Sear the steak on each side until a deep brown crust forms, and don't be afraid to flip it over a few times," said Lonsdale, explaining that if your steak is on the thicker side, consider transferring the pan to a low-heat oven, somewhere between 300 and 350 degrees, to slowly and gently finish cooking the interior.
Don't skip resting your steak for a few minutes after it's cooked, for juices to redistribute! Then slice the steak against the grain for the most tender bites, plate it next to an inviting pile of warm fries and nestle in your freshly tossed salad.
