Steak is one of the most beloved and iconic dishes across cultures. The sizzling sound of a thick, juicy steak hitting a hot grill is music to any meat lover’s ears. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, steak has remained a staple in many households for its rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
Fox News reported that nearly two out of three Americans chow down on steak as their last meal. What makes steak such a crowd-pleaser? For one, it’s incredibly versatile – steak can be grilled, pan-seared, broiled, or even baked. It also pairs well with endless sides and sauces. From mashed potatoes to creamed spinach, the possibilities are endless.
While some may think steak is steak, there are actually many different cuts to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Ribeyes, strip steaks, filet mignon, flank steak – the list goes on and on. And when it comes to preparation, the options are limitless. Steak can be customized to satisfy any palate, whether simply seasoned with salt and pepper or smothered in a mouthwatering marinade.
If you’re looking to add some sizzle to your dinner table, read on for the must-try steak recipes that will have the whole family cheering for more.
Table of Contents
Cube Steak with Onion Gravy
For a classic, comforting steak dinner, try cube steak with onion gravy. With its melt-in-your-mouth meat and savory onion gravy, cube steak recipes like this one will become a regular rotation in your home.
Start by seasoning the cube steaks with a spice blend of paprika, onion powder, garlic, salt, and pepper. Then lightly coat in flour before searing in a hot skillet with olive oil to create a nice crust. Set the steaks aside and make an easy onion gravy in the same pan. Cook sliced onions and garlic, then stir in flour and beef stock to create a rich, flavorful gravy. Return the steaks to the pan to let them soak up the gravy. The steaks turn out incredibly tender and full of flavor.
Pour the cube steaks and onion gravy over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for the perfect homestyle dinner.
Tuscan Herb Crusted Steak
For a steak with big, bold Italian flavor, try this easy Tuscan herb-crusted steak. The savory herbal coating packs a flavor punch and adds a beautiful crust to the steak as it cooks.
To make the coating, simply combine fresh parsley, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Press the herb mixture onto thick ribeye or New York strip steaks before searing them in a hot skillet with olive oil. The natural juices of the steak combine with the herbs to make an incredible pan sauce. Serve with roasted potatoes or pasta tossed in the pan drippings.
This steak is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual dinner party.
Coffee and Chili Rubbed Steak
This unique coffee and chili-rubbed steak will wake up your taste buds. The rub is a blend of ground coffee, ancho chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, salt, and pepper. Generously season thick-cut steaks like ribeyes or porterhouses with the rub before grilling or broiling.
As the steak cooks, the rub forms a delicious, slightly spicy crust. The coffee adds subtle hints of bitterness and richness that pair perfectly with the charred meat.
For extra flair, serve the steaks with a side of black pepper bourbon cream sauce. The sweet and spicy rub also works well with chicken, pork, and lamb. This steak recipe will add an unexpected kick of flavor to your next barbecue.
Whiskey-marinated flank Steak
For a steak marinade with spirit, look no further than this whiskey-marinated flank steak. Flank steak is a leaner cut that benefits greatly from a flavor-packed marinade.
Let the steak soak up the sweet and savory marinade of whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger before grilling or broiling. The whiskey tenderizes the meat while infusing it with complex flavors. The marinade caramelizes into a delicious crust while the steak stays juicy inside.
Pair with roasted potatoes or a fresh salad. This marinade also works wonders on chicken, pork, and shrimp. The whiskey-marinated flank steak will be the star of your summer cookouts.
Steak and Blue Cheese Salad
Transform leftover steak into an incredible main-dish salad. Sliced grilled steak served over a bed of greens, tomatoes, red onion, and blue cheese crumbles makes for a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
The bold blue cheese provides the perfect tangy contrast to the rich, smoky steak. Whisk together a dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs. Top the salad with crunchy croutons or nuts for extra texture.
Flank steak, skirt steak, and sirloin all work well for steak salads. This hearty salad is also great for using leftover potatoes or roasted veggies.
Steak Fajitas
Sizzling steak fajitas are a fun, interactive meal for family or friends. Thinly sliced flank steak or skirt steak is the key to authentic fajitas. Quickly sear the steak strips in a hot skillet with sliced bell peppers and onions.
Serve the veggies and meat atop warm tortillas with desired toppings like guacamole, salsa, cheese, and sour cream. Everyone can build their own customized fajita creation.
The steak and veggies can also be served over rice for a fajita bowl. A squeeze of lime juice and a side of beans or Spanish rice complete the Tex-Mex feast. The aroma of steak fajitas cooking is sure to build an appetite.
Conclusion
Steak remains one of the most beloved and versatile meals for good reason – it can be customized in endless ways to suit any taste. From herb-crusted to coffee-rubbed, marinated to bacon-wrapped, the possibilities are endless when cooking up the perfect steak. With flavorful rubs and marinades, even cheaper cuts become melt-in-your-mouth tender. Searing steak to juicy, charred perfection never gets old. Any of these 10 must-try steak recipes are sure to satisfy the heartiest appetites and become new family favorites. So fire up the grill or heat the skillet and get ready to sink your teeth into some mouthwatering steak.
