Grilling a dry aged steak is a culinary experience like no other. The simplicity of the cooking process allows the true flavors of the steak to shine, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving for more. In this article, we will explore the art of grilling a dry aged steak to perfection and uncover the secrets behind its exquisite taste.
Key Takeaways
The Quest for the Perfect Steak
At our household, steak is a special treat reserved for special occasions. The aroma of a juicy rib eye hitting the grill is enough to make your mouth water in anticipation of the tender and flavorful meat that awaits. But what if we could elevate this experience even further? Enter the dry aged rib eye steak.
The process of dry aging involves allowing cuts of beef to age in a controlled environment for weeks or even months. As moisture evaporates from the meat, what remains is a more flavorful and tender steak. Similar to aging cheese or wine, the longer the aging process, the more intense the flavors become.
Discovering Dry Aged Steak
Until recently, finding dry aged beef meant visiting specialty butchers or high-end steak houses. However, imagine the surprise when my local Safeway supermarket started offering dry aged steaks! Not only did they provide a selection of dry aged sub-primal cuts, but their entire butcher department now boasts an extensive range of meats and prepared options.
Opting for a dry-aged ribeye, with its beautiful marbling and even distribution of fat, became an irresistible choice. The convenience of having detailed notes on the age and availability of each piece of meat was an added bonus. Now, the perfect steak was just a stone’s throw away from home.
Unveiling the Grilling Process
Preparing and grilling a dry aged steak requires a few simple steps, ensuring that every mouthful is an explosion of flavor.
Prep the steaks and grill:
First, let the steaks reach room temperature after removing them from the refrigerator. This allows for even cooking and reduces the chill from the fridge. While waiting, pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and pepper.
Make a garlic butter sauce:
For an added burst of flavor, prepare a garlic butter sauce. Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, infusing it with minced garlic, lemon juice, and fresh rosemary. After a couple of minutes, remove the rosemary, and stir in fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
Grill the steaks:
Preheat your grill to around 500°F, creating both direct and indirect heat zones. Sear the steaks over high heat for 7 to 8 minutes, flipping them once. Move the steaks to the low heat area, brush them with the garlic butter sauce, and continue grilling uncovered until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Let it rest and enjoy:
Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a cutting board or sheet pan and let them rest for 7 to 8 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and succulent steak. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh herbs. Finally, slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness and serve.
Elevating the Steak Experience
The journey to the perfect dry aged steak doesn’t end with cooking alone. To complement your steak dinner, visit your local Safeway supermarket, where you can find everything you need to elevate the meal. Fresh herbs and produce, convenient deli appetizers, a wide selection of wines, and delectable desserts from the patisserie will ensure a memorable dining experience.
Discover the joy of cooking a dry aged steak in the comfort of your home. With a little preparation and the finest ingredients, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will leave your taste buds yearning for more.
