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Steak, the undisputed king of meats, holds a special place in the hearts of carnivores and food enthusiasts alike. There's an ongoing debate in the culinary world about the best time to season a steak—before cooking or after. While pre-seasoning your steak is the traditional method, there's a growing trend that's been captivating the taste buds of many: seasoning your steak after cooking it, on a cutting board of butter and herbs. In this blog post, we'll delve into this unconventional yet incredibly flavorful approach that can elevate your steak game to new heights.
While it may seem a bit counterintuitive at first, seasoning the steak after cooking results in moist, perfectly seasoned meat that soaks up all of the flavor.
I'm sure you've heard of butter boards - This is a similar concept; but, instead, it is a steak seasoning board. To make one, combine the seasonings and herbs of your choice including liquids, oils, and even butter.
TikToker @mandymadon shared a video of her trying out this flavorful method. On her cutting board she has butter, fresh rosemary, parsley, garlic, a little bit of salt, steak seasoning, and lemon juice. After cooking her steak, she places it directly onto the cutting board and begins cutting it up. At the end of the video, she says, "it's seriously the best way to make steak!! It's so good and juicy and perfectly flavored!"
One commenter wrote, "it's like cold stone creamery but steak 😂."
A few concerned viewers mentioned that for the future to use a separate platter or dish for the raw vs cooked meat.
The Pre-Seasoning vs. Post-Seasoning Debate
Before we delve into the delectable world of post-cooking steak seasoning, let's briefly examine the traditional approach of pre-seasoning. The primary argument in favor of pre-seasoning is that it allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and meld during the cooking process, potentially resulting in a more evenly seasoned steak.
However, mixing in seasonings with the pan can result in overcooking the steak and herbs and spices may char and develop a bitter taste if exposed to high heat for an extended period.
Post-cooking seasoning, on the other hand, has its unique advantages. By seasoning your steak after cooking it, you can enjoy a perfectly seared, juicy interior without the risk of herbs and spices burning during the cooking process. This technique allows for a more controlled flavor profile and offers a fresh burst of seasoning with each bite.
When you cut into a piece of steak, liquid usually gushes out. As the meat cooks, the proteins in the muscles denature and are not able to hold as much liquid, according to Meat Science. The meat also bulges and when you cut into it, it is similar to wringing out an oversaturated sponge.
According to Seven Sons Farms, this is why so many chefs "rest" steak after cooking it - The resting period is at least as important as how you cook and season it. They explain resting the meat helps retain moisture and flavor inside. As the meat's temperature cools, the juices have time to get reabsorbed and redistributed.
Post-Cooking Seasoning
When your steak is cooked to perfection, remove it from the pan and roll it in the seasonings on the board before letting it rest. If you prefer bite sized pieces, slice and roll each slice in the seasonings. The steak's juices join the seasoning mix allowing it to reabsorb it along with your added seasonings. The steak gets that important rest time while your work in the seasonings.
While the pre-seasoning vs. post-seasoning debate may continue to rage on, there's no denying the incredible flavor and texture that post-cooking seasoning can bring to your steak. It allows you to savor the natural essence of the meat while enhancing it with the richness of butter and the aromatic allure of fresh herbs. So, the next time you're grilling up a steak, consider trying this unconventional but undeniably delicious technique to take your culinary prowess to the next level. Your taste buds will thank you.
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