Porterhouse steak is a large, tender and flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for grilling. This delicious steak is named after the porterhouses, or inns, where it was commonly served in the 19th century. The porterhouse steak is a combination of two cuts of beef: the tenderloin and the top loin. It is sometimes referred to as the “king of steaks” due to its impressive appearance and rich taste.
Cooking porterhouse steak is not difficult, but it does require some attention to detail. The key to a perfectly cooked porterhouse steak is to achieve a beautiful, caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. To do this, you’ll need to properly season the steak and cook it at the right temperature for the right amount of time.
Before you start cooking, it’s important to let the steak come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking throughout the steak. You should also season the steak generously with salt and pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer. Let the steak sit with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
When it comes to cooking the porterhouse steak, the best method is to grill it. Preheat your grill to high heat, around 450-500°F (230-260°C). Place the steak on the grill and sear it for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until a nice crust develops. Then, move the steak to a cooler part of the grill and continue cooking it for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak and how well-done you prefer it.
The Perfect Porter House Steak
The porterhouse steak is a classic cut of beef that offers both the tenderloin and the New York strip. It is a thick, juicy, and flavorful steak that is perfect for a special occasion or a delicious weeknight meal.
Choosing the Steak
When selecting a porterhouse steak, it’s important to choose a cut that is well-marbled and has a bright red color. Look for a steak that is at least 1.5 inches thick to ensure a juicy and tender result.
Tip: Ask your butcher for a porterhouse steak that has been dry-aged for an extra depth of flavor.
Prepping the Steak
Before cooking the porterhouse steak, it’s important to let it come to room temperature. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and results in a more tender steak. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Tip: For an added flavor boost, you can also season the steak with your favorite dry rub or marinade. Let the spices sit on the steak for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Cooking the Steak
The best way to cook a porterhouse steak is on a high heat grill or a cast iron skillet. Preheat your grill or skillet to a high temperature and lightly oil the surface to prevent the steak from sticking.
Place the steak on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time to your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (55-57°C) for medium-rare.
Tip: For a delicious crust, resist the urge to flip the steak too often. Allow it to sear on each side before flipping.
Resting and Serving
Once the porterhouse steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
After resting, slice the porterhouse steak against the grain and serve it on a warmed plate. Pair it with your favorite steakhouse sides, such as mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tip: For an extra touch of elegance, melt a pat of butter on top of the steak just before serving.
Now that you know how to cook the perfect porterhouse steak, grab your apron and fire up the grill. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering and succulent steak.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to cooking a porterhouse steak, choosing the right cut of meat is essential. The porterhouse steak is known for its tenderness and rich flavor, making it a popular choice for steak lovers. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the perfect cut of meat:
1. Quality
Look for a porterhouse steak that is bright red in color. The flesh should be firm to the touch and not mushy. Avoid steaks with excessive marbling or large pockets of fat, as this can result in an overly fatty and greasy end product.
2. Thickness
Choose a porterhouse steak that is at least 1.5 inches thick. Thicker steaks tend to be juicier and more flavorful, as they retain their moisture during the cooking process.
3. Bone-in or Boneless
Decide whether you prefer a bone-in or boneless porterhouse steak. Both options have their advantages. Bone-in steaks tend to have more flavor due to the marrow in the bone, while boneless steaks provide a more consistent cooking experience.
4. USDA Grading
Pay attention to the USDA grading system when selecting your porterhouse steak. USDA Prime grade is the highest quality and offers the most marbling, tenderness, and flavor. USDA Choice grade is also a good option, providing a balance between quality and affordability.
5. Butcher or Supermarket
Consider purchasing your porterhouse steak from a trusted butcher or specialized meat market. These establishments often have a wider selection of high-quality meats and can offer personalized recommendations based on your preferences.
By considering these factors and selecting a top-quality porterhouse steak, you can ensure a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
Preparing the Steak
Before cooking a porterhouse steak, it is important to properly prepare the meat to ensure a delicious and tender result. Follow these steps to prepare your steak:
1. Bring the steak to room temperature: Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the steak to cook more evenly.
2. Pat the steak dry: Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the surface of the steak. Dry steak will sear better and develop a nice crust.
3. Season the steak: Liberally season both sides of the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add any additional seasonings or marinades of your choice.
4. Preheat the grill or skillet: If grilling, preheat your grill to high heat. If using a skillet, heat it over medium-high heat until hot.
5. Oil the grill or skillet: Lightly oil the grill grates or skillet to prevent sticking. You can use a brush or a piece of folded paper towel to apply the oil.
6. Cook the steak: Place the steak on the preheated grill or skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
7. Rest the steak: Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the grill or skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more tender steak.
Following these steps will help you prepare a perfectly cooked porterhouse steak that is juicy, flavorful and tender. Enjoy!
Searing the Steak
Before cooking the porterhouse steak, it’s important to properly sear it to lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust on the outside. Here are the steps to sear the steak:
1. Preheat the skillet
Place a heavy skillet, such as cast iron, on the stove over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes until it becomes extremely hot, almost smoking.
2. Season the steak
Prior to searing, generously season the porterhouse steak with salt and pepper or your preferred steak seasoning. Pat the seasoning onto both sides of the steak, ensuring an even coating.
3. Add oil to the skillet
Drizzle a small amount of oil onto the hot skillet. Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, to avoid burning the steak. Tip the skillet to evenly coat the surface with oil.
4. Sear the steak
Carefully place the seasoned porterhouse steak onto the hot skillet. The steak should sizzle immediately upon contact. Allow the steak to sear for about 2-3 minutes undisturbed, until a golden brown crust forms.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the skillet by searing only one or two steaks at a time. This ensures proper heat distribution and avoids steaming the steaks.
Note: The cooking times provided are approximate and may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.
Once the steak is properly seared on one side, use tongs to carefully flip it over to sear the other side. Repeat the process, allowing the other side to sear for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat
Once both sides of the steak are seared, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board or a plate. At this point, the steak will have a beautifully caramelized crust.
Now that the porterhouse steak is seared, it can be finished cooking using methods such as oven roasting or grilling to achieve the desired level of doneness.
Cooking to Perfection
When it comes to cooking a porterhouse steak, achieving the perfect result requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you cook your porterhouse steak to perfection:
1. Choose the Right Cut
The porterhouse steak is a thick cut of meat that comes from the rear end of the short loin. It is known for its characteristic T-shaped bone, which separates the tenderloin on one side and the strip steak on the other. Make sure you choose a well-marbled steak with a good amount of fat running through the meat, as this will help to enhance the flavor and juiciness of the steak.
2. Preparing the Steak
Before cooking, make sure your steak is at room temperature. This allows for more even cooking. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season the steak with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning.
3. Cooking on a Grill
If you prefer to cook your porterhouse steak on a grill, preheat the grill to high heat. Place the steak on the hot grill and sear it for about 5 minutes on each side. This will give the steak a nice crust and locking in the juices. Then reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the desired doneness is reached. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
4. Cooking in a Pan
If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also cook your porterhouse steak in a pan. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan. Carefully place the steak in the pan and sear it on each side for about 3-4 minutes. Then reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the steak is cooked to your liking.
5. Resting and Serving
Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures a tender and juicy steak. Slice the steak against the grain and serve it with your favorite side dishes.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cooking techniques and seasoning to find the method that works best for you. Enjoy your delicious porterhouse steak!
FAQ
What is porterhouse steak?
Porterhouse steak is a thick, juicy cut of beef that comes from the rear end of the short loin. It is a combination of two cuts of steak – the tenderloin and the top loin. The tenderloin side is very tender and the top loin side is flavorful, making it a popular choice for steak lovers.
How should I season a porterhouse steak?
Seasoning a porterhouse steak is a matter of personal preference. However, a simple and classic seasoning method is to sprinkle both sides of the steak with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a steak rub to enhance the flavor.
What is the best cooking method for a porterhouse steak?
The best cooking method for a porterhouse steak is to first sear it on high heat to develop a flavorful crust, and then finish cooking it in the oven to achieve the desired level of doneness. This method ensures that the steak is cooked evenly and retains its juiciness.
How long should I cook a porterhouse steak?
The cooking time for a porterhouse steak will vary depending on its thickness and your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, you can cook a 1-inch thick porterhouse steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 6-7 minutes per side for medium. However, it is always best to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure the steak is cooked to your preference.
What are some serving suggestions for porterhouse steak?
There are many ways to serve and enjoy porterhouse steak. Some popular serving suggestions include pairing it with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, serving it with a side of garlic butter or chimichurri sauce, or slicing it and using it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or creamy pasta for a complete meal.