How to Cook a Cheap Steak

Feb 15, 2024 • Tom Jackson

Transforming a budget-friendly steak into a succulent and flavorful dish is a culinary feat worth mastering. With a few simple techniques, you can elevate an inexpensive cut like sirloin tip into a gourmet experience. This recipe for cooking a cheap steak focuses on maximizing flavor and tenderness through dry brining, butter basting, precise cooking temperatures, and optimal slicing. By following these steps, you'll create a dish that rivals its more expensive counterparts in taste and satisfaction.

Tips & Techniques: How to Cook a Cheap Steak

Tom Jackson

Rated 5.0 stars by 5 users

Cuisine

American

Servings

4

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Calories

557

Discover the art of turning an ordinary cheap steak into a culinary masterpiece with our tried-and-true method. Through the magic of dry brining, butter basting, and precise grilling, you'll unlock the full potential of your budget-friendly cut. Let the flavors meld as the steak sears to perfection, creating a mouthwatering aroma that promises a truly satisfying dining experience. With each slice revealing tender, juicy meat infused with rich buttery goodness, you'll savor every moment of this budget-friendly indulgence.

The four key steps we’re using to improve a cheap steak are dry brining, butter basting, finishing at the proper internal temperature and slicing the meat thin. Let’s get into the details.

Ingredients

1 tbsp Jacobsen Salt Co. Kosher Sea Salt
1 each (12 oz) cheap beef steak (we used sirloin tip)
Yoder Smokers Beef Rub
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 each clove garlic, crushed, peeled
1 each sprig of fresh thyme

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Directions

To dry brine your steak, simply sprinkle kosher salt on the surface of the meat, place in a container/zip top bag and let rest overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat your Yoder Smokers YS640s Pellet Grill to 425ºF with the diffuser door and/or entire diffuser plate removed.
When you remove the steak from the container, rinse with cool water and pat dry. Season the steak lightly with Yoder Smokers Beef Rub.
Place a Lodge 12” Steel Skillet in the grill to preheat for 5 minutes.
Melt the butter in the skillet, along with the oil. Place the garlic clove and thyme in the skillet. Place the steak in the skillet and begin basting it with the butter/oil using a spoon and tilting the skillet. Keep the grill door open until you have a nice sear on both sides of the steak. Continue basting occasionally with the fat and meat juices.
When the steak reaches an internal temperature 125ºF, remove the steak from the skillet. Let rest for 5-10 minutes.
Slice the steak thin and serve topped with the butter/oil/meat juices.

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Recipe Note

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Recipe Highlights and Insights:

Steak's popularity in America can be attributed to several factors:

Cultural Influence: Steak has long been associated with American culture, particularly with the image of the rugged cowboy grilling steaks over an open flame. This cultural connection has contributed to its popularity and status as a symbol of indulgence and abundance.

Perceived Quality: Steak is often perceived as a high-quality protein option, synonymous with luxury dining experiences. Its reputation for tenderness, juiciness, and rich flavor makes it a desirable choice for many consumers, especially for celebratory occasions or special meals.

Variety: There is a wide variety of steak cuts available, each offering its own unique texture, flavor profile, and cooking method. This diversity allows consumers to choose steaks that suit their preferences and budgets, ranging from affordable cuts like sirloin to premium options like filet mignon or ribeye.

Accessibility: Steak is readily available in supermarkets, butcher shops, and restaurants across the country, making it easily accessible to consumers of all backgrounds. Its widespread availability contributes to its popularity as a go-to protein option for many Americans.

Grilling Culture: America has a strong tradition of outdoor grilling, and steak is often the star of backyard barbecues and cookouts. The combination of grilled steak's smoky flavor and tender texture adds to its appeal and makes it a staple of summertime gatherings.

Nutritional Value: While moderation is key, steak is a good source of high-quality protein, essential nutrients like iron and zinc, and healthy fats. Many people enjoy steak as part of a balanced diet, appreciating its nutritional benefits along with its delicious taste.

Overall, steak's popularity in America can be attributed to its cultural significance, perceived quality, variety, accessibility, association with grilling, and nutritional value, all of which contribute to its enduring appeal among consumers.