Hanger Steak: The Underrated Cut You Need to Know

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 Ever bite into a steak so flavorful it blew your mind? That's what happened to me the first time I had hanger steak. Many folks haven't even heard of it, but this cut is a real treasure. Hanger steak, also called butcher's steak or onglet, boasts a unique taste and won't break the bank. You gotta try it! It's a must-try for any steak fan, whether you cook at home or not.

What is Hanger Steak?

Let's get down to it. Hanger steak comes from a specific part of the cow. Knowing its origin helps appreciate it more.

The Cut's Origin and Anatomy

This steak is part of the diaphragm muscle of the steer or heifer. It "hangs" between the rib cage and the loin. Each animal only has one hanger steak, making it somewhat rare. This adds to its specialness.

Characteristics of Hanger Steak

Hanger steak has loose muscle fibers. These fibers, along with great marbling, give it a tender texture. Trimming it right is super important. You want to get rid of the tough membrane.

Why It's Called Butcher's Steak

There's a cool story behind its name. Butchers often kept this cut for themselves. They knew how tasty it was, so they didn't sell it. It was their little secret.

Flavor Profile and Nutritional Value

Hanger steak packs a flavorful punch! It also offers solid nutritional benefits. Learn more.

The Unique Taste of Hanger Steak

The taste is beefy and intense, with a slight mineral hint. People compare it to flank or skirt steak. However, hanger steak has a richer flavor. It's an experience for your taste buds.

Nutritional Benefits of Hanger Steak

This cut is high in protein. It's a great source of iron and zinc, too. These nutrients are key for good health. Hanger steak stacks up well against pricier cuts.

Potential Drawbacks

Hanger steak can get tough if you don't cook it right. Overcooking is a big no-no. Also, it needs to be sliced against the grain. We'll show you how to avoid these issues.

How to Prepare Hanger Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to cook like a pro? Here's how to nail hanger steak every time.

Trimming and Marinating

First, trim that membrane and any silverskin. These parts are tough. Marinating adds even more flavor and tenderizes the meat. Use acidic marinades with lemon juice or vinegar. Enzymatic marinades with pineapple juice also work.

Cooking Methods

High heat is your friend. Grill it, pan-sear it, or broil it. Medium-rare is the sweet spot (130-135°F). Don't overcook it! Cooking time depends on the method. Grilling takes just a few minutes per side. Searing is also quick, giving a tasty crust.

Slicing Against the Grain

This is HUGE. After cooking, let the steak rest a bit. Then, find the direction of the muscle fibers. Slice across them, not with them. This makes the steak much more tender.

Hanger Steak Recipes and Serving Suggestions

Need some inspiration? Here are a few tasty ways to serve hanger steak.

Classic Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichurri

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs hanger steak
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red chili, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Trim the steak.
  2. Mix olive oil, vinegar, parsley, garlic, chili, salt, and pepper.
  3. Marinate steak for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Grill over high heat to medium-rare.
  5. Let rest, slice against the grain, and serve with extra chimichurri.

Hanger Steak Tacos with Pickled Onions

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb hanger steak
  • Taco shells
  • Pickled onions (recipe below)
  • Cilantro
  • Lime wedges

For Pickled Onions:

  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Make pickled onions: Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Add onions and let sit for 30 minutes.
  2. Grill or pan-sear hanger steak to medium-rare.
  3. Slice against the grain.
  4. Assemble tacos with steak, pickled onions, cilantro, and lime.

Pan-Seared Hanger Steak with Red Wine Reduction

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb hanger steak
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season steak with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear in olive oil over high heat to medium-rare.
  3. Remove steak and let rest.
  4. In the same pan, cook shallots until soft.
  5. Add red wine and reduce by half.
  6. Add beef broth and reduce again.
  7. Whisk in butter.
  8. Slice steak, top with sauce, and serve.

Where to Buy and How to Store Hanger Steak

Getting good hanger steak is key. Here's how and where to find it, plus how to keep it fresh.

Finding a Reputable Butcher

Local butchers are a great option. They often have high-quality cuts. High-end grocery stores also carry hanger steak. Look for a bright red color and good marbling.

Online Retailers

Lots of online meat delivery services exist. These services can ship hanger steak right to your door. Make sure they're reputable! Read reviews before ordering.

Proper Storage Techniques

Store hanger steak in the fridge wrapped tightly. Use plastic wrap or foil. Vacuum sealing is even better. For longer storage, freeze it. Vacuum-sealed steak can last for months in the freezer.

Conclusion

Hanger steak brings tons of flavor without costing a fortune. It's super versatile in the kitchen too. So, give hanger steak a try! Experiment with different recipes and cooking methods. Hanger steak is a hidden gem. Every steak lover should try it.

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