Strip steak: what it is and how to prepare the cut

Strip steak is a type of beef cut that can be taken from various parts of the animal. Furthermore, it is used in different preparations, especially for barbecues and grills, where picanha (top sirloin cap) and contrafilé (sirloin) are excellent cut options.

However, to prepare the cut well, it is necessary to understand how to select the cut and choose the best strip steak for your barbecue.

With this in mind, CIMO has prepared exclusive content on the topic! Today, you will learn all the details related to preparing strip steak!

Is your knife sharp? Then, let's go!

Learn how to select your strip steak

The strip steak can be obtained from the front part of the sirloin piece or the core of the picanha — the famous softer and juicier part. The cut is made in the direction of the length, unlike the traditional way, in which rounded steaks are cut.

Both meats are great options for barbecue; check out the details of each:

1. The sirloin, also known as chorizo, is a large piece that originates from the hindquarter of the ox. One of the greatest virtues of this meat is its texture. It is an excellent option for a tender and flavorful strip steak.

2. The picanha is a cut characterized by its tenderness and strong flavor, which comes from an external layer of fat that coats it; it is fattier than the sirloin. It is a very marbled meat.

The tenderness of the meat comes precisely from how it is cut into strips, as this cutting method favors the fibers of the piece and preserves the entire layer of fat that surrounds it. The fat is one of the main responsible for maintaining flavor and moisture.

Opt for a good knife to prepare strip steak

To prepare strip steak, it is important to sharpen your knives well! This is because with a sharp edge, you can cut the meat without applying force, and it also helps you make more complex cuts on the surfaces.

Strip steak is cut longitudinally, that is, from the tip to the base of the piece. To do this correctly, it is necessary to use well-sharpened knives.

Cutting techniques for strip steak

To make strip steak, you must first trim the ends and sides of the picanha or sirloin; in other words, the meat should be rectangular, without rounded ends. With the meat cut into a rectangle, begin to cut the steak into strips, in the longitudinal direction — that is, from one end to the other.

It is worth noting that the ends and sides of the meat can be set aside and used later to make another meal. This avoids waste, especially since picanha and sirloin are more expensive beef cuts.

How to season and marinate strip steak?

To enhance the flavor, we must be generous with the seasoning.

1. Add coarse salt to taste;

2. Add rosemary leaves;

3. Place it in a container;

4. Add a little red wine.

There is also the option of using bay leaf, mild seasoning to taste, garlic, and vinegar (which can be replaced by lemon if desired) — the latter two ingredients are essential for the marinade's acidity.

The marinade should be done on fresh meat and left for at least 6 hours. However, some recipes suggest leaving it for 12 to 24 hours.

To make a great marinade, follow CIMO's tips:

• Be careful with acid: acid in the marinade is good, but care must be taken because it can make the meat tough.

• Be generous with seasoning: it's important to use seasonings, be generous with garlic and coarse salt, this will enhance the flavor;

• Respect the time: it's important to leave the meat in the marinade for a few hours; however, ideally, it should be left overnight for the flavors to meld;

• Select the right ingredients: the choice of ingredients is essential for a successful marinade; if using lemon, vinegar, or wine, choose quality products;

As we have seen, the marinating and seasoning process is extremely important during meat preparation. Therefore, consider these tips when preparing a good feast.

Complete your reading by checking out the main seasonings for each type of meat!

Tips on how to make strip steak

A good recommendation is to use the grill over hot coals, but without flames. After removing the meat from the container, let it rest for five minutes, then place it on the grill.

Grill each side for approximately 7 to 8 minutes. It is worth noting that the fatty part should also be placed on the grill to cook, so the meat does not become 'rubbery' — gaining juiciness and flavor.

It is important not to leave the meat on the coals for too long, as this can compromise its tenderness and flavor. Cut a small piece and observe if the inside of the meat is medium (neither raw nor overcooked).

A good barbecue starts with choosing the ingredients. When buying any meat option, avoid those with too much blood in the packaging, as this means they are dried out. This is an important point of attention for those who want a quality cut.

Ideal side dishes for strip steak

Some side dishes pair perfectly with the meat, such as:

• Farofa (toasted cassava flour);

• Vinagrete (vinaigrette salsa);

• Mayonnaise;

• Mashed potatoes or sweet potato puree;

• Vegetable salad;

• Garlic bread;

• Arroz de carreteiro (cowboy rice).

Take the opportunity to check out other side dishes that are perfect for barbecues!

With these combinations, your barbecue is sure to be perfect! Now you know how to make this type of steak and what side dishes to serve with it.

Check out CIMO's Barbecue and Adventure section and get the best utensils for your barbecue!