New York strip steak, also known as strip loin or Kansas City strip, comes from the beef loin and is one of the most flavorful, tender cuts of beef. When cooked properly, a strip steak makes for an incredible meal. Follow this complete guide to learn how to select, prepare, cook, and serve outstanding New York strip steaks every time.
Purchasing New York Strip Steaks
When shopping for strip steaks, look for:
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Uniform thickness, between 1-1.5 inches
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Good marbling throughout the meat
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Bright cherry-red color
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Minimal surface moisture
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Firm texture that springs back when pressed
The best strips steaks come from the loin primal located along the cow’s back Well-marbled steaks from this little-used muscle will be very tender and juicy Try to use fresh steaks within 4-5 days,
Preparing Strip Steaks for Cooking
Proper prep is crucial for cooking the perfect steak:
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Pat steaks dry with paper towels and let come to room temperature
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Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs
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Score lightly in a criss-cross pattern to help absorb flavors
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Consider pounding gently with a meat mallet to start tenderizing
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For ultimate tenderness and flavor, marinate 4-24 hours
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Preheat any pans or grill before cooking steaks
How to Cook a Perfect Strip Steak
There are several excellent cooking methods for strip steaks:
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Pan-sear over high heat 3-4 minutes per side to develop a flavorful crust
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Grill over direct high heat, 4 minutes each side for great char
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Broil under high heat 4-5 minutes per side until browned
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Reverse-sear by baking at 275°F then searing the exterior
For pan-searing, use a heavy skillet like cast iron. Baste steaks with butter, garlic and herbs as they finish cooking. Grill over hot coals or hardwood lump charcoal. Target an internal temperature of 125-135°F for medium-rare doneness.
Seasonings and Rubs for Flavorful Strip Steaks
Proper seasoning is vital for maximizing the flavor of strip steaks. Try:
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Kosher salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder
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Smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, cumin
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Soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic
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Rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest
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Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, red pepper flakes
Apply a dry rub generously before cooking, or marinate strips in a wet marinade like red wine vinegar and oil. Let seasoning penetrate deeply into the meat.
Serving Suggestions for New York Strip Steaks
Strip steaks deserve delicious accompaniments like:
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Roasted potatoes or potato gratin
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Sauteed mushrooms with garlic and thyme
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Steamed broccoli drizzled with lemon
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Fresh green salad or wedge salad
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Grilled asparagus or brussels sprouts
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Scalloped potatoes or mac and cheese
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Compound butter with herbs and roasted garlic
And don’t forget a nice red wine, a hearty stout, or an IPA to wash it all down! With the right prep, cook time, seasoning and sides, you can enjoy restaurant-quality strip steaks effortlessly at home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Strip Steaks
It’s easy to make little mistakes that ruin a perfect strip steak. Be sure to avoid:
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Not letting the steak come to room temperature before cooking
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Putting cold steak straight onto a hot pan or grill
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Cooking over high heat the entire time
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Moving the steak around too much during cooking
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Cutting into steak right after cooking instead of resting
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Underseasoning or overseasoning the meat
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Overcooking and drying out the steak
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Letting steak continue to cook after reaching desired doneness
With the proper preparation, seasoning, sear and cook time, you can cook flawless strip steaks every single time. Follow these tips for success!
FAQs About Cooking Strip Steaks from the Beef Loin
Get answers to some common questions about cooking delicious strip steaks at home:
What is the difference between a NY strip and a ribeye steak?
NY strip comes from the loin, while ribeye is from the rib section. Ribeyes have more fat marbling while NY strip is leaner.
What is the best thickness for strip steaks?
Aim for 1-1.5 inch thickness. Thinner strips overcook quickly while thicker cuts take longer to cook through.
How long should you cook a 1-inch thick strip steak?
Cook 4-5 minutes total over high heat, flipping halfway for medium-rare doneness. Check internal temp with a meat thermometer.
What is the healthiest way to cook a strip steak?
Grilling, broiling or pan-searing without added fat are healthiest. Marinate for flavor instead of using lots of butter or oil.
What are the best side dishes to serve with NY strip steak?
Simple steamed vegetables, potatoes, salad and crusty bread are excellent complements. Keep sides minimal to highlight the flavorful meat.
With the right prep, cooking method and technique, strip steaks from the beef loin become meals worthy of the best steakhouses. Enjoy restaurant-quality results at home!
3 Delicious Strip Steak Dinner Recipes to Try
Here are a few stellar strip steak dinner ideas:
Pan-Seared Strip Steak with Red Wine Sauce
Strip steak, butter, shallots, red wine, parsley, mashed potatoes
Grilled Strip Steak with Chimichurri
Strip steak, parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, rice
Strip Steak with Blue Cheese Compound Butter
Strip steak, blue cheese, butter, thyme, roasted brussels sprouts
The possibilities are endless for turning incredible strip steaks into fabulous meals. Use your favorite seasonings and pair with simple fresh sides. Enjoy your strip steak masterpieces!
How To Cook The BEST New York Strip Steak | Step By Step | Cooking Is Easy
FAQ
How should a New York strip be cooked?
How long do you cook a strip loin steak for?
Is beef loin New York strip steak good?
How do you cook a New York strip steak?
To cook a New York strip steak, season 2 lb (1 lb each) steaks, 1½ to 2 inches thick with salt on all sides. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the steaks for 1 minute on each side. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the steaks at low heat. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves garlic, skin on, and 1 sprig each of thyme and rosemary. Cook until the garlic is golden brown. Remove the garlic and herbs. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon butter over the steaks before serving.
How do you cook a strip steak in the oven?
To cook a strip steak in the oven, first preheat it to 450 degrees F. Season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper to taste. Heat a heavy pan, such as a cast iron skillet, over high heat. Add oil to the pan and then place the strip steaks in the pan, cooking them for 3-4 minutes per side or until deep golden brown. Once browned, transfer the steaks to the oven and add butter to the pan.
How do you cook a strip steak in a cast iron pan?
To cook a strip steak in a cast iron pan, heat a heavy pan such as a cast iron skillet over high heat and add the oil. Place the strip steaks in the pan in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until deep golden brown. After the steaks are cooked, add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Then, add the garlic cloves and thyme sprigs to the pan.
How long does it take to cook New York strip?
To cook a New York strip steak, first sear it on both sides on the stovetop. Then, transfer it to the oven and bake for 2-3 minutes for medium rare doneness. The cooking time may vary depending on the steak thickness and desired level of doneness.
