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by The Team
Unless you’re a steak lover, the term ‘blue steak’ is probably something you only see on the menu in steakhouses or hear from your more adventurous carnivore friends. You know it’s some type of steak, but you probably have no clue what it tastes like or how it’s prepared.
Barely cooked but not overlooked: The curious case of blue steak.
Quick hint: If you’re into steak tartare or rare steaks, you’re in for a treat with blue steak. It is, in fact, also called blue rare steak and has been gaining popularity with the more daring eaters. But the truth is, if cooked right, blue steak offers a tasty reward to those who dare try it.
One thing’s for sure: blue steak isn’t your average steak. Blue steak is created by cooking steak at an extremely high heat for a very short period of time (medium-rare steak is prepared slightly longer).
Imagine a steak that’s cooked so briefly that it’s essentially still raw on the inside yet boasts a beautifully seared exterior. This is exactly what blue steak is—a unique and exciting culinary experience that celebrates the pure essence of top-quality beef. Blue rare steaks are often characterised by their bright red centre, giving them a striking appearance.
The ‘blue’ in ‘blue steak’ refers to the distinctive purplish-blue shade seen in freshly cut, raw meat. This colouration occurs because the meat has not yet been exposed to oxygen. When exposed to air, meat typically turns red due to oxygenation. In the culinary context, ‘blue rare’ steak is the initial stage of cooking, where the steak is seared very briefly. This method preserves the steak’s original blue colour, indicating minimal cooking and a cool, raw centre.
Given how blue steak is cooked, it’s not uncommon for people to raise concerns about its safety. But rest assured, blue steak is safe to eat when handled and cooked correctly. It’s also crucial to obtain fresh, high-quality meat from trusted sources. Manettas, for example, is a leading online marketplace that delivers a wide range of steaks and seafood.
Since blue steak involves raw or undercooked meat, it presents the risk of foodborne pathogens. You just need to follow food safety guidelines to minimise the risk.
Blue steak and rare steak often get mistaken for twins, but they’re more like close cousins. Both aim for a cool, red centre, but blue steak takes it to an extreme. A rare steak is cooked just a tad longer, resulting in a warmer centre.
Blue steak, on the other hand, is the maverick of the steak world—it’s cooked properly for an incredibly short time, maintaining a raw quality that’s truly exceptional.
Also known as ‘Pittsburgh blue steak,’ black and blue steak is a variation of blue steak but with a unique twist. It involves searing the exterior of the steak to create a charred, blackened crust while maintaining the interior of the meat rare or even raw. With blue steak, on the other hand, you get a steak with a browned, crispy crust.
The preparation method for ‘Pittsburgh steak’ combines the charred, smoky flavours from high-heat searing with the distinctive qualities of raw meat.
There are different stories about the origin of the term ‘Pittsburgh steak.’ One famous story traces back to the steel mill workers in Pittsburgh, United States. These workers, often in need of a quick, high-calorie meal, would cook their steaks on the blazing hot equipment they worked with, giving rise to this unique culinary style.
When it comes to crafting the perfect blue steak, selecting the right cut is crucial. Certain cuts stand out for their tenderness and marbling, making them ideal choices to elevate your blue steak experience. These specific cuts, with their unique textures and flavours, are ideal for achieving that delectably rare, mouthwatering blue steak:
Tenderloin steak is celebrated for its tenderness, offering minimal connective tissue and high marbling content. It has a lean yet buttery texture, which makes it an ideal choice for blue steak connoisseurs.
Turn to Manettas for high-quality, tender cuts like these beef tenderloin steaks.
Flat iron steaks are thick enough to achieve the desired charred exterior for blue steak—while keeping the interior rare during the quick searing process. It’s also a tender cut known for its rich marbling.
With its great balance of tenderness and flavour, the sirloin tip is another fantastic option for blue steak. While not exactly one of the most tender steaks, it’s good enough for that quick searing and doesn’t result in a tough or chewy texture.
Get sirloin steak delivered to your home and discover why it’s great for blue steak.
While some cuts shine when prepared as blue steak, others are better suited for different cooking methods. Here are a few cuts to avoid if you’re looking to cook a blue steak:
Turn your gastronomic adventure up a notch by cooking blue steak yourself. For this, you’ll need a dash of confidence and all the right ingredients.
The secret to a perfect blue steak lies in hitting the right internal temperature. As mentioned earlier, aim for around 32°C (90°F ). This temperature maintains a cool, raw centre while delivering that delightful seared crust on the outside.
When you take a bite of blue steak, prepare for an explosion of pure beefy goodness. Blue steak offers the unadulterated essence of beef, preserving its natural flavours. And due to its level of doneness, the meat practically melts in your mouth.
The lightly seared crust adds a delightful contrast to the cool, tender centre. It’s a culinary experience that’s all about the quality of the meat and the skill of the cook. But that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare it at home (more on this later).
Like other levels of doneness for beef, blue steak contains essential nutrients, especially since the meat is practically raw. Its nutritional profile varies depending on the type of cut, but regardless of the variation, it typically includes these nutrients:
Absolutely! Blue steak isn’t reserved for fancy restaurants. With the right cuts of meat and a little practice, you can bring this extraordinary culinary adventure and blue steak taste to your own kitchen.
Cooking a blue steak can be a unique and flavourful experience. Here are some additional tips to ensure a successful preparation:
Blue steak, a culinary gem, is an experience tailor-made for those with a taste for adventure. It’s a must-try, regardless of whether you’re a steak connoisseur. Blue steak’s intense, unfiltered flavour is a true indulgence for those who appreciate the essence of meat in its purest form.
For the ultimate blue steak experience, order your steaks from Manettas and have them delivered to your doorstep. Eating blue steak cooked to perfection at home starts here! And while you’re at it, explore our website for other irresistible steak recipes that will captivate your palate.
