Thinking about dinner choices? Well, steak has always been a timeless classic. A perfectly cooked steak is a delight on its own. But add a flavorful crust, and you can take the deliciousness to new heights. If your mouth is watering just thinking about it, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s dive into the secrets of creating the perfect Parmesan steak crust with easy homemade recipes and expert cooking tips.
But, first things first. Why Parmesan?
Let’s begin by understanding that.
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Parmesan and Steak: The Perfect Pairing
Parmesan cheese has a nutty and slightly salty flavor, which pairs exceptionally well with steak. The sharpness of the Parmesan cheese when combined with the rich, savory flavors of a perfectly cooked steak, creates a taste sensation that is hard to beat. Parmesan forms a delightful crust on your steak when grated and combined with breadcrumbs and herbs, turning your ordinary meal into a culinary experience.
And let’s not forget to talk about the texture that a Parmesan crust adds to the steak. As the cheese melts and crisps under the heat, it forms a delightful contrast to the tender juiciness of the steak beneath. The crispy crust and the soft, succulent meat beneath create the perfect bite all steak lovers rave about.
Buying Steak: What Should You Use?
The type of steak you choose plays a significant role. Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon are all excellent choices due to their fat content and tenderness.
You should also consider the thickness of the steak. If you like your steak rare or medium rare, go for steak that is at least 1.5 to 2 inches thick. In case you like your steak medium, a 1.5-inch thick steak should do just fine. Opt for thinner steaks if you like yours well done. A 1-inch thickness is the best option for your preferred taste. Any thinner, and you risk the steak drying out excessively.
Now that we are clear about the steak, let’s move on to the recipe. We will start with the ingredients.
Ingredients for a Delicious Parmesan Steak Crust
Of course, the star of the show is Parmesan cheese. Opt for a block of high-quality Parmesan cheese that you can grate yourself. The freshness and quality of the cheese make a huge difference to the dish. The better the flavor profile and meltability of the cheese, the better the chances of achieving that oh-so-delicious outer crust.
And, then there is the steak.
Besides the Parmesan cheese and steak, here are some more ingredients that you will need.
- Fresh herbs: Some crushed garlic, thyme, rosemary, or oregano can add layers of flavor to the steak.
- Spices: Freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of smoked paprika can truly elevate the taste. You will need salt too.
- Panko bread crumbs: For that crispy crust.
- Ranch dressing: You may use some to enhance the richness of the cheese, but it is completely optional.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Parmesan Steak Crust
Here are the steps you need to follow to get the perfect Parmesan steak crust.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to about 225℉.
Step 2: Make your crust mixture. Grate some Parmesan cheese and mix it with some Panko bread crumbs. You may also add some ranch dressing to enhance the flavor of the mixture.
Step 3: Season the steak with salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice. Parmesan tends to be salty, so go easy on the salt.
Step 4: Heat a pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add a little bit of oil.
Step 5: Place the steak in the skillet and sear for a few minutes on each side till you get a golden brown crust.
Step 6: Remove the steak from the skillet onto a baking tray and spoon the Parmesan mixture on both sides. Ensure to get an even coating on both sides.
Step 7: Transfer the steak to the preheated oven and continue to cook until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Step 8: Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Parmesan steak crust goes well with a fresh, peppery arugula salad. If you are not much of a salad person, try some creamy risotto or garlic mashed potatoes with your steak. We bet you will love it.
Tips to Get the Perfect Parmesan Steak Crust (Everytime !)
Check out these handy tips to get the perfect crust on your steak each time.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your steak to ensure it is cooked to your liking. The temperature of a rare piece of steak is about 125℉ while that of a well-done piece is around 160℉. For medium to medium-rare the temperature of the meat should be around 135 to 145℉. Pull the steak off the heat just before it reaches your desired doneness, as it will continue cooking slightly with the residual heat.
- Don’t be tempted to use the Parmesan that you bought weeks ago. Buy fresh Parmesan so that when you pop the steak in the oven, the cheese melts evenly.
- Resting your steak is just as important as the cooking process. Once off the heat, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent and full of flavor.
As you can see, creating the perfect Parmesan steak crust at home is quite easy. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a meal that is sure to impress your friends and family.