For many steak purists, it is profane to add anything other than a dash of salt and pepper to a steak. And there is something to be commended for that dedication. But for others like that to push the limits, trying out unique steak toppings is part of the appeal. Those that are boldly willing to ruin a steak to see if there’s another level to the deliciousness deserve praise as well. Being adventurous with food leads to amazing flavor combinations, but it also runs the risk of royally botching an already great food.
Perhaps it’s not a great idea to experiment the first time you try high grade Wagyu or Kobe beef. Trying these toppings on more reasonably priced steak may be a less traumatic experience than ruining a $100 steak. Nevertheless, these are toppings that may enhance the flavor profile of any type of steak. Give these a try and you may end up having a new favorite type of steak.
Steak Topping #1: Raw Roquefort Sheep’s Cheese
This unique cheese is a healthier, slightly more sophisticated, upgraded version of blue cheese. The flavor is sharp and tangy, the texture is creamy and smooth, all of which combines amazingly well with steak. The cheese is aged 3-5 months and will replace the need for salt. If desired, a slight amount of salt and pepper can be used before cooking your steak.
Adding crumbles of this cheese after flipping your steak will give it a pungent and tangy taste that is deeply satisfying. Mushrooms also would blend well with this cheese if you’re a fan of them on steak. Raw Roquefort sheep’s cheese can be purchased at any Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. To take this steak one step further, mix a high-grade parmesan with melted butter at the end and pour over the steak along with the sheep’s cheese.
Steak Topping # 2: Truffle Salt, Truffle Butter, and Umami
In order to infuse the most powerful flavor possible, all three products are essential to this recipe. Using truffle salt alone will lack the powerful truffle and umami flavor that make this topping all that it can be. A decent quality truffle salt, truffle infused butter, and umami flavoring will take your steaks to the next level if you enjoy these flavors.
The salt should be applied before cooking and just a pinch at the very end. The butter is at its most flavorful when used at the very end of cooking. Heating butter for even 90 seconds on high heat can severely dampen its amazing taste. Umami powder can be used while cooking the steak on both sides. Prepare for a taste explosion!
Steak Topping # 3: Cilantro, Thyme, Garlic, Olive oil, Red Wine Vinegar, and Parmesan Chimichuri
This blend is fantastic for those that enjoy these particular flavors. The parmesan and fresh spices infuse the steak with a flavor that pops in your mouth. Ghee or butter may be used in place of olive oil if you enjoy that buttery flavor on your steak. Prepare the topping by blending 1 bunch of cilantro, fresh thyme (without the stems), 1 garlic clove, 1.5 tablespoons of good quality parmesan cheese, and about 1/3rd teaspoon of sea salt.
Use 1.5 tablespoons of oil or melted ghee/butter, and 1 tablespoon of red wine or balsamic vinaigrette. Blend all the ingredients together and rub about half of the mixture on both sides of the steak before cooking. Keep applying the rest of the blend during and at the end of finishing the steak. Enjoy!