Steak Fondue: Is New York Strip A Good Choice?

New York Strip Steak, also known as ambassador steak, strip loin steak, Kansas City strip, club steak, or the Omaha Strip, is a popular choice for steak lovers. It is known for its bold, beefy flavour, great texture, and tenderness. When it comes to cooking this mouth-watering cut of beef, the question arises: would it be suitable for fondue?

Fondue is a Swiss dish where small pieces of food are dipped into a communal pot of melted cheese or hot oil, cooked, and then eaten. While New York Strip Steak has the ideal characteristics for various cooking methods such as broiling, searing, or grilling, its suitability for fondue is questionable.

The steak's thickness, which is typically between 1 to 1.5 inches, may not be ideal for fondue. Additionally, the recommended cooking time and temperature for a New York Strip Steak are different from the quick dip in hot oil that fondue entails. To achieve the perfect doneness and maximise its flavour and juiciness, the steak is usually cooked using specific techniques like searing and grilling at high temperatures.

Therefore, while New York Strip Steak is a delicious and tender cut of beef, it may not be the best choice for fondue due to its thickness and the specific cooking requirements.

What is a New York Strip Steak?

The New York strip steak is a tender, flavourful cut of beef that comes from the short loin, which is located on the back of the animal. It is also known as the ambassador steak, strip loin steak, Kansas City strip, club steak, or Omaha Strip. The name 'New York' comes from the great steakhouses of New York City, where it was first served.

The New York strip is cut from the beef short loin, sometimes with the bone attached but most often as a boneless steak. If the butcher leaves the strip loin and tenderloin intact through the short loin, the short loin will transform into T-bone and porterhouse steaks. The short loin is one of the most marbled and flavourful areas of beef. The New York strip has a bold, beefy flavour and a great texture. It is not the most tender steak, but its bite and solid chew are part of its appeal.

The New York strip is a popular choice for grilling, pan-frying, or broiling. It is typically seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and served rare or medium-rare.

How to cook a New York Strip Steak

New York Strip Steak is a cut of beef that comes from the short loin of a cow. It is particularly tender because this muscle is not heavily used by the animal.

Step 1:

Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This step is optional, as some prefer to cook the steak straight from the fridge to get a better sear.

Step 2:

Preheat your oven to 450-500°F.

Step 3:

Season the steak generously on both sides with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices such as garlic powder and smoked paprika, but be aware that they may char in the hot pan.

Step 4:

Heat a heavy pan, preferably a cast-iron skillet, over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or ghee.

Step 5:

Place the steak in the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side without moving it, to create a nice crust. For a thicker steak, you may need to cook it for a bit longer.

Step 6:

For an extra touch of flavour, add a few tablespoons of butter to the pan and let it melt. You can also add garlic cloves and fresh thyme sprigs or other herbs of your choice. Spoon the melted butter over the steak.

Step 7:

Transfer the steak to the preheated oven and cook to your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak:

• Medium-Rare: 135°F
• Medium: 145°F
• Medium-Well: 150-155°F
• Well-Done: 160°F

Step 8:

Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy steak.

Step 9:

Slice the steak and serve immediately.

Tips:

• If you are using a thinner steak (about 1/2-inch thick), you can simply pan-fry it without finishing it in the oven.
• For a thicker steak, you may need to increase the cooking time in the oven.
• If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, you can use a carbon steel or stainless steel skillet, but the crust may not be as crispy.
• Make sure to pat the steak dry before seasoning it, as moisture can prevent a good sear from forming.
• If you want to get creative, you can make a compound butter with garlic, thyme, and other herbs and spoon it over the steak after it's done cooking.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked New York Strip Steak!

How to reheat a New York Strip Steak

Reheating a New York Strip Steak requires a bit of care to ensure it doesn't dry out or become overcooked. Here is a detailed guide on how to reheat your steak while retaining its flavour and texture:

Oven to Stovetop Method:

This method provides the best balance of a juicy interior and a crisp exterior.

• Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C).
• Place a cooling rack inside a shallow baking sheet. The rack ensures even heat distribution and allows excess fat to drip away.
• Put your steak on the rack and place it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 100-110°F (37-43°C).
• Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is almost smoking, add the steak to the pan and cook for about 60 seconds on each side to recreate a crispy exterior.
• Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Stovetop Method:

This method is suitable for thinner pieces of steak and retains the outside sear.

• Allow your steak to reach room temperature.
• Heat a teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
• Place the steak in the pan and cover it with a lid for a few seconds to circulate heat.
• Cook the steak for a short time, being careful not to overcook it.
• Chop the steak into bite-sized pieces and add it to recipes like a steak and egg hash or a fajita quesadilla.

Air Fryer Method:

Air fryers are great for heating steak as they cook quickly and create a crispy crust.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the steak directly into the air fryer basket and close the drawer.
• Cook for 3-5 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your steak.

Microwave Method:

Although not ideal, you can use a microwave if it's your only option.

• Place the steak on a microwave-safe plate and cover it loosely with a slightly damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Set your microwave to medium heat and cook the steak in 30-second intervals, flipping it in between.
• Reheat for a total of 90 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on your microwave's power and the thickness of your steak.
• This method may result in a juicy steak, but it won't be as crisp as other methods.

What to look for when buying a New York Strip Steak

When buying a New York Strip Steak, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best quality. Firstly, look for a steak that is nice and thick, with a good amount of marbling—the small white lines of fat within the meat. This marbling will melt into the steak as it cooks, infusing it with flavour and keeping it juicy. While there will be plenty of fat lines, they are not very deep, making the steak leaner and easier to cook.

You should also look for a steak that is evenly carved to ensure even and consistent cooking. The thickness of the steak will depend on your preference and how you plan to cook it. For example, if you are pan-frying your steak, a thinner steak of about 1/2 inch thick is recommended. If you are grilling your steak, a thicker cut of about 1.5 inches is ideal.

When it comes to the grade of the steak, USDA choice or USDA prime are good options, with prime being the better choice if you want the highest quality.

Finally, consider the colour of the steak. A bright red steak is a good indicator of freshness and quality.

By following these tips, you'll be sure to find a great New York Strip Steak that will deliver a delicious and juicy dining experience.

What to serve with a New York Strip Steak

New York strip steak is a flavourful and tender cut of meat. It is best served simply, with the meat as the star of the dish.

To cook the perfect New York strip steak, you should sear it in a hot cast-iron skillet and then finish it in the oven. This will give you a deep brown crust on the exterior and a juicy interior.

You can serve the steak with a variety of side dishes, such as:

• A simple salad, such as a tomato salad, arugula salad, or cucumber tomato salad.
• Mashed cauliflower.
• Roasted carrots.
• Caramelised shallots.
• Sauteed kale.
• Mashed or baked potatoes.
• Roasted green beans.
• Roasted brussels sprouts.
• Roasted asparagus.
• Roasted broccolini.
• Creamed spinach.

Frequently asked questions