It's time to be honest with ourselves: Steak is one of the greatest gifts of the culinary meat world. While that might be a bit of a dramatic over-exaggeration, the point remains the same: Steak is incredible.
While there are plenty of amazing steakhouses out there for grilled options, it can be cooked in many ways. The variety of ways in which it can be cooked only serves to further the argument that steak is truly a beloved dish. The fact that veggies are often cooked with a steak-like intent (cauliflower "steak" for instance) shows that steak is basically the popular kid table in the cafeteria. And if grilled steak is the popular kid, then steak that's been fried, roasted, or paired would likely be its friends.
Enough with the analogies and let's talk meat. Philly isn't the only place famous for its steak dish, and countries around the world have their own take on how it should be cooked. It's time to reveal their secrets.
Korean BBQ: Kalbi Flank Steak
Korean BBQ is known for its traditionally sweet and savory spice mix but when it comes to seasoning steak with that, it's truly second to none. There's something about the way the flames over an open grill add the slightest bit of caramelization to this flavor-packed marinade, and while it can be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets, it's best made from scratch. This isn't your typical BBQ dish, and this Korean staple is traditionally served with rice and veg, and when all of those sides are soaking up this beautiful steak juice, there's something purely magical about it. Pro tip: Marinade steak for days rather than hours; a minimum of six hours is recommended.
UK Slow Roast: Steak And Ale Pie
It's incredible to know that today's steak and ale pie was inspired by what was once known as mincemeat pie (and before that, something even more organ-y). While similar to a Shepard's Pie, the steak and ale pie is akin to a chicken pot pie, but with various cuts of steak. By slow-roasted a tough cut, the resulting meat is a tender, fall-apart-in-your-mouth type of delicious. This, combined with a thick beef sauce, hearty veggies, and a buttery pie crust, and you have nothing short of wintery perfection.
A Southern-Fried Favorite: Chicken Fried Steak
Treating steak like it's a piece of chicken has its benefits, and chicken fried steak is one of them. While treated a bit differently than a traditional steak dish, chicken-fried steak is pounded to a thin layer until tender, then breaded and fried. The result is something similar to Weiner schnitzel but then topped with a creamy, thick gravy. Served over mashed potatoes and alongside steamed veg, this dish is an absolutely staple in the Southern half of the US. It's also great when served as breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making it one of the most versatile (and satisfying) steak dishes as well.
An Anytime Comfort Food: Steak And Eggs
Steak and eggs is seen in many countries around the world in various forms. While it's uber-popular in the US, it's so versatile that even every state seems to have its own twist on the dish. The core flavor remains the same, though: That runny yolk combined with each tender bite of steak.
Whether the steak has been marinated, grilled, roasted, or pan-seared, it's a dish that's common for brunch and great to treat the morning after hangover - if you know what we mean! Sop up the extra juices with some toast and you'll be good to go.