Parmesan Crusted Steak
Table of Contents
In my cozy kitchen, the aroma of sizzling steaks takes me back to Sunday dinners with my family, where laughter merged seamlessly with the savory scents wafting from the stove. There was something magical about those moments when a simple meal transformed into a cherished memory. Today, I’m inviting you to create one of those memories with me — a delightful Parmesan Crusted Steak that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious. This recipe is not just about the succulent taste of perfectly cooked steak; it’s about the joy of crafting a meal that brings people together. It’s about the comfort of knowing that, with just a few ingredients, you can create something extraordinary.
Imagine the tender bite of a New York Strip, its flavor enhanced by a crispy Parmesan crust that crackles with every chew. This dish is a celebration of textures and tastes — the creamy mix of mayonnaise and cheese, the fragrant hint of basil, and the subtle heat of black pepper. These elements combine to create a steak that’s not only an indulgence but also a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. It’s a dish that whispers of heartfelt gatherings and the warmth of home, where every bite is a reminder of the love that goes into a homemade meal.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
This Parmesan Crusted Steak brings a unique twist to traditional steak recipes, making it a delightful centerpiece for any dinner, whether a casual family meal or a special occasion. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your table:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of Parmesan cheese and garlic creates a crust that elevates the steak to new flavor heights. This crust provides a salty, savory kick that perfectly complements the juicy tenderness of the steak beneath, enhancing every mouthful with layers of deliciousness.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can craft a meal that feels like a gourmet experience without the fuss. Most of these ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, reducing the need for a special trip to the store. This means more time enjoying the meal and less time worrying about gathering ingredients.
- Versatile Cooking: Whether you’re using a smoker or a conventional oven, this recipe adapts beautifully, ensuring perfectly cooked steaks every time. This versatility allows you to adapt the cooking method to your preference or available equipment, ensuring you can achieve a perfect crust and juicy interior no matter your setup.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making it a great choice for family dinners. The familiar flavors of cheese and garlic appeal to all ages, while the steak provides a hearty main course that satisfies larger appetites.
- Memorable Experience: Creating this dish isn’t just about the meal; it’s about the experience and the memories you make while cooking and enjoying it together. Sharing the preparation process can be a fun and engaging way to bring family members into the kitchen, fostering a sense of community and shared accomplishment.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up this comforting dish, you won’t need much — just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade meals.
- Smoker or Grill: Essential for infusing the steak with that irresistible smoky flavor. A smoker adds depth to the steak’s flavor profile, while a grill provides those characteristic char marks and a slight smokiness.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Perfect for achieving a beautifully seared crust on the steak when broiled. The even heat distribution of a cast iron skillet ensures that the crust cooks evenly and becomes perfectly golden brown.
- Mixing Bowl: Handy for combining the Parmesan crust ingredients. A small mixing bowl keeps all your crust components together, allowing for easy application and minimal mess.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures your steak reaches the exact level of doneness you desire. Using a meat thermometer is crucial in achieving the perfect doneness, preventing overcooking and ensuring a juicy result.
- Oven Broiler: Helps melt the Parmesan crust to perfection with a bubbly, golden finish. The broiler’s intense heat quickly melts and browns the cheese, creating a delightful contrast with the tender steak.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
- 2 New York Strip Steaks (1.5 inches thick)
- 2 teaspoons Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub
- 3 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Turn on the smoker. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F. This low and slow cooking method will allow the steak to absorb maximum smoky flavor, which is crucial for this recipe’s taste.
- Prep the steaks. Season the New York strip steaks on all sides with Hey Grill Hey Signature Beef Seasoning (or equal parts salt and pepper). This step ensures an even distribution of flavor across the steaks, enhancing every bite with its savory profile.
- Make the Parmesan crust mixture. In a small bowl, combine the mayo, Parmesan, garlic, basil, and black pepper and set aside. This mixture will form the flavorful crust that sets this dish apart, so ensure it is well mixed for consistent coverage.
- Smoke the steaks. Place steaks on the smoker, close the lid, and cook until the internal temperature of the steaks are 10 degrees away from your target temperature. (Pull at 115 degrees F for rare, 125 for med rare, 135 for medium, 145 for medium-well, and 150 for well done). This gradual cooking method allows for even cooking throughout the steak, preventing the outside from overcooking before the inside is done.
- Preheat your oven. When your steak is nearly to temperature specified above, set your oven to High Broil. Place a cast iron skillet on the very top rack of your oven to preheat. It needs to preheat for about 8-10 minutes. Preheating the skillet ensures that the crust will begin cooking immediately upon contact, creating the desired texture.
- Add the Parmesan crust. Remove the steaks from the grill and place them on a plate. Top each steak with half of the Parmesan mixture. Carefully place the steaks onto the preheated cast iron skillet and slide them under the broiler. This step involves careful handling to keep the crust intact, so use a spatula for stability if needed.
- Broil the Parmesan crusted steaks. Broil for about 2-3 minutes, or until the Parmesan crust has melted and the top of the cheese is bubbly and browned. Your steak should be a few degrees under your final desired internal temperature, (125 degrees F for rare, 135 for medium rare, 145 for medium, 155 for medium well, and 160 for well done). This quick broil ensures a crisp crust without overcooking the steak.
- Rest and serve. Rest the steaks for 5-10 minutes. The carry over cooking and heat from the skillet should finish the cooking process while the steak rests in the skillet for 5-10 minutes. Remove the steaks from the skillet and serve. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Difficulty: Medium • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 30 minutes • Total Time: 45 minutes • Calories: 550 • Servings: 2
Note: For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan crust mixture. This addition can add another layer of flavor complexity, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
This Parmesan Crusted Steak not only promises delightful flavors but also comes with some surprising benefits:
- Parmesan Cheese: High in calcium and protein, adding a rich, nutty flavor to the crust. Parmesan is also lower in fat compared to other cheeses, making it a flavorful yet healthier choice.
- Garlic: Known for its potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. Garlic also adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
- Basil: Provides a fresh, aromatic touch while offering antioxidants that support overall health. The inclusion of basil adds a subtle herby note that complements the richness of the steak and cheese.
- Black Pepper: Enhances flavor with a gentle heat and aids digestion. Black pepper’s presence ensures that the dish has a balanced spice level, accentuating the other flavors without overpowering them.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These Parmesan Crusted Steaks are versatile companions to various beverages and dishes, making them perfect for any occasion:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, they complement the rich flavors of the steak. The smooth texture and buttery taste of mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with steak, providing a perfect balance of flavors.
- Grilled Asparagus: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast to the tender steak. The earthy taste of asparagus works well alongside the savory steak, creating a well-rounded meal.
- Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with the savory crust and juicy steak. The wine’s acidity and tannins cut through the richness of the steak, enhancing the dining experience.
- Caesar Salad: The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons offer a refreshing balance to the meal. A Caesar salad’s crisp lettuce and bold flavors provide a nice contrast and lightness to the steak.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
If you have any leftovers from this delightful meal, storing them properly ensures that they remain delicious:
- Refrigeration: Store the leftover steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Proper storage prevents the steak from drying out and keeps it fresh for longer.
- Reheating: To maintain the steak’s juiciness, reheat it in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F until warm. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the steak rubbery and tough.
- Creative Leftovers: Slice leftover steak thinly and use it in sandwiches or salads for a quick and tasty lunch. This method allows you to enjoy the flavors of the steak in a new and convenient form, making it easy to incorporate into your meals.
As we close the chapter on this culinary journey, remember that every meal you create is a chance to bring warmth and joy into your home. This Parmesan Crusted Steak is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around the table, share stories, and savor the simple pleasures of homemade cooking. Let’s cherish these moments, for they are the heart of what makes Easy Peasy Recipes a beloved part of our kitchens. Whether it’s a weekend dinner or a special celebration, this dish will surely create lasting memories with each delicious bite. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and may your kitchen be filled with love and laughter!
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Parmesan Crusted Steak
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Turn on the smoker. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F.
- Prep the steaks. Season the New York strip steaks on all sides with Hey Grill Hey Signature Beef Seasoning (or equal parts salt and pepper).
- Make the Parmesan crust mixture. In a small bowl, combine the mayo, Parmesan, garlic, basil, and black pepper and set aside.
- Smoke the steaks. Place steaks on smoker, close the lid, and cook until the internal temperature of the steaks are 10 degrees away from your target temperature. (Pull at 115 degrees F for rare, 125 for med rare, 135 for medium, 145 for medium-well, and 150 for well done).
- Preheat your oven. When your steak is nearly to temperature specified above, set your oven to High Broil. Place a cast iron skillet on the very top rack of your oven to preheat. It needs to preheat for about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan crust. Remove the steaks from the grill and place them on a plate. Top each steak with half of the Parmesan mixture. Carefully place the steaks onto the preheated cast iron skillet and slide them under the broiler.
- Broil the Parmesan crusted steaks. Broil for about 2-3 minutes, or until the Parmesan crust has melted and the top of the cheese is bubbly and browned. Your steak should be a few degrees under your final desired internal temperature, (125 degrees F for rare, 135 for medium rare, 145 for medium, 155 for medium well, and 160 for well done).
- Rest and serve. Rest the steaks for 5-10 minutes. The carry over cooking and heat from the skillet should finish the cooking process while the steak rests in the skillet for 5-10 minutes. Remove the steaks from the skillet and serve.
