Steak-ing My Claim

It’s Friday, and if there is one thing I know that will happen tonight, it’s that my dear blogger compatriot Emily will be eating steak for dinner. Why? Because she’s got Big Guy.

Big Guy is a legend (at least in my mind) when it comes to grillin’ and smokin’ and generally tamin’ some meat, so when it came time to tackle “cook a steak” on my Culinary Bucket List, I knew just where to turn. For roasting a chicken, I consulted my blog mama…for steak? There could only be Big Guy.

Ribeyes. They are Big Guy’s favorite. Usually we rely on BQ (our grill – yes, it has a name) to turn a piece of pink beef into a pure masterpiece but sometimes grilling isn’t the best option (AKA during a hurricane).

Now, usually Big Guy will grill (rain, shine, sleet, snow) but I would never, ever turn on the grill. Kind of like how I’ll never mow the grass. (Yes, you can mark my word on that.)

So why a ribeye? Basically because it’s fatty. And no, it’s not good fat like avocados and nut butters. But you know what, you only live once. The fat on the ribeye makes it cut like butter. It’ll melt in your mouth and you’ll probably close your eyes while eating……and thank the good-Lord that this cow had some extra “l-bs” on him. I like my thighs thin and a ribeye thick.

[Me too, apparently.][I even clapped and did the "happy food" dance.]

With that being said, we personally buy boneless ribeyes. About 1-inch thick.

[This is how I measure inches.]

You want them large. Every time Big Guy brings home a steak and cringe when I see the size – think newborn. That’s how big they usually are. I guess Big Guy gets his nickname for a reason.

[1.335 lbs. Not quite a newborn, but too shabby, eh?]

So…you want to put those bad boys on the counter about an hour or so before cooking. An extra cold steak doesn’t like a hot-hot surface.

[Yes, I did leave it on the counter just like this. For all my roommates new I'd pulled a GOB Bluth and stuffed a dead dove inside. (Although he was kind enough to mark it.)]

Usually we keep it simple – give it a good rub with olive oil (I usually use the garlic infused stuff)… and sprinkle on the grill seasoning (Montreal Steak – nothing fancy, folks).

[I made my own blend of cumin, Garlic Gold nuggets, paprika (smoked AND sweet), black and red pepper, onion powder, and salt.]

Now, some people like to brush on melted butter. But that’s not how we roll.

When it’s eatin’ time, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and put your cast iron on the stovetop and heat over medium-high.

[No cast iron skillet...but a cast iron grill pan? I've got that.]

Use your choice of fat. Yep, add more fat (this isn’t for those on a diet). Like I said, we usually use olive oil but butter would add fantastic flavor. Paula Deen may even stop by.

[I chose butter. I'm still waiting for Paula.]

Heat up that skillet – then add the ribeyes. Let them sear for about 4 minutes. [I don't trust the stove timer. The timer I used to use for timed state-mandated tests when I was teaching? I trusted that.]

Don’t mess with the ribeyes. They’re kind of like Big Guy – he likes to be looked at but not touched. (He would nevvvvver agree to getting a couples massage.)

[Excuse me, I'm laughing too hard to pay attention. Good thing I set that timer.]

Turn them over and pop into the oven for about 12 minutes. This will give you a perfectly cooked medium-rare ribeye. If you want to ruin the steak (aka – medium) leave it in there for about 2 more minutes.

[Don't hate me for overcooking it a bit, Big Guy!
It was my stupid need to take pictures that got in my way...]

Sometimes I serve a little horseradish on the side.

[I tried it. I liked it.]

But a perfectly cooked steak only needs a fork and knife….And a hungry belly.

[And a baked potato.]

[And this salad.]

[Spinach topped with oranges, sundried tomatoes, and capers.
Sounds weird...but trust me. It will turn a salad hater into a believer.]
————–

After letting Emily and Big Guy know that I was going to wait until steaks went on sale, I was sent an immediate reply via email from Big Guy himself!*
*”The man…the myth…the legend.”

One thing Emily forgot to mention–don’t spare any expense when it comes to a good ribeye. You only eat them a couple of times a month.

[One a year? Maybe?]

It’s well worth the cost.

[$22.68 would have still felt steep to me...]

Wink at your butcher and see where it gets you!

[Or conveniently remember you have a Groupon to The Meat House,
resulting in a beautiful ribeye costing only $4.00. ]

—————-

Now before y’all get your cows in a cluster,* there was a reason I didn’t consult Papa Smart for this adventure. Yes, he makes a beautiful steak, but he also makes amazing chili…which is what he’ll be helping me with later this winter.
*I just made that up. I don’t know what that really means.

However, I did call him after it was finished when I had a minor panic attack realizing I didn’t really know how to CUT the dang steak. He helped me solve that issue, and also left me with these wise words:

“One of the best things about having steak for dinner
is getting to eat a steak sandwich the next day.”