What Is “Frying Steak”?

When picturing steak, most people think about the thick cuts of high-quality beef you find in restaurants. However, this is often seen as a luxury meal rather than one you’d eat everyday.

Such prime cuts of meat are typically expensive to buy and hard to cook to perfection (and probably best left to the experts).

One of the exceptions to this rule, though, is frying steak. This is one of the cheapest budget options out there and is much more accessible for those looking to enjoy a steak regularly.

But what is “frying steak”? Why are these steaks so cheap? And can they be cooked to a turn from the comfort of your home? Read on for our in-depth guide!

 

What Are Frying Steaks?

Frying steak, also known as minute steak, is a cheap cut of beef that is typically no more than 1 cm thick. This means it can be cooked in your frying pan on your kitchen hob within a few minutes, hence the term “minute steak.”

These steaks can come from various sections of a cow, including the sirloin and rump, but more commonly come from the flank, which is one of the cheapest cuts of beef available. Of course, this depends on the supermarket and the type of frying steak you’re buying.

Nevertheless, a pack of frying steaks can be purchased from your local supermarket for no more than a few pounds.

They are a great, healthy choice for those that are often on the go and are looking for a meal that is equal parts budget-friendly, quick, and tasty.

 

Are Frying Steaks Tough?

Frying steaks often have a reputation for being chewy and nasty. This isn’t because you’re using poor-quality meat. Instead, it’s all to do with cooking times.

Because frying steaks are cut so thin, they don’t require much cooking time at all. This is the case even if you like your steak well done.

People often overestimate the amount of time it takes to cook frying steaks. Too much time in the frying pan will leave you with a dried-out steak that is tough and very unpleasant to eat, resulting in them having a bad name.

However, cook frying steaks correctly, and you’ll be surprised by the delicious and tender results.

 

How Do You Cook Frying Steak?

It is easier than you think to make your frying steak tender! The below steps are guaranteed to leave you with a juicy steak that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

For these instructions, you will need a large frying pan, a frying steak, and basics like cooking oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasoning. Once you’ve gathered these things, follow these steps:

1. Remove the steak from its packaging and place it on a clean plate
2. Leave the steak to sit for 10 minutes at room temperature
3. Meanwhile, heat your frying pan and a little oil on the hob until hot
4. Brush each side of the steak with oil to prevent it from sticking
5. Season each side of the steak with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you desire
6. Fry the steak for a minute on each side, or slightly less if you prefer your steak rare

What Is the Best Seasoning for Frying Steak?

Another great way to improve the taste of your frying steak is to use seasonings.

There are many different ways to season a steak, the simplest of which is to coat each side with a fine layer of salt and pepper. For many, this is enough to bring out the delicious flavour of the beef, but for others, a spice rub is the way to go.

Many brands offer their own steak seasoning that is pre-mixed and can be purchased in a jar. However, it’s also possible to create a custom-made spice rub to suit your taste.

Some of the best herbs and spices to play around with include:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Chilli powder
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Sage
• Cumin
• Brown sugar

According to BBC Good Food, you will need to use sugar as a base if you want a sweet spice rub, mild spices (such as cumin or garlic) for a savoury one, and chilli powder for a spicy one.

Try different combinations of the listed seasonings, and experiment with your own ingredients until you find a spice mix that is perfect for you!