Dry Brining Steaks

Dry brining is a technique that has gained popularity among professional chefs and home cooks alike. It involves seasoning meat with salt and allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for a period of time before cooking. This technique can be used on various types of meat, but it is especially popular with steak. In this article, we will explore the benefits of dry brining steak and how to do it properly.

What is Dry Brining?

Dry brining is the process of seasoning meat with salt and allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for a period of time before cooking. The salt draws out moisture from the meat, which is then reabsorbed along with the salt, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.

Why Dry Brine Steak?

Dry brining has several benefits when it comes to steak. First, it helps to tenderize the meat by breaking down some of the proteins. This results in a more tender and juicy steak. Second, the salt helps to enhance the flavor of the steak. Finally, dry brining can also help to create a more even cook, as the moisture drawn out by the salt is redistributed throughout the steak during the cooking process.

How to Dry Brine Steak?

To dry brine a steak, follow these simple steps:

1. Choose a steak that is at least 1 inch thick. Thicker steaks will benefit more from dry brining than thinner ones.

2. Season the steak generously with kosher salt. Use about 1 teaspoon of salt per pound of meat. Be sure to coat both sides of the steak.

3. Place the steak on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This will allow air to circulate around the steak, which will help it dry out and absorb the salt.

4. Place the steak in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight. The longer you dry brine the steak, the more tender and flavorful it will be.

5. When you are ready to cook the steak, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.

6. Rinse the steak under cold water to remove any excess salt. Pat the steak dry with paper towels.

7. Cook the steak as desired. Dry brining will help to create a more even cook, so you should get a perfectly cooked steak every time.

Tips for Dry Brining Steak

• Use kosher salt rather than table salt. Kosher salt has larger crystals, which will help to draw out more moisture from the steak.

• Be sure to use a wire rack when dry brining the steak. This will allow air to circulate around the steak, which will help it dry out and absorb the salt.

• Don't overdo it with the salt. Use about 1 teaspoon of salt per pound of meat.

• Be patient. The longer you dry brine the steak, the more tender and flavorful it will be.

Conclusion

Dry brining is a simple yet effective technique for improving the flavor and tenderness of steak. By following these simple steps, you can dry brine a steak and achieve restaurant-quality results at home. So next time you're cooking steak, give dry brining a try and see the difference it makes!