What is Blue Steak?

Unless you’re a steak lover, the term ‘blue steak’ is probably something you only see on the menu in steakhouses or hear from your more adventurous carnivore friends. You know it’s some type of steak, but you probably have no clue what it tastes like or how it’s prepared.

Barely cooked but not overlooked: The curious case of blue steak.

Quick hint: If you’re into steak tartare or rare steaks, you’re in for a treat with blue steak. It is, in fact, also called blue rare steak and has been gaining popularity with the more daring eaters. But the truth is, if cooked right, blue steak offers a tasty reward to those who dare try it.

Contents:

1. So, What is Blue Steak?
2. Is Blue Steak Safe to Eat?
3. What are the Best Cuts for Blue Steak?
4. Cuts You Shouldn’t Cook Blue
5. Understanding the Right Temperature for Blue Steak
6. What Does Blue Steak Taste Like?
7. Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
8. Can You Cook Blue Steak at Home?
9. Blue Rare Steak: Rewarding the Adventurous

So, What is Blue Steak?

One thing’s for sure: blue steak isn’t your average steak. Blue steak is created by cooking steak at an extremely high heat for a very short period of time (medium-rare steak is prepared slightly longer).

Imagine a steak that’s cooked so briefly that it’s essentially still raw on the inside yet boasts a beautifully seared exterior. This is exactly what blue steak is—a unique and exciting culinary experience that celebrates the pure essence of top-quality beef. Blue rare steaks are often characterised by their bright red centre, giving them a striking appearance.

Why is it called ‘blue’ steak?

The ‘blue’ in ‘blue steak’ refers to the distinctive purplish-blue shade seen in freshly cut, raw meat. This colouration occurs because the meat has not yet been exposed to oxygen. When exposed to air, meat typically turns red due to oxygenation. In the culinary context, ‘blue rare’ steak is the initial stage of cooking, where the steak is seared very briefly. This method preserves the steak’s original blue colour, indicating minimal cooking and a cool, raw centre.

Is Blue Steak Safe to Eat?

Given how blue steak is cooked, it’s not uncommon for people to raise concerns about its safety. But rest assured, blue steak is safe to eat when handled and cooked correctly. It’s also crucial to obtain fresh, high-quality meat from trusted sources. Manettas, for example, is a leading online marketplace that delivers a wide range of steaks and seafood.

Since blue steak involves raw or undercooked meat, it presents the risk of foodborne pathogens. You just need to follow food safety guidelines to minimise the risk.

Blue Steak vs Rare Steak

Blue steak and rare steak often get mistaken for twins, but they’re more like close cousins. Both aim for a cool, red centre, but blue steak takes it to an extreme. A rare steak is cooked just a tad longer, resulting in a warmer centre. 

Blue steak, on the other hand, is the maverick of the steak world—it’s cooked properly for an incredibly short time, maintaining a raw quality that’s truly exceptional.

Blue Steak vs Black and Blue Steak

Also known as ‘Pittsburgh blue steak,’ black and blue steak is a variation of blue steak but with a unique twist. It involves searing the exterior of the steak to create a charred, blackened crust while maintaining the interior of the meat rare or even raw. With blue steak, on the other hand, you get a steak with a browned, crispy crust.

The preparation method for ‘Pittsburgh steak’ combines the charred, smoky flavours from high-heat searing with the distinctive qualities of raw meat.

What are the Best Cuts for Blue Steak?

When it comes to crafting the perfect blue steak, selecting the right cut is crucial. Certain cuts stand out for their tenderness and marbling, making them ideal choices to elevate your blue steak experience. These specific cuts, with their unique textures and flavours, are ideal for achieving that delectably rare, mouthwatering blue steak:

Tenderloin steak (filet mignon)

Tenderloin steak is celebrated for its tenderness, offering minimal connective tissue and high marbling content. It has a lean yet buttery texture, which makes it an ideal choice for blue steak connoisseurs.

Turn to Manettas for high-quality, tender cuts like these beef tenderloin steaks.

Flat iron steak

Flat iron steaks are thick enough to achieve the desired charred exterior for blue steak—while keeping the interior rare during the quick searing process. It’s also a tender cut known for its rich marbling.

Sirloin steak

With its great balance of tenderness and flavour, the sirloin tip is another fantastic option for blue steak. While not exactly one of the most tender steaks, it’s good enough for that quick searing and doesn’t result in a tough or chewy texture.

Get sirloin steak delivered to your home and discover why it’s great for blue steak.

Cuts You Shouldn’t Cook Blue

While some cuts shine when prepared as blue steak, others are better suited for different cooking methods. Here are a few cuts to avoid if you’re looking to cook a blue steak:

• Flank steak: With more toughness and less marbling, flank steak may not deliver the desired experience of a blue steak.
• Fatty steak: Cuts with excessive fat might not work well with the brief cooking time of blue steak, as they can become overly charred on the outside.
• Skirt steak: Similar to flank steak, skirt steak is flavourful but can be tough when cooked rare or blue. It’s often better suited for medium-rare to medium cooking methods.
• Chuck roast: Chuck roast is a well-marbled cut, but it’s typically used for slow-cooking methods like braising or roasting. When cooked quickly, it can be quite tough.

How to Cook Blue Steak

Turn your gastronomic adventure up a notch by cooking blue steak yourself. For this, you’ll need a dash of confidence and all the right ingredients.

What you need:

• high-quality steak of your choice (tenderloin, sirloin or flat iron)
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• olive oil
• a large cast iron skillet or cast iron pan
• meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Let the steak rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
2. Seasoning: Season the steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This should be good enough, but feel free to add your favourite herbs or seasonings for extra flavour.
3. Preheat the pan: Place your cast iron skillet or pan over high heat and get it blazing hot. You want a searing hot cooking surface to sear the steak quickly.
4. Searing: Drizzle olive oil into the pan and add the seasoned steak. Sear each side for about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. You’re aiming for a beautiful crust while keeping the centre cool.
5. Checking doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature. For blue steak, aim for an internal temperature of around 32°C (90°F).
6. Resting: Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy steak.

Understanding the Right Temperature for Blue Steak

The secret to a perfect blue steak lies in hitting the right internal temperature. As mentioned earlier, aim for around 32°C (90°F ). This temperature maintains a cool, raw centre while delivering that delightful seared crust on the outside.

What Does Blue Steak Taste Like?

When you take a bite of blue steak, prepare for an explosion of pure beefy goodness. Blue steak offers the unadulterated essence of beef, preserving its natural flavours. And due to its level of doneness, the meat practically melts in your mouth.

The lightly seared crust adds a delightful contrast to the cool, tender centre. It’s a culinary experience that’s all about the quality of the meat and the skill of the cook. But that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare it at home (more on this later).

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

Like other levels of doneness for beef, blue steak contains essential nutrients, especially since the meat is practically raw. Its nutritional profile varies depending on the type of cut, but regardless of the variation, it typically includes these nutrients:

• Protein: Blue steak is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair, among other bodily functions.
• Iron: Beef is a good source of heme iron, which is highly absorbable by the body. Iron plays a crucial role in supporting various physiological functions.
• Vitamins: Blue steak contains various vitamins, including B vitamins, such as B12 and niacin. These vitamins play important roles in metabolism and overall health.
• Minerals: Blue steak contains minerals like zinc and phosphorus, which are essential for various bodily functions, including immune support and bone health.
• Monounsaturated fat: While not as high as that of avocado or olive, monounsaturated fat is still present and contributes to the overall fat content of the steak. Blue steak contains fat, primarily in the form of marbling within the meat. Consumed in moderation, it can help lower cholesterol levels.

Can You Cook Blue Steak at Home?

Absolutely! Blue steak isn’t reserved for fancy restaurants. With the right cuts of meat and a little practice, you can bring this extraordinary culinary adventure and blue steak taste to your own kitchen.

Additional tips for cooking blue steak

Cooking a blue steak can be a unique and flavourful experience. Here are some additional tips to ensure a successful preparation:

• Using high-quality meat: Quality meat is key to a delicious blue steak.
• Oiling the steak: Lightly brush the raw steak with oil or use an oiled grill grate to prevent sticking and promote caramelisation.
• Accompaniments: How about some creamy flavours to go with the boldness of your blue steak? Some chefs top their blue steaks with crumbled blue cheese, adding a creamy and tangy twist.
• Seasoning: The flavours should complement any accompaniments. So, season generously with your choice of seasonings!
• Presentation: When serving, you can garnish your blue steak with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil or additional blue cheese crumbles for added flavour and aesthetics.

Blue Rare Steak: Rewarding the Adventurous

Blue steak, a culinary gem, is an experience tailor-made for those with a taste for adventure. It’s a must-try, regardless of whether you’re a steak connoisseur. Blue steak’s intense, unfiltered flavour is a true indulgence for those who appreciate the essence of meat in its purest form.

For the ultimate blue steak experience, order your steaks from Manettas and have them delivered to your doorstep. Eating blue steak cooked to perfection at home starts here! And while you’re at it, explore our website for other irresistible steak recipes that will captivate your palate.