Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Bistecca alla Fiorentina

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Grill or grill pan
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• For the Steak:
• 1 large T-bone steak about 2 inches thick; ideally, a Fiorentina cut
• Sea salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh rosemary sprigs optional

Instructions

 

• Instructions
• Choosing the Right Steak:
• From my own personal experience, selecting the right cut is crucial. A Fiorentina steak should be at least 2 inches thick and well-marbled. If possible, ask your butcher for a high-quality piece from grass-fed cattle for the best flavor.
• Preparing the Steak:
• Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps in cooking it evenly.
• Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This step ensures a good sear.
• Seasoning:
• Generously season both sides of the steak with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt will enhance the flavor and help create a crust.
• Preheating the Grill:
• Preheat your grill to high heat (about 500°F or 260°C). If using a grill pan, heat it over high heat on the stove.
• Brush the grill grates or the grill pan with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Grilling the Steak:
• Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on the first side, without moving it, to achieve a good sear.
• Flip the steak using tongs and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes for medium-rare (130°F or 54°C internal temperature). For medium, aim for about 145°F (63°C).
• If you like, during the last minute of cooking, add fresh rosemary and brush with a little olive oil for added flavor.
• Resting the Steak:
• Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.
• Serving:
• Slice the steak against the grain and serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Variations
• Marinated Bistecca: Consider marinating the steak in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 2-4 hours for an extra flavor boost.
• Herb-Infused Butter: Top your steak with a dollop of herb-infused butter made with garlic and parsley for a rich finish.

This classic Tuscan dish is a celebration of simplicity, featuring a thick, juicy T-bone steak cooked to perfection. From my own personal experience, nothing compares to the satisfaction of grilling a perfectly charred steak while basking in the aromas of fresh herbs and sizzling meat. It’s a dish that embodies the heart of Italian cuisine using quality ingredients to create something truly special. Let me show you how I make this iconic steak at home.

Notes on What to Expect

When making Bistecca alla Fiorentina, expect a delightful balance of flavors with a beautifully charred crust and a tender, juicy interior. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a hearty weekend meal. Pair it with a simple arugula salad and a glass of Chianti for the full experience.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on thickness)
• Time to Stand: 5-10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 2
• Calories: Approximately 700 per serving (varies based on steak size)
• Cost of Ingredients: $25-40 (depending on the cut of meat)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Equipment Needed:
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Bistecca alla Fiorentina  now.

Ingredients

• For the Steak:
  • 1 large T-bone steak (about 2 inches thick; ideally, a Fiorentina cut)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
  • > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Bistecca alla Fiorentina  now.

Instructions

1. Choosing the Right Steak:
   • From my own personal experience, selecting the right cut is crucial. A Fiorentina steak should be at least 2 inches thick and well-marbled. If possible, ask your butcher for a high-quality piece from grass-fed cattle for the best flavor.
2. Preparing the Steak:
   • Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps in cooking it evenly.
   • Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This step ensures a good sear.
3. Seasoning:
   • Generously season both sides of the steak with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt will enhance the flavor and help create a crust.
4. Preheating the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill to high heat (about 500°F or 260°C). If using a grill pan, heat it over high heat on the stove.
   • Brush the grill grates or the grill pan with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Grilling the Steak:
   • Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on the first side, without moving it, to achieve a good sear.
   • Flip the steak using tongs and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes for medium-rare (130°F or 54°C internal temperature). For medium, aim for about 145°F (63°C).
   • If you like, during the last minute of cooking, add fresh rosemary and brush with a little olive oil for added flavor.
6. Resting the Steak:
   • Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.
7. Serving:
   • Slice the steak against the grain and serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Variations

• Marinated Bistecca: Consider marinating the steak in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 2-4 hours for an extra flavor boost.
• Herb-Infused Butter: Top your steak with a dollop of herb-infused butter made with garlic and parsley for a rich finish.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Bistecca alla Fiorentina  now.

Tips and Substitutions

• For a Different Flavor: Use different herbs such as thyme or sage in place of rosemary.
• For Dietary Needs: If avoiding red meat, try this method with a thick-cut pork chop or a plant-based steak alternative.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: Approximately 700
• Protein: 60g
• Fat: 50g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Bistecca alla Fiorentina seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment. Happy cooking!