The secrets of flavorful Italian steaks

While it is probably impossible to find an authentic Italian steak without first flying to Italy, steak lovers can have something just as flavorful by noting the differences in each cut and understanding what it takes to bring out more flavor from the meat.

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The Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a popular Tuscan steak made of meat from the region’s Chianina breed of cattle, which are known and prized for its tenderness and rich flavor. This Tuscan steak dish, however, can be made with a good New York Strip steak, which has the right balance of lean meat and fat. Light seasoning is important to Italian cooking, which is why the meat is grilled hot and fast with a drizzle of olive oil and a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. The secret to making this nearly as tender and flavorful as the authentic one is to season the steak with lemon, which tenderizes the surface and allows the meat to cook quickly.

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Foodies who like their steaks leaner can cook it in the Bistecca alla Pizzaiola style, which involves brushing the steak with olive oil to replace the fat while it is being grilled. This is then served with a spicy tomato sauce, which should provide extra flavor to the steak.

Meanwhile, those who have round steaks, which aren’t very tender or flavorful, can still make a great steak dish by first marinating the meat in a mixture of salt and pepper, sundried tomatoes, olive oil and basil.

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By knowing which ingredients go well with a particular steak cut, one can have a good Italian steak dish without going over budget.

Foodies who are looking for great Tuscan steaks can head to Medici House in East Aurora. For more information, visit Facebook page.