I love grilling steak outdoors in the summer and sizzling in a hot cast iron skillet in the winter. If you also love steaks, check out: sirloin steaks with Cajun Butter, marinated flank steak, carne asada, street tacos, mojo steak tacos, steak fajitas, Cajun steak, classic steak kabobs, Brazilian steak kabobs, etc. and oof course this brand new strip steak recipe! This is a detailed guide all about NY Strip Steak, detailing how to choose NY Strip Steak, How to grill or pan-sear, the best temperature to cook NY Strip Steak, and expert tips and tricks. If you wish to skip directly to the recipe, use the “Jump To Recipe” button at the top of the post.
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WHy make this NEw York Strip Steak recipe
This New York Strip Steak recipe is one of my husband’s and my absolute favorite steak recipes to date. We grilled it, pan seared it and oohed and awed over it every time. Not only is NY Strip Steak naturally tender and the ideal size for fast cooking, this recipe bolsters it with hypnotic flavor. Here’s why you’ll love this Strip Steak recipe:
Flavor packed with a simple yet complex tasting spice rub- the recipe tastes 1000X better than the photos! The Strip Steak is enveloped in an easy spice rub that boasts tantalizing rich notes of earthy, warm, citrusy ground cumin, vibrant, sweet, Hungarian paprika, salt and pepper. The rub creates a smoky, robust, charred crust just begging to be bathed in the spicy, lemon laced harissa butter. The butter adds the supreme WOW factor and is so extravagantly delicious, you’ll want to bath everything in it (veggies, potatoes, eggs, etc.!) Second only to its superb deliciousness, is how simple NY Strip Steak is to make! New York Strip Steak is ideal for an easy dinner or entertaining because it literally takes minutes of hands-on prep. To make, just whisk the seasonings together, rub them all over the steaks, let the steak rest, then cook. While you’re waiting for the steaks to rest, you’ll whisk the harissa butter ingredients together and wrap in plastic wrap. Done and done!Cooking New York Strip Steaks is foolproof with these easy-to-follow instructions. Cooking NY Strip is easy both on the grill and in the oven. It’s about picking the right cut of steak, generously seasoning the steak (just use my recipe!) and not overcooking the steak. With my step-by-step instructions and a meat thermometer, your Strip Steaks will emerge second to none!Cleanup will take you minutes! Sometimes dishes can take as long as making the recipe – but not with this New York Strip Steak recipe! It allows you to spend time with family and friends – and not in the kitchen. The only cleanup you’ll have is the seasoning and butter bowl – that’s it! Perfect for every occasion. NY Strip is a favorite cut of steak and is always a crowd pleaser. It’s gourmet enough for grilling for special occasions such as Father’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, etc. or cooking indoors when it’s cooler for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc. but is also simple enough for an everyday dinner.
IS NEW YORK STRIP A GOOD STEAK?
Yes! New York Strip is one of my all-time favorite cuts of beef, sizzling hot off the grill or skillet. It boasts the magical combination of big beefy flavor and swoon-worthy tenderness without having to wade through inedible fat. It’s the quintessence of minimal effort, maximum reward. It’s hard to go wrong with a Strip Steak, when all it needs is simple seasonings and a hot sear to achieve that crisp, caramelized crust and pink, juicy medium-rare center. Here is what makes NY Strip so good:
What cut of meat is NY Strip? The Strip Steak is a cut of beef taken from the short loin of a cow, that runs along the backbone, behind the ribs. The short loin contains both the top loin and tenderloin. The tenderloin is where filet mignon steaks come from, and the top loin is where strip steak comes from. Strip Steak is usually boneless, but when the bone is left intact, it connects the strip loin and tenderloin through the short loin, becoming T-bone and porterhouse steaks.Is Strip Steak tender? Yes, NY Strip Steak is incredibly tender, juicy, and lean, but not quite as tender as ribeye or a tenderloin. It’s rich in marbling and tenderness because the short loin is one of the least worked muscle groups that bares hardly any weight. The steak also benefits from insulating fat along the edges which helps keep it tender as it cooks.What does NY Strip Steak taste like? It boasts rich, beefy flavor, without being overly fatty. As discussed above, it’s also supremely tender.What other names is New York Strip Steak known as? It is also referred to as New York steak, New York strip, NY strip steak, Manhattan, Kansas City strip, strip steak, strip loin steak, strip loin, top loin steak, the Delmonico steak cut, Omaha Strip, contre-filet, club steak and ambassador steak.Where did NY Strip get its name? The New York Strip Steak is named after the city it originated in, dating back to 1837 and a restaurant known as Delmonico’s in Manhattan, NYC. When the restaurant opened, it featured a gourmet steak on the menu, “Delmonico steak,” cut from the short loin of the steer. This juicy tender steak gained fame from all over the country and pretty soon people simply referred to it as “New York Strip Steak.” What does New York Strip look like? Strip Steaks are mostly rectangular with a slightly tapered edge. The meat is surrounded by fat and well marbled throughout with a fine-grained texture.How much does New York Steak weigh? Strip steak can be cut into a variety of thickness by your butcher, anywhere from 3/4-inch up to 2 inches, so the weight can vary. But generally, a single steak weighs around 12-16 ounces.What’s the Nutritional Value of a New York Steak? A 6-oz portion packs in 320 calories, 12 grams of fat, 50 grams of protein, 3.2 milligrams iron, and 9 milligrams zinc. Does Strip Steak need to be marinated? No! The main reasons to marinate steak before cooking is to add flavor and tenderness. NY Steaks are already flavorful and tender. Marinating the steak will mask the natural, robust beefy flavor.
Easy to cook: unlike filet mignon, which is super thick, or ribeye, which consists of more than one muscle group (so it’s challenging to get a consistent doneness), or skirt steak, which isn’t uniform in shape, New York Strip Steak is easy to cook up quickly and evenly with just high heat, whether pan searing, grilling or broiling. You don’t need any sort of fancy cooking techniques to achieve the perfect crispy seared crust and juicy center every time.Big beefy flavor: New York Strip boasts intense beefy flavor that can be seasoned as simply as just salt and pepper. No marinades, just beefy goodness.Tender: the steak is naturally tender due to the lack of tough connective tissue, and therefore shines with a quick sear on the outside that keeps your NY Steak melt-in-your-mouth through and though without chewy pockets. The steak is slightly less tender than the filet mignon, but it generally has better marbling and marbling = flavor. Some even prefer the tenderness level to filet because it has more of a solid chew. Finely marbled: the finely marbled fat melts during cooking, resulting in superior flavor and juicy tenderness. The steak is void of thick pockets of fat that won’t melt during quick cooking.Boneless: this means it’s easier to cook evenly and less expensive. It’s also easy to slice into thin, juicy slices to serve up next to your favorite sides or add to salads, sandwiches or stir fries.
New York Strip vs Other steak cuts
Which is better, New York Strip or Ribeye? New York Strip is one of the tastiest steaks you can find, just not quite as tasty as succulent, smooth Ribeye. New York Steak has less marbled fat than Ribeye, which means it’s slightly less tender, smooth and rich tasting. New York Strip is still an excellent choice at a lower price point and healthier because it has less fat. Which is better, filet mignon or NY strip? This comes down to personal preference. New York Strip Steak has richer marbling which means it is richer and deeper in flavor. If you prefer a thick, softer cut of beef that’s not quite as beefy, filet mignon is the answer. Which is better, New York Strip or Top Sirloin? Top sirloin steak is often called the “weeknight steak” because it’s tender and flavorful, just not as tender and flavorful as NY Strip, but is affordable enough to enjoy any night of the week. Top sirloin is less expensive than NY Strip because it doesn’t have as much marbling, but it still has enough to provide big beefy flavor.
HOW TO PURCHASE AND STORE NY STRIP
Is NY Strip expensive? Strip Steak is a high end cut of beef due to its rich marbling which equals flavor, tenderness and juiciness. It’s one of the most popular cuts at top quality steakhouses, but is more affordable than high end cuts such as filet mignon or ribeye. The USDA assigns grades to beef by analyzing the cut’s tenderness, juiciness and flavor. USDA Prime is very high end and will cost the most per pound. USDA Choice is still high quality, but it costs less per pound than Prime because it has less marbling. What should I look for when buying New York Strip? You can purchase NY Strip Steaks either boneless or bone-in, but for this recipe, we are using boneless. Look for steak that is bright in color with the most even marbling because marbling = flavor and tenderness. Look for steak that is at least 1-inch thick. I favor about 1 ½ inches. This thickness yields the ideal caramelized crust while the interior remains juicy medium rare. What grade of beef should I buy? Select PRIME or CHOICE cuts of steak. Prime beef is the most superior in all three categories because it has more marbling. It can be difficult to locate Prime Cuts at your local grocery store (usually reserved for restaurants and hotels), but I have been successful finding it at Costco. Ask your butcher if they sell Prime Cuts or if they can get them for you. Choice beef is also high quality, but boasts less marbling than Prime. It is still tender, juicy and flavorful especially when not over cooked, and definitely is a great choice as well. This recipe uses a compound butter which will help make up the difference if you use Choice vs Prime. How much NY Steak do I need per person? The general rule of thumb is to allow 8 oz. of steak per person, so an average Strip Steak weighing in at 12-16 ounces can serve 1-2 people. Many individuals, however, can easily consume one steak without any problem so you will need to take into consideration the appetite of your eaters (adults/children) and what sides you are serving with the steak.Where to buy New York Strip Steak? Strip Steak is widely accessible and should be easy to find at any grocery store. It is located in the beef section or at the butcher counter. You can also purchase grass fed and aged steaks for a higher price from retailers such as Omaha Steaks, Kansas City Steaks, etc.How do I store raw Strip Steak? Uncooked steak should be stored in the refrigerator in its packaging until ready to use or transferred to a freezer bag with all excess air squeezed out. Store in packaging for up to three days.How do I store cooked NY Steak? Cooked Strip Steak should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days. The steak can also be frozen in an airtight container with excess air squeezed out or vacuum-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cooked steak is good for up to three months.
New York strip steak recipe INGREDIENTS
You can cook Strip Steak with just oil, salt and pepper, but for the best Strip Steak recipe of your life, I highly suggest following this recipe. (Full measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card).
For the steak:
for THE compound BUTTER:
The harissa compound butter melts over the hot Strip Steak and drenches each bite with buttery, juicy, smoky, spicy goodness. For the butter you will need:
STRIP steak RECIPE VARIATIONS
One you have the technique down for cooking New York Strip Steaks, you can go rogue and create all sorts of variations. Here are a few to try:
Use garlic butter. Swap the harissa butter for 3 tablespoons room temperature butter and 3 smashed garlic cloves. Add them when the recipe calls for harissa butter. Use herb compound butter. Swap the harissa butter for a simple compound butter made with butter, 1 tablespoon herbs such as any combo of chives, parsley, thyme, oregano etc., 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Add dipping sauce. Instead of the harissa butter, pair the steak with barbecue sauce, horseradish sauce, Béarnaise sauce, mushroom sauce, peppercorn sauce, red wine sauce, balsamic reduction, mustard sauce, blue cheese sauce, chimichurri, salsa verde and of course, good old steak sauce.Use different seasoning. I am obsessed with this spice rub, but you can also experiment with different seasonings like the one I use in my sirloin steak, barbecue brisket and ribs recipe, or Fajita seasonings, or Asian inspired seasonings such as Chinese 5 Spice, ginger and garlic.Use different types of wood. If you have a charcoal grill, you can add different kinds of wood to the fire to contribute smokiness and enhance the overall flavor of the grilled steak.
Should I trim New York strip steak before cooking?
Yes. NY Strip Steaks come with a band of fat around the steak, with a thicker band on one side. The thick band is too thick to benefit the steak and can cause flare ups when grilling. More importantly, the fat will shrink faster than the meat when cooking, which can cause the fat to fold or compress the meat, squeezing out valuable juices and impeding an even sear. You will want to trim the thick band down to pretty thin, about ⅛ to ¼-inch thick. The easiest way to do this is to look to the corner of the steak to find a chunk of fat and grab hold of it. Use the fat like a tab and pull away from the steak. It should separate from the steak as you pull away and downward, leaving only a thin layer of fat behind. If this method doesn’t work for you, slice the fat off with a sharp knife, taking care you don’t cut into the meat. Don’t worry about getting it too even.
HOW TO GRILL NEW YORK STRIP STEAK
New York Strip Steak is one of the easiest cuts of steak you can cook and is even called “the ultimate griller’s steak,” because it cooks super quickly and evenly. A bit of seasonings, a hot grill and a meat thermometer are all you need for a beautifully tender inside with a caramelized crust. Here’s how to grill NY Strip:
Let the steaks rest at room temperature for at least 40 minutes before grilling. You will use this time to trim the steaks of excess fat and season the steaks.
Pat the steaks dry, rub them with a high smoking point oil, followed by the spice rub.Make the compound butter while the steaks are resting. Mix all of the harissa butter ingredients together in a medium bowl. Transfer the butter mixture to a piece or plastic wrap. Form it into a log as your roll up the plastic wrap. Refrigerate until semi-firm (about 45 minutes) or until ready to use.
Heat the grill to high-heat, about 600 degrees F, clean and grease the grates.Grill the steaks on the hot grill until slightly charred on the first side, about 4-5 minutes.
Flip the steaks over, over and continue to grill until the steaks reach desired temperature, about 3-5 more minutes, for medium-rare.Remove the steaks from the grill, and top with the harissa butter.
Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes before serving.
How to cook New York Steak on the Stove to oven
No grill, no problem! For the pan-sear to oven method, make sure your butter is at room temperature so it melts easily. Here’s how to cook a Strip Steak perfectly indoors:
Temperatures For the best New York Steak
The best way to ensure the most succulent, juicy NY Strip Steak every time is to check the temperature with an instant read probe style thermometer so you don’t overcook it. I personally like my steak cooked medium-rare to medium. These temperatures create the juiciest steak because the moisture inside the steak can’t escape at these low of temperatures. I don’t recommend cooking your Strip Steak above 150 degrees, as it will become tough, dry and chewy. Use the below temperature chart to gauge your steaks doneness. To check the temperature, insert the probe of an instant read meat thermometer into thickest part of the steak. You want the temperature to register 5°F lower than the desired doneness temperature because the steaks will continue to cook and rise in temperature (carryover) while resting. NOTE: The USDA recommends steaks and roasts be cooked to 145°F and then rested for at least 3 minutes for safety.
How to cook New York Strip Steaks to the ideal temperature every time?
There are so many variables when cooking NY Steak such as the thickness of your steak, the heat of your grill or skillet, your type of skillet, and your desired level of doneness – each will all impact the time it takes to cook your steak. To eliminate the guesswork and guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy steak every time, invest in an instant read meat thermometer. The digital thermometer allows you to set the desired temperature for each of the two probes and an alarm will set as soon as it reaches the set temperature – so walk away and be rewarded with perfectly cook NY Strip every time!
HOW do I SLICE New York Strip STEAK?
There are three rules for slicing NY Strip:
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT NY STRIP STEAK
Storage: let steak cool to room temperature then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days.Microwave: it’s best to slice the steak before reheating so it heats evenly. Transfer sliced steak to a microwave safe plate. Microwave for 30 seconds then at 15 second intervals as needed.Skillet: warm sliced steak in a skillet with a drizzle of oil or a slab of butter over medium heat, stirring often until warmed through. Oven: transfer steak to a baking sheet, cover with foil and reheat at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes or just until warmed through.
HOW TO FREEZE NY STEAK
NY steak freezes exceptionally well. Let steaks cool completely then transfer individual steaks to separate freezer bags and squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for 2 to 3 months.
CAN I MAKE NEW YORK STEAK AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes, please do! New York Strip Steak is best if spice rubbed and refrigerated for up to 48 hours. When it comes time to cook, let rest at room temperature for 60 minutes then cook.
CAN I MEAL PREP STRIP STEAK?
Yes! Strip Steak makes fantastic meal prep or leftovers if not initially overcooked. If you are cooking steak specifically to reheat later then consider cooking it slightly less than your desired doneness because it will cook a little more when reheated. See a couple sections below for all sorts of ways to leftover steak.
WHAT GOES WITH NY STRIP STEAK?
NY Strip Steak pairs well with pretty much everything from salad to pasta salad, to potatoes rice to fruit. We particularly love serving steak with our favorite backyard barbecue foods in the summer and our favorite comfort foods in the winter. Here are some of our favorite sides to serve NY Steak:
Potluck Favorite Sides: Grilled Corn on the Cob, Loaded Potato Salad, Italian Tortellini Salad, Bacon and Pea Pasta Salad, Broccoli Bacon Salad, watermelon and Cornbread.Comforting Sides: Baked Mac and Cheese, Mushroom Risotto, Parmesan Risotto, Rice Pilaf, and Mushroom Asiago Orzo.Potatoes: Mashed Potatoes, Hashbrown Casserole, Smashed Potatoes, Roasted Red Potatoes, Twice Baked Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes or Mashed Sweet Potatoes.Vegetables: Honey Roasted Carrots or Glazed Carrots, Roasted Asparagus or Brown Butter Balsamic Asparagus, Roasted Broccoli, Maple Bacon Brussels Spouts and Butternut Squash, Creamy Brussels Sprouts.Salad in the summer: Strawberry Spinach Salad, Wedge Salad, Spinach Berry Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad, Green Bean Salad and Corn Salad.Salad in the fall/winter: German Potato Salad, Apple Salad, Fall Salad, Beet Salad, Butternut Squash Salad. Fruit: Grilled Pineapple, Creamy Grape Salad, Summer Fruit Salad, Winter Fruit Salad or Berry Salad in Honey Mascarpone.Dessert: Lemon Pound Cake, Key Lime Cheesecake, Tres Leches Cake and Strawberry Shortcakes in the summer and Turtle Brownies, Kentucky Butter Cake, Chocolate Raspberry Cake and Crème Brûlée in the winter.
HOW TO SERVE LEFTOVER STRIP STEAK
Leftover NY Strip Steak is delicious in salads, pastas, risotto, etc. Here are some fun ideas:
NY Strip Salad: pick your favorite greens and load with thinly sliced steak and your favorite veggies such as sweet grilled corn and peppers. Throw in some buttery croutons for crunch and top with your favorite dressing such as balsamic dressing or blue cheese dressing. NY Strip Pasta: add chopped steak to any of your favorite creamy pastas such as Fettuccine Alfredo, Sun-Dried Tomato Fettuccine, Cacio e Pepe, Creamy Mushroom Pasta, Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese or Homemade Mac and Cheese. You can also swap it for the protein in any of your favorite pastas such as Linguine with Sun-Dried tomato Sauce, Buffalo Mac and Cheese, Beef Stroganoff. You can also go low carb and serve steak with zoodles or spaghetti squash.NY Strip Risotto: stir chopped steak into any of your favorite risotto recipes: Mushroom Risotto, Parmesan Risotto, Spinach Risotto – yum!NY Strip Pizza: get creative and channel CPK to make your favorite steak pizzas such as Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, Fajita Pizza, or Steakhouse pizza with mushrooms, Gorgonzola and microgreens. You can also make shortcut pizza using French bread or mini pizzas using bagels.NY Strip Grain Bowls: add your favorite grains to a bowl and pile with grilled steak and your favorite veggies. The veggies can be roasted/cooked like roasted broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts or butternut squash, or raw such as fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced radishes, sprouts etc. or pickled like pickled jalapenos, carrots, etc. or a combo of all three! You can also top with a fried or soft-boiled egg.NY Strip Scrambled Eggs or Omelettes: add chopped steak to scrambled eggs along with mozzarella cheese when the eggs are almost set.NY Strip frittata or quiche: add chopped steak to this scrumptious frittata or quiche recipe.NY Strip Wraps: wrap grilled flank steak in flour tortillas or flatbread with lettuce, tomatoes and any other desired veggies/toppings along with something creamy like Greek yogurt.NY Strip Tacos, or Lettuce Wraps: pile steak into tortillas, or bib lettuce and top with beans, pickled red onions, mango salsa, pineapple salsa, corn salsa, or black bean and corn salsa and avocado crema.NY Strip Tostadas or Sopes: layer a tostada or sope with refried beans or avocado mash, top with steak, lettuce or slaw, cilantro, avocados, sour cream, cotija cheese or queso fresco etc. and salsa, pineapple salsa or mango salsa.NY Strip Quesadillas: sandwich steak, cheese, black beans and cilantro in between two flour tortillas and toast in a skillet to golden, cheesy perfection. Serve with pico de gallo, salsa, salsa verde, and/or guacamole.NY Strip Burritos: layer a burrito size tortilla with cilantro lime rice or pineapple rice, black or pinto beans, cheese, steak, guacamole, sour cream and lettuce. Serve with additional sour cream, salsa and hot sauce.NY Strip Burrito or Taco Bowls: layer cilantro lime rice or pineapple rice with black beans, steak, pickled red onions, pickled jalapenos, chopped lettuce or slaw, salsa (pineapple, mango, avocado, corn, etc.) your favorite creamy topping such as sour cream/Greek yogurt or I highly recommend either Tomatillo Avocado Ranch or Cilantro Lime Dressing.NY Strip Nachos: pile thick restaurant style tortilla chips with cheese and beans and bake. Top with chopped steak and toppings such as jalapenos, pico de gallo, salsa, salsa verde, sour cream, and guacamole.
IS New York Strip STEAK HEALTHY?
New York Strip Steak is a leaner cut of beef with a high amount of protein, amino acids, iron, and zinc. Here are some health benefits of steak:
Protein: steak is a powerful source of protein to fuel your body. It is excellent for helping to build muscle and for maintaining muscle mass. Even fit individuals can suffer muscle atrophy if they do not consume enough protein which contains amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Protein can also help repair muscles from wear and tear and to relieve muscle aches.Amino acids: steak also contains the dietary amino acid called beta-alanine, which helps form a dipeptide called carnosine, which is crucial to support physical activity. Healthy levels of carnosine reduce fatigue and improves muscle performance, endurance and precision during physical activity.Iron: steak contains high levels of iron which is absorbed more quickly than iron found in supplements and even some vegetables. Iron is needed to carry oxygen to from the lungs to all parts of the body. Your body also needs iron to make some hormones and keep your hair, skin and nails healthy. If you do not have enough iron, you won’t have healthy oxygen circulation, which will cause fatigue and grogginess.Zinc: A (3.5-ounce) serving of beef contains 4.8 mg of zinc, which is 44% of the Daily Value. Zinc is vital for a healthy immune system, correctly synthesizing DNA, and healing wounds.
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