Hanger Steak: A Culinary Journey from Butcher to Steakhouse

Welcome to another insightful edition from Meatguy Steakhouse. Here, under the expert guidance of our seasoned and reputable owner, Dims The Meatguy, we explore the intricacies of prime quality meat, the art of steak preparation, and everything in between. 

Today, we delve into the fascinating world of a lesser-known but equally delightful cut of beef: the Hanger Steak.

What Is Hanger Steak?

Traditionally a butcher's secret due to its unique qualities, the hanger steak is a cut of beef steak prized for its flavor. Named so because it 'hangs' from the diaphragm of the cow, it's located near the kidneys, which is one of the most flavourful sections of the animal.

Also referred to as a "butcher's steak," it was often cut that the butcher would take home, hence keeping it a secret from most meat consumers.

The hanger steak comprises only about 0.5 kg of an average 450 kg cow, making it quite rare. It's this scarcity that adds to the hanger steak's unique appeal.

Key characteristics of hanger steak include

1. Distinctive Flavor

Owing to its proximity to the kidneys, the hanger steak absorbs a wealth of flavors, resulting in a stronger, more beefy taste compared to other cuts.

2. Tenderness

While it isn't the most tender cut, when cooked correctly, it can achieve a pleasing balance between succulence and chewiness.

3. Grain Structure

It has a noticeable grain structure, which makes it absorb marinades exceptionally well, amplifying its taste profile.

Now that you have an understanding of what hanger steak is, let's venture into the best ways to cook this unique cut, which will be covered in our next section.

Read more: Understanding Steak Cuts and Grades, Steak Variations

Characteristics of Hanger Steak

As we've already mentioned, hanger steak is a unique cut of beef with several distinguishing characteristics. If you're new to this type of steak or considering adding it to your menu, here's what you need to know:

1. Flavor

Hanger steak packs a robust, beefy flavor that truly stands out. It boasts a richness that's more pronounced than many other cuts, making it a favorite among beef aficionados.

2. Texture

This steak has a firm texture that's slightly chewy than tender cuts like the filet mignon. However, it's this textural distinction that lends the hanger steak its charm.

3. Grain

Hanger steak has a distinct grain structure. This characteristic not only contributes to its unique texture but also allows it to absorb marinades and flavors better than many other cuts.

4. Appearance

It's typically one solid piece of meat that looks a bit like a V or a hanger, hence the name. Each side of the "V" is a muscle, with a seam of tough membrane down the middle that is usually removed before cooking.

Read more: Sirloin Steak: A Lean and Flavorful Option for Meat Lovers

How to Cook Hanger Steak

If you've been wondering how to cook hanger steak to perfection, Dims The Meatguy shares his expert advice below. Remember, the unique characteristics of hanger steak call for special attention during preparation and cooking:

1. Preparation

Begin by marinating the steak. Given its coarse grain structure, the hanger steak takes well to marinades. A few hours should suffice but overnight will yield an even richer flavor.

Preheat your grill or pan: You want a high heat to achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Aim for a temperature of around 200 degrees Celsius for grilling.

2. Cooking

Here's where precision matters. Aim to cook your hanger steak to medium rare. That's typically about 4-5 minutes per side on high heat, but do adjust based on the thickness of your cut. Overcooking can lead to a tough steak, which we want to avoid.

3. Resting

This is a step many home chefs overlook, but it's crucial for a juicy steak. Once your hanger steak is off the heat, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak.

4. Slicing

Remember that distinct grain we mentioned earlier? You'll want to slice against it. This will result in tender, easy-to-chew pieces that still carry all the robust flavor of the hanger steak.

With these steps, you can achieve a perfectly cooked hanger steak that offers a remarkable dining experience. Next, we will explore what this unique steak tastes like, to give you an even better understanding of its appeal.

What Does Hanger Steak Taste Like?

When it comes to the taste profile, hanger steak truly distinguishes itself from other cuts of beef. It's often described as having a 'beefy' and robust flavor that's more pronounced than most steaks.

Imagine the depth of flavor you'd associate with a ribeye but with an even richer, more intense savoriness. It's the kind of taste that lingers pleasantly, leaving you craving another bite.

The texture of hanger steak also sets it apart. It's more firm and chewy than tender cuts like filet mignon, but it doesn't cross into being tough. Instead, it offers a satisfying bite that marries well with its robust flavor. When prepared and cooked correctly, it's juicy, succulent, and an absolute delight to savor.

Read more: Perfect Steak Pairings: Meats, Sides, and Sauces

Recipes for Hanger Steak

Hanger steak is a versatile cut that can be the star of many dishes. Here are a couple of recipes that beautifully showcase its unique characteristics:

1. Asian Fusion Marinated Hanger Steak

Ingredients:

• Hanger steak (approximately 500 grams)

• Soy sauce

• Sesame oil

• Honey

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Spring onions

• Chili flakes

Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes plus marinating time.

Instructions:

1. Prepare an Asian fusion marinade with soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger.

2. Marinate the hanger steak for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.

3. Grill the steak on high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side, then let it rest for about 10 minutes.

4. Slice against the grain, sprinkle with chopped spring onions and chili flakes.

5. Serve with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

2. Western-Style Hanger Steak with Béarnaise Sauce

Ingredients:

• Hanger steak (approximately 500 grams)

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Ingredients for homemade Béarnaise sauce: Tarragon vinegar, shallots, tarragon, chervil, egg yolks, and butter

Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes plus resting time

Instructions:

1. Season the hanger steak with salt and pepper, then grill on high heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, and let it rest for 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the Béarnaise sauce.

3. Serve the steak with the sauce on the side. Pair it with grilled asparagus and baby potatoes for a classic steakhouse meal at home.

3. Indonesian-Style Hanger Steak with Sambal Matah

Ingredients:

• Hanger steak (approximately 500 grams)

• Salt

• Black pepper

Ingredients for homemade Sambal Matah: 

• Shallots, lemongrass, lime leaves, bird's eye chilies, lime juice, and coconut oil

Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes plus resting time

Instructions:

1. Season the hanger steak with salt and pepper, then grill on high heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, and let it rest for 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the Sambal Matah.

3. Serve the steak with the Sambal Matah on the side. This fresh and spicy sauce adds a unique Indonesian twist to the hanger steak.

These recipes give you a delicious taste of Western and Indonesian cuisines, showcasing the versatility of hanger steak. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and experiencing the variety of flavors they offer!

In this exploration of hanger steak, we've journeyed from its humble origins to the intricacies of its preparation and even embarked on a global culinary adventure through the presented recipes. We have discovered that hanger steak, while perhaps lesser-known than other cuts, possesses an extraordinary depth of flavor and texture that sets it apart.

However, if you'd prefer to let someone else do the cooking, we warmly invite you to visit Meatguy Steakhouse. Under the expert guidance of Dims The Meatguy, we serve up an exceptional range of steak experiences, including, of course, the illustrious hanger steak. At Meatguy Steakhouse, we strive to showcase the beauty of each cut of meat, allowing its natural flavors to shine.