Hanger steak is one of those cuts.
What Is Hanger Steak?
Also known as a “butcher’s steak”, the hanger steak “hangs” down from a steer’s diaphragm, the plate, between the brisket and the flank (according to the Wikipedia). It’s one of the most flavorful cuts of beef.
Shopping for Hanger Steak
Hanger steak is sold either whole, looking somewhat like a “V”, or trimmed of the center gristle, in which case they resemble a tenderloin. If you get a whole piece, make sure to cut away and discard the center main gristle that connects the two tenderloin-ish pieces. If hanger steak isn’t available where you are, you might want to try this recipe with a flank or skirt steak.
How to Cook Hanger Steak
Hanger steak is highly flavorful but isn’t perfectly tender, so it responds well to quick cooking with searing heat. Simply heat a skillet with oil over high heat, sear the steaks on all sides, and cook until done to your preference. Hanger steak is best served sliced thinly across the grain.
What to Serve With Hanger Steak
This recipe calls for a delicious shallot sauce drizzled on top of the sliced steak. We picked up the recipe from our local butcher at Corti Brothers who in turn got it from Chef Daniel Boulud. According to Chef Boulud, French bistros traditionally serve this hanger steak along with pommes frites (French fries). We passed on the fries and went with broccoli and boiled potatoes. Outstanding! And very easy to make.
More Great Steak Recipes
Quick and Easy Pan-Fried Flank Steak Peppercorn Steak How to Grill the Best Steak Skirt Steak with Avocado Chimichurri Sous Vide Steak
Hanger steak is sold either whole, looking somewhat like a “V”, or trimmed of the center gristle, in which case they resemble a tenderloin. If you get a whole piece, make sure to cut away and discard the center main gristle that connects the 2 tenderloin-ish pieces. Recipe adapted from Daniel Boulud’s Cafe Boulud Cookbook: French-American Recipes for the Home Cook. When the pan is hot, place the steaks into the pan, and brown them on all sides. (Do not move the steak pieces until they have browned on one side, if you move them, they won’t brown easily.) Transfer the steaks to a warm dish and cover them with foil and let them rest while you prepare the sauce. Add the vinegar and cook until it boils away, then add the wine. Bring the wine to a boil and let reduce to about half. Remove pan from heat, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the chopped parsley.
