Craving that iconic, juicy steak from Peter Luger Steakhouse but can’t make it to New York City? You’re in luck! This Peter Luger Style Steak recipe brings the legendary steakhouse experience right to your kitchen. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked steak, boasting a crisp crust and tender, flavorful interior, all drenched in a luscious garlic butter. This recipe is designed to help you achieve just that, using simple techniques and readily available ingredients. Let’s dive into how you can master this Peter Luger inspired steak.
Peter Luger’s Steakhouse Legacy
Peter Luger Steak House, a Brooklyn institution established in 1887, is renowned for its porterhouse steak and old-world charm. For over a century, they’ve been serving up some of the most acclaimed steaks in the world, attracting steak aficionados globally. The secret to their success? High-quality beef, expert butchering, and a simple yet impactful cooking method. This recipe pays homage to that legacy, focusing on bringing those key elements into your home cooking.
Key Ingredients for Your Peter Luger Style Steak
To capture the essence of a Peter Luger’s steak, you’ll need just a few high-quality components:
For the Steak:
- Your choice of steak cut (Ribeye, Porterhouse, or New York Strip recommended), at least 1.5 inches thick. Choosing a well-marbled cut is crucial for flavor and tenderness.
- Coarse Sea Salt: For dry brining and enhancing the natural beef flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped): For a vibrant, fresh garnish.
For the Garlic Butter:
- Clarified Butter: Provides a rich, nutty flavor and higher smoke point, essential for searing.
- Garlic Paste: Delivers intense garlic flavor that infuses the steak.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth and complexity to the butter.
- Kosher Salt: Balances the flavors and seasons the butter perfectly.
Mastering the Peter Luger Style Steak: Step-by-Step
This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve steakhouse-quality results.
Step 1: The Dry Brine – Your Secret to Flavor and Tenderness
Dry brining is a game-changer for steaks. Generously season your chosen steak cut with coarse sea salt. The salt draws out moisture, then gets reabsorbed, resulting in a more intensely flavored and tender steak. Place the salted steak on a wire rack in the refrigerator and let it dry brine. Ideally, overnight brining yields the best results, but even a minimum of 40 minutes will make a difference.
Step 2: Whip Up the Flavorful Garlic Butter
While the steak is brining, prepare the garlic butter. In a mixing bowl, combine melted clarified butter, garlic paste, Worcestershire sauce, and kosher salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. This simple butter is the key to that signature Peter Luger’s taste. Set aside until ready to use.
Step 3: High-Heat Cooking for a Perfect Crust
Peter Luger’s is known for its incredible crust, achieved through high-heat cooking. Preheat your pizza oven to a scorching 850°F (454°C) for direct cooking. If you don’t have a pizza oven, a broiler or salamander grill are excellent alternatives. The goal is intense, direct heat.
Remove the brined steaks from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. This ensures more even cooking. Place the steaks on a wire baking sheet and slide them into your preheated oven or broiler. Cook for 2 minutes, rotating the steaks after 1 minute to ensure even crust formation. Flip the steaks and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side, achieving a beautiful sear on both sides.
Step 4: Slice, Drizzle, and Finish to Perfection
Now for the final flourish! Remove the steaks from the oven and slice them into thick, finger-sized pieces. Transfer the slices to a cast iron skillet, a high-heat ceramic dish, or even a fajita skillet. Arrange the slices snugly together in the skillet. Generously drizzle the prepared garlic butter all over the sliced steak, ensuring every piece is coated in that delicious flavor.
Return the skillet with the butter-drenched steak to the pizza oven or broiler. Cook until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. Remember, the high heat means it will cook quickly, so keep a close eye on it.
Step 5: Cooking Time Guide for Your Preference
The final cooking time depends on your preferred steak doneness. Use this timetable as a guide:
- Rare: 45 seconds to 1.5 minutes
- Medium Rare: 1.5-2 minutes
- Medium: 2-2.5 minutes
- Medium Well: 2.5-3 minutes
- Well Done: 3+ minutes
These are approximate times, so use a meat thermometer for precise doneness if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Savor Your Homemade Steakhouse Masterpiece
Once cooked to your liking, remove the Peter Luger Style Steak from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and prepare to be amazed by your homemade Peter Luger’s experience!
Enjoy bringing the iconic taste of Peter Luger’s Steakhouse into your home kitchen with this straightforward and delicious recipe. You’ll be impressing yourself and your guests with steakhouse-quality flavor in no time!
