Is There A Way To Make Boiled Steak Flavorful?

There is a way if you can believe it, in which you can actually get a lot of flavor out of a boiled steak. Of course, it is not the same as grilling or pan-frying, but it is an option nonetheless. The technique of boiling meat is nothing new to history. According to PBS, our founding fathers were known to enjoy a classic New England boiled dinner, which at the time consisted of pork or beef boiled with cabbage, potatoes, and turnips. 

Across the pond, the English, perhaps, have the biggest reputation for boiling meat. It's a reputation The Guardian writes has earned English cooking an unfair stigma for blandness. However, boiling can sometimes be the best method to cook certain cuts of meat. Cuts with more connective tissue, like a blade steak, lend themselves well to boiling, braising, or stewing. The boiling agent works on the meat in such a way that it becomes tender and moist. But steaks are a leaner cut of meat. Wouldn't boiling do the opposite and make one tough and rubbery? Not necessarily.

Steak is not simply restricted to beef. Though bovines tend to be the animal we associate most with steak, the term can refer to several different meat varieties such as venison, pork, bison, and even swordfish. For our purposes, however, we'll be sticking to the meat of land mammals. There are two key components to remember when it comes to boiling steak. First is the thickness of your steak. You'll want to boil the meat for no longer than six minutes per one inch of thickness on each side. Be sure to utilize a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for doneness (via Livestrong).

The second component is to boil the steak in a flavored boiling agent. Stock works incredibly well for this. According to Bon Appétit, cooking with stock adds a great amount of flavor and richness to your dish. You could boil steak in water, but only If you properly seasoned and seared it beforehand. However, we'd still recommend throwing in some extra flavors. Bay leaves, peppercorns, and even beer or cider work well to bring that extra kick. By adding these extra ingredients, you are taking steps that will go a long way toward making your steak taste all the more flavorful. While it's not the most popular method of cooking a steak if one night you don't quite feel like smoking up your kitchen or dirtying a pan, give boiling a try. Who knows, it might just turn out fantastic.