When You Add Pepper To Steak Makes A Crucial Flavor Difference

Everyone loves a well-seasoned steak, and while salt is a no-brainer, pepper can spark some (quite literally) heated debates. Particularly, there have been many arguments among cooks on when is the best time to add pepper to a steak, considering its sensitivity to heat and the risk of losing its delightful aroma. Surprisingly, the simple answer is that it's okay to add pepper either after or before the steak's been cooked. It all comes down to personal preference.

If you're a fan of a bold peppery flavor, you can grind fresh pepper onto both sides of your steak before cooking. As you cook the steak, the pepper flakes will toast on the pan. The heat will cause the flavorings inside the peppercorns to burst, producing an intense peppery aroma. There's one downside, though. Some pepper flakes might get burnt, leading to a harsh, bitter taste on your cut of steak.

On the other hand, some prefer to sprinkle pepper on the steak after it's cooked. This way, the light, woody notes of the pepper can be preserved, and bitterness caused by burnt pepper can be avoided. The flavor and aroma might not be as intense, but it's a safer bet if you want to enjoy your steak with a more subtle pepper presence.

When it comes to working with pepper, remember three crucial factors: freshness, heat, and the type of pepper you choose. Freshness is key, and most cooks, whether amateur or professional, agree that grinding your own fresh pepper for steak is the way to go. It releases more flavor and has a more intense aroma compared to pre-packaged ground pepper, which will have lost most of its potency by the time you sprinkle it onto your steak.

Heat can be both a friend and a foe for pepper. On the one hand, heat can enhance the aroma and taste, but on the other hand, if you're not careful, burnt pepper can leave an unpleasant, bitter taste on the steak's crust. Some people enjoy the bitterness, but it's a dealbreaker for others. That's why some prefer adding pepper to their steak after it's been cooked to avoid any unwanted bitterness.

Lastly, the type of pepper you use also plays a role in the overall taste. Besides black pepper, there are other options like ground chili peppers such as ancho and pasilla, which can add a mellow heat to your steak. While it's pretty unconventional, chili pepper can definitely give the steak a unique flavor.