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Hanger Steak in Florida: A Hidden Gem of the Steak World

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  • Paul J. Wenger 작성
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When it comes to beef cuts, some are well-known, while others remain hidden treasures waiting to be discovered by true steak enthusiasts. Hanger steak is one such gem, often referred to as the "butcher’s steak" due to its limited availability and outstanding flavor. In recent years, hanger steak has gained popularity among chefs and home cooks for its tenderness and bold beefy taste. For steak lovers in Florida, hanger steak provides a unique and satisfying option that goes beyond the usual filet mignon or ribeye.

In this article, we will explore what makes hanger steak so special, how it differs from other steak cuts, how to cook it to perfection, and where you can enjoy the best hanger steak in Florida.

What is Hanger Steak?
Hanger steak, also known as the "onglet" in French, is a cut of beef that comes from the diaphragm of the cow, specifically located between the rib and the loin. It "hangs" from the diaphragm, which is how it earned its name. This cut has long been favored by butchers themselves, who often kept it for their personal use rather than offering it to customers, earning it the nickname "butcher's steak."

Characteristics of Hanger Steak
Rich Flavor: Hanger steak is prized for its robust, beefy flavor. It has a strong, savory taste that can rival more expensive cuts like ribeye or New York strip.
Tenderness: While not as tender as filet mignon, hanger steak is relatively soft when cooked properly. It has a looser grain than other cuts, which helps make it juicy and tender when cooked to the right doneness.
Limited Availability: Only one hanger steak can be harvested per cow, making it a rare cut. Because of this, it’s not as widely available as other steaks, but when you find it, it’s a special treat.
Versatile Cooking Options: Hanger steak’s flavor profile makes it an excellent candidate for grilling, pan-searing, or broiling. Its loose texture also absorbs marinades well, allowing for endless flavor combinations.
Why Hanger Steak is Gaining Popularity in Florida
Florida's culinary scene has always embraced high-quality ingredients and bold flavors, making hanger steak an ideal fit for the state’s food lovers. From steakhouses in Miami to barbecue joints in Tampa, hanger steak in Florida is becoming a favorite on menus thanks to its combination of flavor, versatility, and value.

Fine Dining with Hanger Steak in Florida
Hanger steak has become a staple in many of Florida's fine dining establishments. While upscale restaurants typically serve cuts like filet mignon and ribeye, the bold flavor of hanger steak offers a different experience for steak connoisseurs.

Miami's Upscale Restaurants: Miami's food scene is known for its fusion of flavors, and hanger steak often finds its way into these dishes. Restaurants like KYU and Prime 112 offer hanger steak with unique twists, such as Asian-inspired sauces or chimichurri marinades, bringing an international flair to this classic cut.
Tampa’s Steakhouses: In Tampa, traditional steakhouses like Bern's Steak House serve hanger steak as a flavorful alternative to more common cuts. The rich, beefy flavor of hanger steak stands out, particularly when paired with wine or craft cocktails.
Jacksonville's Culinary Scene: Jacksonville, with its growing reputation as a food lover's destination, has embraced hanger steak. In many local bistros and fine dining establishments, hanger steak is served with locally sourced ingredients, highlighting Florida’s commitment to fresh and flavorful cuisine.
Florida's Outdoor Lifestyle and Hanger Steak
With its year-round warm weather, Florida is a paradise for outdoor grilling. Hanger steak in Florida has become popular among backyard barbecue enthusiasts because it’s an affordable, flavorful cut that’s perfect for the grill. Its rich taste benefits from high-heat cooking, and it can be easily paired with fresh, local sides like grilled vegetables or citrus-infused salads.

How to Cook Hanger Steak
Hanger steak is best enjoyed when cooked properly. Because it is a relatively lean cut with loose fibers, it requires a precise cooking method to ensure it’s both tender and flavorful. The key to cooking hanger steak is not overcooking it, as it can become tough and chewy if left on the heat too long.

Grilling Hanger Steak
Grilling is one of the best ways to cook hanger steak, as it allows the meat to develop a rich, smoky flavor while keeping its tenderness intact.

Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to high heat, aiming for temperatures between 450°F and 500°F.
Season the Steak: Pat the hanger steak dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and olive oil. You can also marinate the steak for an hour or two in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and fresh herbs for added flavor.
Sear the Steak: Place the steak on the hot grill and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want to develop a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Cook to Medium-Rare: Hanger steak is best cooked to medium-rare (130-135°F). Overcooking it can make the steak tough and dry, so it’s important to keep an eye on the temperature.
Let it Rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.
Pan-Seared Hanger Steak
If you don’t have access to a grill, a cast-iron skillet is a great alternative for cooking hanger steak.

Heat the Pan: Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter to the pan.
Sear the Steak: Place the hanger steak in the hot pan and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, just like you would on the grill.
Add Butter and Aromatics: In the final minutes of cooking, add a few tablespoons of butter, garlic, and fresh thyme to the pan. Baste the steak with the butter for extra richness.
Finish in the Oven (Optional): For thicker cuts, you can finish cooking the steak in the oven at 400°F for an additional 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.
Broiling Hanger Steak
Broiling is another option for cooking hanger steak, especially if you’re looking for a quick and easy method that still delivers delicious results.

Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven to broil and allow it to heat up for a few minutes.
Season the Steak: Just as with grilling, season your hanger steak generously before placing it on a broiler pan.
Broil the Steak: Place the steak under the broiler and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
Rest and Serve: After broiling, let the hanger steak rest before slicing and serving.
Pairing Hanger Steak with Sides and Sauces
Hanger steak’s bold flavor makes it a great canvas for a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some pairing ideas to complement hanger steak in Florida:

Sides: Classic steakhouse sides like mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and grilled asparagus work well with hanger steak. For a Florida twist, pair it with grilled avocado, citrus-infused rice, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Sauces: Hanger steak’s rich flavor pairs beautifully with sauces like chimichurri, garlic butter, or red wine reduction. For a local flair, try a tropical fruit salsa with mango or pineapple to bring a bright, fresh contrast to the savory meat.
Wine Pairing: A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complements the deep flavors of hanger steak. For a lighter pairing, a Pinot Noir or Zinfandel offers a nice balance without overpowering the steak.
Where to Find Hanger Steak in Florida
Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, hanger steak is becoming increasingly available in Florida. Here are some places where you can enjoy or purchase hanger steak in Florida:

Butcher Shops: Specialty butcher shops across Florida, like Wild Fork Foods in Miami and The Butcher’s Market in Tampa, often carry hanger steak. These shops focus on high-quality cuts and are great for sourcing locally raised beef.
Farmers’ Markets: With Florida’s emphasis on local sourcing, many farmers’ markets offer hanger steak from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle.
Grocery Stores: Major grocery chains like Publix and Whole Foods are beginning to carry hanger steak, giving you the convenience of buying this flavorful cut while shopping for other essentials.
Restaurants: Many Florida restaurants, from casual bistros to fine dining establishments, now feature hanger steak on their menus. Look for it as a chef’s special or in dishes that highlight its rich flavor with creative accompaniments.
Conclusion
Hanger steak is a versatile and flavorful cut that has gained popularity in Florida's culinary scene. From grilling at home to enjoying it at top restaurants, hanger steak offers a bold and juicy steak experience that rivals more common cuts like ribeye or filet mignon. Whether you're dining in Miami, Tampa, or Jacksonville, or cooking up a storm in your own backyard, hanger steak in Florida is a hidden gem worth discovering.

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