Eating steak at a high-end restaurant might dig a hole in your pocket. This is why most of us prefer buying it and cooking it at home. However, this has its own problems, starting with the steak turning grey.
If you have had similar experiences, you have come to the right place since we shall explain the reasons and the solutions for such an outcome.
Without waiting any further, let’s disclose the mystery of your grey steaks.
Grey steak is often a result of over-cooking
One common reason for a grey steak is overcooking. When you place your steak on a high-temperature pan, this enables the proteins in the meat to tear down and release its liquids that act as lubricants. This can cause the steak to become dry and tough. You can avoid the drying out of steak by simmering your steak on a low flame.
In the next section, we recommend you cook your steak using a few methods to ensure a juicy, flavorful steak every time. With the help of a thermometer, you can check if the steak has cooked sufficiently on the inside. Avoid cooking your steak past medium-rare, which will likely result in a grey steak.
Use The Right Cooking Method
As we mentioned before, one of the main reasons for a grey steak is overcooking. To prevent this, it’s essential to use the proper cooking method. One of the methods is the reverse sear method, which involves simmering the steak at a lower temperature and then searing it briefly over high heat. This method helps preserve the juices in the steak and prevents it from drying out.
You can also use the sous vide method if you’re cooking a thick steak. This involves cooking the steak in a vacuum-sealed bag at a low temperature for an extended period of time. This method helps to evenly cook the steak and prevent it from drying out.
Season The Steak Properly
Another common reason for a grey steak is improper seasoning. When you season your steak, it’s essential to use a dry rub or marinade that contains salt. This will moisturize the steak and helps it stay tender during cooking so that it doesn’t dry out. Seasoning should be done moderately, or else you run the risk of overcooking the steak.
It’s also important to note that you should never season your steak with wet ingredients like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. These can make the steak too salty and cause it to over-absorb the flavors of the marinade. Stick to dry rubs and marinades, and season your steak generously with salt before cooking.
How Does Steak Get Its Color?
One common question people have about steak is how it gets its color. Myoglobin is a red-pigmented protein compound that enables oxygen to be contained inside the muscle cell, giving the steak its red color. When the steak is exposed to oxygen, it turns red. This is why raw steak is red and cooked steak is brown.
The amount of myoglobin in steak can vary depending on the type of meat. For example, beef has more myoglobin than fish or chicken. This is why beef steak is typically redder than chicken or fish steak. Oxygen exposure can also affect the color of the steak.
If steak is exposed to oxygen for too long, it will turn grey. This is why it’s essential to cook steak quickly and at a lower temperature to prevent it from turning grey.
Grey Steak In The Supermarket
If you’ve ever bought steak from the supermarket, you may have noticed that some of it are grey. This is because the steak has been exposed to oxygen for too long and has begun to turn grey. However, this does not mean that the steak is terrible. The steak is still safe to eat, but it may not be as tender and flavorful as a steak that has been adequately cooked.
If you’re worried about grey steak, you can always ask the butcher for a fresh cut of meat. This will ensure that you’re getting a steak that is less likely to turn grey when cooked.
And as we have mentioned above, it’s important to remember that grey steak is not necessarily bad. However, it is essential to use the proper cooking methods and seasonings to prevent the steak from turning grey. With a bit of care and attention, you can enjoy a delicious, juicy steak every time.
FAQs
What happens if you eat gray steak?
If you happen to notice any sort of discoloration to your stake, especially with the color gray, do not panic. Such consequences take place when the meat is not exposed to oxygen. Given that it does not have any other spoilage signs, gray steak is safe to eat.
How can you tell if steak is spoiled?
If your steak is slimy, slippery, or extremely dry, it is most likely gone bad. Moreover, it will enunciate a rancid smell. In such cases, it is best to toss the steak out.
How long will steak last in the fridge?
The raw steak will last for 2 days in the fridge, given that it is wrapped properly. It is also a good practice to mark the date of the steak before storing it.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it! These are a few of the main reasons why your steak may turn grey during cooking. Be sure to use the reverse sear method and season your steak generously with salt before cooking.
If you’re cooking a thick steak, you can also use the sous vide method to help prevent it from drying out. It is also important to note that store-bought steak can sometimes look grey in color, which is perfectly normal. And it does not hamper the nutrient density or quality of the steak.
Thanks for reading!
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