This Grilled Hanger Steak with Homemade Steak Sauce is a summer grilling delight. The steak is coated with a flavorful rub and cooked to medium-rare perfection, resulting in a tender, juicy cut. The homemade steak sauce is a tangy, buttery blend featuring Red Gold Ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. It’s an impressive dish that’s easy enough for family dinners and elegant enough for entertaining.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Steak:
- 2 (8 oz) hanger steaks
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt, divided
- ¾ tsp black pepper, divided
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Olive oil for brushing
For the Steak Sauce:
- 2 tsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp minced onion
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced
- ½ cup Red Gold Ketchup
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp water

Directions

Preheat your grill to high (about 500°F).
Make the sauce: Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat until browned and nutty. Add onion and garlic, cooking over medium-low heat until soft. Remove from heat.
In a food processor, blend ketchup, Worcestershire, Dijon, honey, soy sauce, vinegars, water, salt, and pepper. Add the onion and garlic mixture and blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Pat steaks dry and brush with olive oil. Mix salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then season steaks on all sides.
Grill steaks for 3 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into ¼-inch slices.
Serve steaks with the homemade steak sauce.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 14 oz
Calories: 77
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 6mg
Sodium: 1607mg
Potassium: 225mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 9g
Vitamin A: 232IU
Vitamin C: 3mg
Calcium: 26mg
Iron: 1mg

The Versatility of Hanger Steak

Hanger steak is a lesser-known cut of beef that deserves more attention. It’s prized for its intense flavor and tender texture when cooked to the right temperature, usually medium-rare. The steak’s robust taste allows it to stand up to bold marinades, rubs, and sauces, making it an ideal choice for creative culinary experiments. Unlike other cuts like ribeye or filet mignon, hanger steak is relatively affordable, which makes it an excellent option for both budget-conscious cooks and those seeking gourmet results without breaking the bank.

This steak is versatile enough to be the star of various cuisines. While it shines in this recipe with a tangy and buttery steak sauce, hanger steak can also be used in fajitas, steak salads, or even as a topping for sandwiches. Its adaptability and rich flavor profile make it a staple for any meat lover’s repertoire.

The Magic of Homemade Steak Sauce

The homemade steak sauce in this recipe is a standout feature that takes the dish to new heights. Unlike store-bought sauces, which often contain preservatives and artificial flavors, this sauce is fresh, customizable, and made with high-quality ingredients. The combination of Red Gold Ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and honey creates a rich and tangy base, while apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar add a hint of acidity to balance the flavors. A touch of soy sauce enhances the umami depth, and the addition of onions and garlic provides a subtle, aromatic sweetness.

Making the sauce from scratch allows you to tailor it to your taste. Prefer it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. Want a sweeter finish? Increase the honey slightly. This flexibility makes the sauce not only a perfect accompaniment to hanger steak but also a versatile condiment for other grilled meats, burgers, or roasted vegetables.

Grilling Techniques for the Perfect Steak

Achieving the perfect hanger steak requires attention to detail and a few key grilling techniques. The most important factor is temperature. Grilling the steak over high heat ensures a beautiful char on the outside while maintaining a juicy, tender interior. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F. A meat thermometer is invaluable for this step, as it guarantees precision.

Resting the steak after grilling is equally crucial. Allowing the meat to rest for about 10 minutes ensures that the juices redistribute evenly, resulting in a moist and flavorful steak. Slicing the steak against the grain is another essential step to maximize tenderness. This technique breaks up the muscle fibers, making each bite easier to chew and more enjoyable.

Why This Dish is Ideal for Entertaining

Grilled Hanger Steak with Homemade Steak Sauce is a perfect dish for entertaining because of its impressive presentation and ease of preparation. The vibrant red steak sauce adds a pop of color and sophistication to the plate, while the juicy, perfectly cooked steak is guaranteed to impress guests. Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple to execute, allowing hosts to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of their guests.

The dish is also highly customizable. You can pair it with a variety of sides to suit the occasion. For a casual meal, consider serving it with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a more upscale gathering, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, asparagus, or a glass of bold red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.

Health and Nutritional Benefits

While this recipe leans into indulgent flavors, it also offers a relatively balanced nutritional profile. Hanger steak is an excellent source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients. The homemade steak sauce, made from wholesome ingredients, avoids the excessive sugars and sodium often found in pre-packaged options. By brushing the steak with olive oil and using moderate amounts of butter in the sauce, the recipe maintains a balance between flavor and health-conscious cooking.

Additionally, grilling is one of the healthiest cooking methods, as it requires minimal added fats and allows excess grease to drip away. Pairing the steak with nutrient-dense sides, such as steamed vegetables or a whole-grain salad, can further enhance the dish’s nutritional value.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Cut: Look for fresh, high-quality hanger steak with a deep red color and minimal visible fat. If hanger steak is unavailable, skirt steak or flank steak can serve as substitutes.
Seasoning the Steak: The combination of kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder creates a simple yet flavorful rub that enhances the natural taste of the meat. For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the steak for a few hours before grilling.
Sauce Storage: The homemade steak sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it a convenient option for busy cooks who want to prepare components in advance.
Grill Maintenance: Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking to prevent the steak from sticking and to achieve those desirable grill marks.

Conclusion

Grilled Hanger Steak with Homemade Steak Sauce is a recipe that combines simplicity, versatility, and elegance. The tender, juicy steak, paired with a tangy and flavorful sauce, creates a dish that is both comforting and impressive. Perfect for summer grilling, this recipe is suitable for a variety of occasions, from family dinners to celebratory gatherings. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures a meal that is not only delicious but also wholesome and nourishing.

This dish is a testament to the idea that great cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little attention to detail and a willingness to experiment with flavors, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own backyard. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable dining experience!

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