Why Cut Steak Against the Grain?
Updated: 5 hours ago
Why cut steak against the grain? Slicing across the muscle fibers shortens them, and shorter fibers make for a very tender bite.
In this episode of Wet Aged and Confused, we talk about all things grain. Not cattle feed, which is never given to our cattle, but the grain in your steak and how to cut it for the most tender bite.
What is the grain in steak?
The grain is the direction the muscle fibers are aligned in a steak. Always slice against the grain, which means perpendicular to it. When you cut the steak against the grain, you shorten the muscle fibers, which makes for a very tender bite. If you cut with the grain, you have to chew through those long fibers, which is not a great eating experience.
We cooked three of our grass-fed & finished steaks: a ribeye, a New York strip, and a sirloin. Each has grain running in a different direction. Watch to see how to find the grain in different cuts of steak, and why it matters.
Tips and tricks for why you should cut steak against the grain
Cook your steak, then stretch it a little bit to find the direction the grain is running.
Do not be afraid to turn your steak as you cut, so you are always cutting against the grain.
When in doubt, cut a piece and taste. If it is tough but cooked perfectly, you are probably cutting with the grain. Try another direction.
Which Pre steaks need slicing against the grain?
The grain is easy to see on Pre New York Strip and Pre Petite Sirloin, so slice across it on a board for a noticeably more tender bite. Rest the steak for at least 5 minutes first. Need help with the cook? See how to cook every steak Pre sells, or learn how to cook steak on the grill.
FAQ
How do I find the grain in a steak?
Look for the lines of muscle fibers running through the steak. After cooking, gently stretch the steak, and the direction the fibers pull apart is the direction of the grain.
Does the grain run the same way in every cut?
No. Each cut has grain running in a different direction, which is why it helps to turn the steak as you slice.
What happens if I cut with the grain?
You have to chew through the long muscle fibers, which makes even a perfectly cooked steak feel tough.
Where can I buy Pre 100% Grass-Fed & Finished Beef?
Pre Brands beef is a lean, High Protein, delicious way to keep dinner healthy. Use our store locator to find a store near you, browse all Pre products, or find us on Instacart. New to grass-fed? Start with Grass-Fed Beef 101.
