Steak has always been touted as a form of comfort food, albeit a more elevated and high-end one. As a matter of fact, it is usually reserved for celebrating special occasions like a big milestone in life.
One of the most sought after steaks in the world is no other than bistecca alla Fiorentina. This translates into steak cooked as they do in Florence and it is promised to bring a sumptuous and flavorful punch with every bite.
More and more people are learning how to cook as of late and cooking the perfect steak is every carnivore's dream. If you are one of these individuals, make sure to read on to learn how to make this scrumptious Italian steak recipe.
What Is a Florentine Steak?
Bistecca alla Fiorentina, otherwise known as Florentine steak, is a type of steak dish that is largely based on a cooking method that is native to the region of Tuscany. It also banks on using a T-bone steak which comes from the sirloin part of the cattle.
While there is no specific cut, one of the cardinal “rules” when making this steak dish is that you need beef or cuts that come from Chianina cattle. These cattle are raised in the Chiana Valley in Tuscany.
The cut is normally thick, with thicknesses ranging from 1 to 1 ½ inch or even up to 2 inches, some even going up to 3 inches thick. The bistecca alla Fiorentina is said to be served by the etto or what you would call in 100-gram sizes.
It is typically served with a lemon wedge for a touch of brightness and to counter the rich taste of the steak. However, in some cases, it can also be served with a generous pat of butter, as well as beans in olive oil and sage for a savory and filling side.
History Behind Bistecca alla Fiorentina
The story of this Florentine steak can be traced back in homage to the House of Medici and the Feast of San Lorenzo. The feast was usually celebrated on the 10th of August.
The occasion was marked by numerous offerings and fires where huge quantities of meat, such as beef and veal, were grilled and served to the people.
In the olden days, it was said that Florence’s very own Piazza San Lorenzo served as an international crossroads. This allowed people to meet various travelers from all over the world.
One of the knights who came to celebrate the feast of San Lorenzo was awed by the robust flavor of the roasted meat that they referred to as “beef steak.” From hereon, the dish was then called bistecca.
Making the Steak: What You Need
1 T-bone or 2 porterhouse steaks, with each, ideally weighing 3 to 3.5 pounds and 2 to 3-inches thick
Fresh rosemary
Fresh sage
Extra virgin olive oil or pure olive oil
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
A Step by Step Guide in Making the Florentine Steak
Allow the meat to rest or thaw out prior to cooking at least an hour before you intend to cook or grill it. Ideally and typically, it should be cooked on high heat above coals to achieve that smoky taste and for grill lines to be prominent on the meat.
- To start, preheat your grill on medium-high heat. If you are using an oven, preheat your appliance to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once ready, pat the steak dry on both sides. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
- Then, with the sage and rosemary herbs tied together, brush these against the steak with some olive oil to prevent the steak from sticking on the pan or on the grill. This will also lend depth and flavor.
- Given the steak’s size and thickness, you will need around 12 minutes to cook it. This entails cooking each side for 4 minutes and then cooking for another 2 minutes for each side.
Bear in mind that you still want to keep it juicy inside, so keeping it to a medium-rare is the best way to go. Once cooked, allow the meat to rest once more for around five minutes.
This allows the juices inside to settle and be retained, rather than come out when you cut the bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Afterward, proceed by drizzling extra virgin olive oil on top, and season with more salt. Cut the steak off the bone and slice into strips to serve.
The Bottom Line
Is your mouth just salivating now? If you're picturing a gorgeous succulent steak cooked to perfection then that's what you'll get with cook bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Italian recipes definitely have fancy, complicated names but they are easy to make. This one above requires minimal ingredients, just a little finesse on your part.
