Grilling Archives - Rib’N Reef: Le Meilleur Steakhouse Restaurant à Montréal

16 November 2020

Your Guide to Levels of Steak Doneness

To determine what kind of steak to get, it is a good idea to know about what each level of doneness involves. The more it is cooked, the firmer it will feel. Keep reading to find out which one might be right for you to order.

Rare

If you want your steak barely cooked, this is what to order. The center should be warmed, and the outside will be charred. The middle is very red, and the sides are browned. When you touch the center, it should feel very soft, similar to the way that raw meat feels.

Medium-Rare

If you aren’t sure what you want, you might want to go with medium-rare. Many steak cooks say this is their favorite. It will be warm all the way through the middle. The center will be pink, not red, although there could be a hint of red as well. The sides will be fairly brown, and both the bottom and top should have a dark brown color to them. The center will not feel as soft as a rare steak, but it will still give just a bit in the center.

Medium

This kind of steak has a large amount of light pink in the center. The bottom and top will both be a dark color, but not quite black. The sides will also be a deep brown. In the middle, there is a bit of ply in this steak, but it should still feel firm when you touch it.

Medium-Well

If you aren’t a fan of having that much color in your meat, then this is the steak for you. This type of steak has just a bit of pink in the center of it. The outside of it will be very dark brown, and both the bottom and top will be well-charred. It will feel fairly stiff, but the center will still have just the faintest hint of pink in it.

Well-Done

If you aren’t a fan of steak, you might want to get this type of steak. You will not taste as much of the flavor when it is well-done. However, many people still get their steak cooked like this, especially if they don’t like the idea of eating meat that still has some pink in it. This is cooked low and slow so that the outside does not burn while the inside is cooking.

It will not be burnt on the outside of it. There will not be any pink in it. Although it will look brown, it will not be burnt. This steak often feels very firm when you touch it.

Closing Thoughts

Now that you know the levels of doneness, you will be better prepared to make an informed ordering decision the next time you visit a steakhouse. You’re making the meal special by going to a steakhouse, so why not make it as enjoyable as possible by getting the perfect steak for you and your company as well?

9 November 2020

What to Expect When Going Out to Eat During the Pandemic

Stay-at-home orders have eased in many areas, and people now want to go out to eat for date nights, celebrations, or just fun meals. However, the virus is spreading more, so many restaurants have made some changes to make dining safer. You can still enjoy a professionally prepared meal and stay safe.

Planning Ahead

If you can make reservations at the restaurant, this is a good idea so that you can avoid waiting a long time near other people who could potentially be carrying the virus. Before you book a table, check if the restaurant follows social distancing, which involves allowing separate groups or households to sit six feet apart or more. Another part of planning ahead involves making sure you have a mask with you.

Wearing Your Mask

Today, many areas require individuals to wear masks in indoor public spaces. Wearing a mask might help you to protect the staff as they take you to a table. The mask should fit over your chin, nose, and mouth securely.

In some areas, it might not be necessary to wear the mask once you have sat down. Nonetheless, you should wear your mask when you are ordering. That shows courtesy to the staff members that are bringing you the drinks and food.

Once the order does arrive, you can take off your mask. Make sure that you handle it by the straps or ear loops instead of the portion that touches your face. Place it in an area that is away from the silverware, glasses, or plates. You might want to have a separate bag to store it in so that you do not get exposed to any germs.

Once you have finished eating, you will want to put the mask back on so the staff members can safely remove your plates and get you the check. If you get up during the meal, it is also wise to replace the mask. It is a good idea to sanitize your hands before eating, especially after you handle the mask.

Other Tips

At many restaurants today, the tables and chairs are spaced so that when guests are sitting, they can stay far enough apart from other guests. However, if you need to get up, be careful to avoid other people so that you don’t get too close to them.

For example, if you see a friend in a restaurant, you should avoid walking across the room to greet them. You can text or call them later on. You can wave or smile with your eyes, and they will most likely understand. And if someone wants to shake your hand, you might want to avoid touching them.

Closing Thoughts

The good news is that restaurants are open again, although there are some changes. Being aware of these changes can help you to be better prepared to have a good experience. Then you can safely enjoy a delicious steak dinner.

2 November 2020

How to Order and Eat Steak the Right Way

Going to a steakhouse is a great way to treat yourself or have a celebration. It also makes for an amazing date night. But if you don’t know your way around a steakhouse, now is the time to learn. The good news is that it isn’t hard to learn what to do, and with your new knowledge, you can pick the perfect meal.

Understanding the Kinds of Beef Cuts

A steak is a steak, right? Wrong. You have many options when it comes to cuts or where the meat came from. Several are commonly found at restaurants:

New York Strip: This is a fillet cut that comes from near the ribs, and it has a medium amount of fat in it. While it is not as tender as some cuts, the flavor is stronger, and it has a pleasant aroma. This is one of the more common kinds of cuts.

Tenderloin: This comes from the sirloin near the legs’ sides. It does not have bones, and it is easy to cut through. People often order it fried in butter for the best taste, and it doesn’t take as long to cook.

Rib Steak: This comes from the cow’s ribs and does not have bones when served. While it does have more fat to it, some people find that this amount of fat allows it to be more flavorful. Its fat means that it doesn’t need to be cooked in butter.

T-Bone: This comes from the cow’s loin and is bigger than the other kinds of cuts. On one side, the cut is firmer, and on the other, it is more tender. Grilling is often a popular method of cooking it.

What Seasonings Do You Prefer?

There are many options when it comes to seasoning your steak. But for other people, they feel that it is not necessary to alter the flavor of the meat with seasonings. It’s common to order the steak cooked in butter. Or you might not want it to be cooked in anything. You can get seasonings such as pepper, salt, creamy sauce, red wine sauce, or soy sauce. Many times, people like to get their seasonings on the side to control exactly how much goes on each piece.

How to Eat Steak Correctly

While steak can be an amazing meal, it is sometimes hard to determine how to eat it correctly. When you first get the piece, it’s a good idea to cut the meat in half in the middle and look at the inside to see what color it is. You won’t be able to tell if it’s medium or medium-rare if you don’t do this. That way, you can make sure that you have gotten just what you ordered. Cut it against the grain to make it easier.

Closing Thoughts

Once you know how to eat steak correctly, it will be easier for you to get the experience you want at your favorite steakhouse. You’ll be able to knowledgeably order the right cut and ask for the perfect seasonings.

28 April 2020

The Science Behind the Sear: Is Searing Meat a Myth?

If you have ever read a recipe on how to prepare a steak, you undoubtedly noticed instructions to sear the steak. At Rib’N Reef, we know how to prepare a steak that you will savor with the perfect balance of juice and a flavorful brown crust.

Searing a steak means to cook it quickly to brown the surface to seal in the juices. However, many chefs have scientifically proven that searing a steak does not add to the juiciness of a steak. In fact, steaks may lose more moisture after searing compared to roasted steaks. However, that does not mean the searing of steak does not have merit in a kitchen.

Locking in Juice

It is believed searing a steak somehow creates a situation where the juices are locked in. However, this theory was tested by cooking two steaks, one seared and the other not, and the moisture levels were found to be the same.

What Makes a Steak Juicy?

To understand what contributes to the juiciness of a steak, it is essential to understand what happens as a steak heats up. The muscle fibers react by contracting, which releases water. Also, the heat from cooking melts the fat, which contributes to the texture of the steak. If a steak is cooked enough to melt the fat, but not so much it contracts and releases too much moisture, the steak is a perfect balance of buttery and juicy. Many cooks agree that the optimal temperature results in a medium-rare steak.

What Is the Purpose of Searing a Steak?

While searing will not guarantee a juicy steak experience, there are still excellent reasons to sear your steak. The searing of steak creates a distinct reaction called the Maillard reaction, and this adds to the experience of eating a fantastic steak.

The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between the sugars and proteins within a steak. At high temperatures, this effect changes both the color and the flavor of food. This reaction between the protein and the sugar does not just change the color of the food; it also changes the entire aroma and flavor profile, making it even more tempting.

The Maillard reaction is different from caramelization, however. Although it does create browning, caramelization is a reaction of just sugars.

Enjoy Your Steak

It is understood that searing meat does little to lock in moisture and create a juicy steak to enjoy, as only proper cooking can create this sort of culinary masterpiece. However, searing steaks does improve the flavor due to the chemical reaction that takes place between the sugars and the proteins under high heat. If you are concerned the steaks you cook at home will not reach this level, come into Rib’N Reef to experience perfectly cooked steak on our charcoal pit.

21 April 2020

Degrees of Doneness: How Would You like Your Steak Prepared?

Sitting down for dinner with a beautiful steak on your plate is a great way to end a day. As you sit down at Rib’N Reef, you can expect a premier experience with extraordinary food. Your steak is no exception. At Rib’N Reef, we pride ourselves on creating mouthwatering cuisine that we prepare to your exact specifications.

What Is Happening When a Steak Is Broiling?

As your steak heats up on Rib’N Reef’s charcoal pit, it goes through some changes. The protein molecules unwind, and the heat causes the muscle fibers to shrink. Muscle fibers are mostly water, and as the muscle fibers shrink, they force water out. At the same time, the fat in the steak melts and absorbs into the muscle. This action tenderizes the steak and contributes to the flavor.

Doneness Levels for Steak

At Rib’N Reef, we are committed to ensuring we cook your steak perfectly and to your liking. As you contemplate how you would like your steak prepared, it is helpful to understand the different levels of doneness and how that changes the flavor and texture of the steak.

Rare

If you order your steak rare, the internal temperature of your steak will reach 120 degrees. Your Rib’N Reef steak will be warm, but the center will be red. At this temperature, the fat of the steak will not have a chance to heat up enough to render, or melt, which is lovely for those lean cuts. However, for a steak with a higher fat content, a higher temperature is worth considering.

Medium-Rare

If you prefer your steak medium-rare, expect your steak to be cooked to 130 degrees and warm all the way through. Also, there will be a hint of red in the center, with the rest of the steak being pink. At this level of doneness, the fat has not been able to heat up enough to melt, but most of the moisture has not had a chance to evaporate yet. This balance allows for both a buttery texture from the rendered fat and plenty of juice.

Medium

A medium-done steak will be cooked to an internal temperature of 140 degrees, and the steak will be pink with no hint of red. The fat will have melted into the steak, but some of the moisture will have evaporated.

Medium-Well

If you prefer Rib’N Reef to prepare your steak medium-well, it will be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Just like the medium steak, the fat will have rendered into the steak, and much of the moisture will have evaporated. There will be a slight hint of pink at the center.

Well

A well-done steak will not have a hint of pink in the center, as it will be brown all the way through. The outside will not be burnt, however, because Rib’N Reef understands how to cook a well-done steak to an internal temperature of 170 degrees without overcooking the outside.

30 December 2019

Enjoying Fine Steaks While on a Diet

Diets can be a real challenge. It is difficult to find a balance. On the one hand, healthy eating is essential. But some indulgence can help you reach your goals without feeling stressed. People who take care of themselves deserve to be rewarded.

Is it possible to reward yourself without undoing your hard work? As it turns out, it is. A delicious steak can be a great way to indulge a little without ruining your diet. Steaks can even be part of a healthy diet.

At Rib’N Reef, we applaud our customers for living healthy lives. So how does a luxurious steak fit into a healthy diet?

Health Benefits of Steak

You might not think that steaks can be part of a proper diet. Of course, as with anything, moderation is the key. Eating too much red meat can contribute to obesity-related illnesses like heart disease. However, as an occasional meal, there is no reason why a steak can’t be healthy as well as delicious.

Steak is surprisingly low in fat and carbohydrates. In general, an 8-ounce steak contains between 10 and 16 grams of fat. There is a widespread belief that steak only contains saturated fat. About 40 to 50 percent of the fat in steak is indeed saturated. But the remaining fat is monounsaturated. This is the fat that is often recommended to improve heart health. It is found in olive oil and is popularly called “healthy fat.”

Steak can also be a source of essential nutrients. It is high in protein, with about 45 to 50 grams in an 8-ounce steak. Steak is also a great source of iron and vitamin B12. A single serving can provide your daily iron requirement. This makes it an excellent choice for those with iron deficiencies.

How Steak and Dieting Can Coexist

Although there are nutritional benefits, you should still make healthy choices while dieting. There are many ways to make sure your steak is a benefit to your health instead of a detriment.

The cut and the cooking of your steak can affect its nutritional content. Different cuts vary widely in calorie counts and fat content. If you are dieting, it is usually better to choose a leaner cut of meat. Bottom round and sirloin-tip side steaks have some of the lowest calorie counts.

The way your steak is cooked is also vital. Avoid fried steaks wherever possible. Of course, as in everything, moderation is key. If you are watching your nutrition, don’t choose the biggest steak of the menu. Opt instead for a smaller steak with healthy side dishes.

Remember, as well, that steak is only one part of a meal. You can keep it on the straight and narrow by choosing healthy sides. Opt for vegetables, whole grains, and even fruits over fried foods.

Steaks have a reputation for being luxurious, and they certainly are. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a delicious cut of meat while watching your diet – as long as you do so prudently.

25 December 2019

Best Fruits and Veggie Pairings for Steaks

Some people make the mistake of thinking that an excellent steak is just a piece of meat. In reality, the best steak meals are far more than just a cut of beef! Much more goes into a delicious steak dinner than merely cooking it properly. The best steak meals are paired with tasty sauces, veggies, and even fruits!

If you are looking to take your next fine steak meal to the next level, try some of these outstanding fruits or veggies as garnishes and sides. There are plenty of reasons that fruit and vegetables have become some of the classic companions to fine dining. Check out some of our ideas for the best fruits and veggie pairings for steaks, and you are likely to find a new favorite!

No Shortage of Scrumptious Selections

Fruits are a great flavor and nutritional complement to any steak. Citruses are especially popular, so any chance you get to add some orange, lemon, lime, or pineapple to your steak is a great opportunity. Citrus helps bring out the flavor of foods, and steak is no exception. Mango is another popular choice. While often thought to be a citrus fruit, mango is a tropical fruit with a sweet, tangy flavor that can complement a good steak.

Other fruits are not as sweet or tart but enhance a steak dinner, as well. Zucchinis are a classic pairing with steaks since they have a light flavor and a delicate consistency. They can be roasted, fried, or steamed in a variety of ways, each influencing just how the zucchini tastes. There is no wrong answer for most people since zucchini is nearly a universal favorite.

Avocado is an increasingly more common addition to steak dinners. Avocados are packed with savory flavor and healthy fats that can bring out the character of some cuts of steak.

Tomatoes are a classic addition to steak dinners and can be used in all kinds of ways, from sauces and glazes to diced sides or toppings. The acidic flavor of tomatoes can bring out the best in a good cut of steak.

Vegetables are a natural pairing with steak since so many of them go so well. Steamed asparagus is a healthy, flavorful option. The slight bitterness of asparagus is right at home next to the intense flavor of beef. Spinach, too, brings a crunchy, leafy palette cleanse that can help the flavors in skillfully cooked meat shine.

Of course, if you are stuck between a few options, you can always mix them and see how they work out! When you find yourself in an indecisive mood, or if you are unsure what you might like best with steak, opt for a side salad. Not only is this a healthy side option, but it can also help you figure out which flavors you enjoy best. Remember, the most crucial part of a steak dinner is that you enjoy it. Finding the best pairings for steaks is really about what you like best.

2 August 2019

Pairing Summer Drinks With The Grill

We all have our favorites when it comes to pairing a drink with a great steak. But this summer why not be a little more adventurous and pour yourself something a little different.

Grilled Sangria

Keep to the theme of grilling by preparing a grilled sangria. This concept drink has become extremely popular in the last couple of years, with grilled fruit adding a touch of smoky flavor to a blending of brandy and red wine. Grilled apples, citrus, and grapes round out the taste and mellow out this drink. To prepare: place grapes on skewers, cut up slices of apples, lemons, and oranges – and place on a medium-high grill. Cover and grill until the fruit is softened and slightly charred. Cool and place in a large glass pitcher. Then add brandy, red wine, orange juice, and a simple syrup to blend. Chill for at least 6 hours so the flavors fuse together. Serve with any cut of grilled steak with a side of grilled vegetables and a light salad.

Smoky Cocktails

Smoke-flavored cocktails are great served alongside a barbequed steak and side dishes. Use smoky spirits such as a Mexican mezcal or a single malt Scotch to create a summer cocktail that your guests are sure to remember. A great cocktail is the “Blood and Sand” that has been around since the 1930s, when it was introduced and named after a bullfighter movie that starred the famous Rudolph Valentino. The drink is made with a blend of scotch, sweet vermouth, Heering cherry liqueur, and fresh squeezed orange juice. Shake with ice and strain, served in a chilled cocktail glass alongside a grilled New York steak.

White Summer Wines

When we think of steak we usually think of a glass of bold, red wine. But don’t be afraid to pair grilled steak with a fruity and full-bodied white wine. The richness of the steak complements the lighter tones of a chilled white. This summer keep a few bottles of white in the fridge, such as a classic German Riesling or a dry and crisp Chenin Blanc from France.

Rosé Wines

When summer is here, rosé wines become the go-to-wine when looking for a drink that has the characteristics of a red but with a lighter and unique taste. Try the pink hues of rosé with your next grilled steak – the zesty spice and fruity notes of many rosés is ideal for pairing with a grilled flank steak or a rib eye.

The Summer Non-Alcoholic Drink

While steak goes so well paired with a cocktail, wine, or beer, it’s equally as tasty with a non-alcoholic drink on hot summer days. The next time you’re grilling, get creative with a non-alcoholic drink. It can be as simple as chilled pomegranate or cranberry juice mixed with club soda poured over ice. Or try a tropical fizzy drink by mixing together fresh orange juice, seltzer water, and chopped mint leaves.

No matter what drink you decide to pair with grilled steak, it’s all about the art of having a lazy summer that’s filled with good food and drink. Visit us at Rib’N Reef as we continue the culinary theme of summer with one of our great steaks and cocktails.

22 July 2019

Summers Here! Time To Throw Steaks On The Grill

Summer is finally here. And that means warmer weather and longer days of sun. So, it’s the perfect time to get out of the kitchen and spend more time outdoors…grilling steak of course! Instead of heating up the kitchen, fire up the grill and get ready for some summer steak. Whether you have a charcoal grill or gas barbeque, here’s how to enjoy grilled steak this summer.

Charcoal Grilling

Charcoal grills come in all sizes, which is ideal if you only have a small backyard or garden space. Grilling over charcoal gives steak a rich and smoky flavor that you won’t be able to duplicate on a gas barbeque. It also takes a bit more patience to cook over a charcoal grill, but the end result of a moist and juicy steak is well worth it.

Choosing the right cut of steak

It’s really about choosing any cut – any cut of steak tastes delicious cooked over charcoal. Some great options are a New York strip or a rib eye. Look for cuts that have a good marbling of fat to ensure juiciness and a buttery flavor.

Prepping the steak

Remove the steak from the fridge about 20 minutes before grilling. Season well with salt and pepper, giving the seasoning time to set into the meat, enhancing the flavor. If you want additional flavor, season the meat with a summer rub made with paprika, minced onion, minced garlic, and ground coriander.

Heat up the grill

Light up the charcoal, allowing the coals to heat. Once the charcoal is hot and ready to grill, build up the coals to one side of the grill to create a direct hot zone, leaving the other side of the grill as the “cool zone”.

Cooking steak over coals

Place the steaks on the grill over the hot zone – cook for about two to three minutes until the outside of the meat is nicely seared. Flip over and sear the other side for another two to three minutes. Then move the steak to the cool zone of the grill and cook until done. Use a meat thermometer to get the cook you want:

Rare: 120-125F
Medium: 125-135F
Well done: 140F

Serve with a summer salad and grilled corn.

Gas Barbeque Grilling

Cooking on a gas barbeque is fast and easy. Just heat up the grill and start cooking any cut of steak.

Warm up the steak

Steak needs be taken out of the fridge before cooking on a gas grill – otherwise if you put cold steak on a hot grill the outside will burn before the interior is cooked to perfection.

Marinade and season the steak

Summer marinades are a nice way to add extra flavor to steak. It’s also a good way to add tenderness to less choice cuts of meat such as a flank steak or those steaks that don’t have enough marbling. Here’s the perfect summer marinade – 3 tablespoons tequila mixed with olive oil, fresh lime juice, coarsely chopped garlic, and a dash of Tabasco sauce. Spread over the steak and chill for about 15 to 20 minutes, taking the steak out of the fridge to warm up before grilling.

Cooking BBQ steak

Make sure the grill is good and hot before cooking the steak. The high heat is going to quickly sear the steak, sealing in the juices. Then move to a less hot area of the grill and cook until done.

Grilled steak goes well with grilled vegetables and a baked potato.

Take advantage of the summer weather to grill steak outdoors. And when you’re ready to treat yourself to a great steak dinner that someone else has prepared for you, come spend an evening with us at Rib’N Reef.

13 June 2019

The Most Interesting Ways to Cook Steaks

You might think that cooking steaks is pretty straightforward, even if there is an art to it. But like many forms of cooking, getting a perfectly cooked steak is a journey that can take many forms. There are actually many ways to cook a steak, even beyond the traditional methods of grilling, roasting, or pan-frying. So what are the ways that you can push your culinary know-how when it comes to cooking a great steak?

Cooking It on Coals

If you want to try something really old-school, try cooking your steak directly on coals. For grilling like this, you wouldn’t want to use briquettes. Instead, use regular, clean coal. It won’t leave an odd flavor in your steak. What it will do is impart a layered, intense flavor. Cooking on coals requires being focused and present. You will need to flip the steak every few minutes. With proper monitoring, it will become ultra-crispy on the outside and smoky and juicy on the inside.

Smoking It at Home

If you’ve ever had a really good barbecue, you know what effect smoke can have on meat. There is a reason that everyone loves classic smoked meats like brisket. But believe it or not, you can actually smoke your own steak right in your own home.

The perfect steak for smoking is a bigger, thicker steak. You may also want to prepare a marinade for your steak. Grilling and smoking purists will say that this is the wrong way to go about it, but smoking steaks can be tricky. It can be a bit of a battle to keep the moisture in the meat. You want to get that smoky flavour while keeping a tender, soft consistency. Even though it can be a challenge, it is not impossible — and getting it perfect is worth the effort.

Cooking a Shovel Steak

The term “shovel steak” is not a manner of speech. This delicious, crispy steak earns its name because it is literally cooked on a shovel. Cooking on an open fire can make you feel primitive, but there is nothing more delicious than a perfectly cooked steak eaten flame-side. To cook a shovel steak, build your campfire, adding enough wood to keep it piping hot. Season your steak with whatever rub or marinade you like. Then preheat your shovel by laying it on the flames for about five minutes.

When the shovel is hot, lay your steak on it and put it directly into the flames. This essentially works like frying it in a pan. However, the extra-hot temperature and direct flame exposure give it a unique flavor and an excellent sear on the outside. When done right, shovel steaks can be crispy on the exterior and tender and juicy in the middle.

If you love to experiment with cooking steak, challenge yourself to try something new this summer. And when you’ve had your fill of the great outdoors, visit Rib’N Reef for our own delicious specialty steaks.