Hanger Steak

The coveted hanger steak is one of the finest cuts of meat and a favorite among barbecue lovers. 

With origins in Latin American cuisine, its juicy flavor has climbed to world gastronomy. Here's the definitive guide with everything you need to know about this popular steak cut, how to cook it and where to get it. 

What is Hanger Steak? 

Hanger steak cut, like all great legends, has many names all over the world. In Argentina it's known as the unique and incomparable entraña, in Mexico as arrachera, onglet in France, entrécula in Spain… All the way around the globe to the famous hanger steak in the United States. Actually, it's also known as butcher's steak or hanging tenderloin.

But, what specifically is hanger steak, you ask? Well, this delicious cut is part of the cow's diaphragm. It's elongated and is wrapped by a membrane that can be removed for presentation or left for cooking to keep the juices inside. It is a very juicy cut that has earned a select place in the taste of the carnivorous public. 

But wait, Is It Hanger Steak or Butcher's Steak?

Hanger steak also earned the nickname butcher's steak for its historical association with butchers. Traditionally, butchers kept this cut for themselves rather than selling it to customers. Rarely do you find such taste and tenderness with a lower cost compared to other prime cuts. 

Butchers recognized the value of hanger steak and often kept it to share it with family and friends. Hence, the name butcher's steak. This practice contributed to the mystique surrounding hanger steak, making it something of a hidden gem in the culinary world.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Grilled Hanger Steak

At the same time, hanger steak is a very fibrous meat that when raw is very tough. Therefore, different culinary processes are key to make it more tender and tasty. 

One of these processes is marinating. This consists of seasoning the meat with spices that make it softer and at the same time give it a special flavor. 

In Mexico and the United States it is very famous for its ease of preparation and versatility, as it is used for almost any dish and always looks good. On the grill it is recommended to cook it al dente, in this way its qualities of softness, juiciness and flavor are appreciated.

Another popular way to cook this cut of meat is to cook it very slowly in a vegetable broth to make a warm, comforting steak stew. This one is a winter classic in Latin American cuisine.

Wine Dinner Event for the most perfect pairing 🍷

And keeping with the best gastronomic traditions of Latin American cuisine, there is no better way to pair this fine cut of meat than with a red wine. 

So, when it's time to go out for a special evening, attending a wine dinner event is the best possible way to enjoy an authentic hanger steak dish. 

At R&C Kitchen you can find a curated selection of the best wines featuring Duckhorn Vineyards. Here you will find a gourmet place with a gourmet menu, where the juiciness of the hanger steak is brought to its finest with the accompaniment of mushrooms, potato pavé, leek, chive and bordelaise sauce. 

And without any doubt, a dish of the finest steak paired with a glass of wine is one of the best and most gourmet culinary experiences that meat lovers can experience. 

Traditional Hanger Steak Recipe

But of course, we are not forgetting all the lovers of good meat who want to venture into the homemade preparation of the traditional arrachera. Here is the classic recipe to make the quest for hanger steak near me take you to your own home. 

Ingredients:

- 2 pounds of hanger steak

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

- Optional (but highly recommended): spices or herbs of your choice for seasoning (it can be garlic powder, rosemary, smoked paprika, cumin, in short, this meat is very versatile so it will be whatever your palate dictates).

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to high heat, making sure it is clean and well greased to prevent sticking.

2. Remove the hanger steak from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you have time, you can leave it for a couple of hours to allow it to soften sufficiently.

3. While the steak is resting, generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add any other spices or herbs of your choice for extra flavor.

4. When the grill is hot, place the steak directly over the flames.

5. Grill the steak for about 5 minutes per side for medium rare. If you want it more cooked and not as juicy, leave it a couple of minutes longer. Avoid turning the steak too often so that it caramelizes and grill marks form.

6. Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

7. After resting, slice the steak into thin strips to maximize tenderness and serve immediately.

8. Enjoy your hanger steak with a fine red wine. Your gourmet dinner is served.

Conclusion: Embrace the finest cut of meats from Latin American Cuisine

Welcome then to all lovers of the finest and most delicious cuts of meat to the table. And for those looking for an elegant dining experience in Atlanta, we await you with this dish and a glass of the best wine. 

Gather the ingredients and condiments for your homemade hanger steak or reserve your table for the next winner dinner event. Either way, with this dish and the wine pairing, it is sure to be a night to remember.