When you’re craving a quick yet flavorful dinner, nothing beats a Parmesan crusted steak. With just a handful of ingredients, you can turn an ordinary steak into a gourmet meal, all within 20 minutes. This recipe is ideal for weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to cooking steaks or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is your go-to guide for creating a crispy Parmesan crust with a juicy steak inside.
Why Choose Parmesan Crusted Steak for Dinner?
Parmesan crusted steak is a great way to elevate a simple steak. By adding a crunchy, cheesy crust to the meat, you create a balance of textures and flavors that makes each bite a delight. Additionally, this recipe is quick, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want a delicious, satisfying meal.
The best part? The Parmesan crust can be prepared with ingredients you likely already have on hand. For those looking to experiment with different flavors, the crust can be easily customized with herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. For more steak ideas, you might also enjoy this beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe, which pairs well with various sides.
Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Steak
To prepare this delicious steak dish, you’ll need the following:
- 2 New York strip steaks or any thick-cut steak like ribeye or tenderloin
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
Why These Ingredients?
- New York strip steaks are ideal for this recipe due to their marbling, which adds flavor and keeps the steak tender when broiled.
- Parmesan cheese creates the perfect crust, with its sharp, nutty flavor. It’s essential to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture.
- Garlic and basil add depth and freshness to the crust, while mayonnaise helps bind everything together, ensuring the Parmesan sticks to the steak during broiling.
For more ideas on choosing the right cut of steak, check out this guide to steak cuts, which explores the best options for different cooking methods.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Parmesan Crusted Steak
Step 1: Preparing the Parmesan Crust
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients until well-combined. This mixture will form a creamy, flavorful topping that will turn golden and crispy under the broiler.
Tip: You can customize the Parmesan mixture by adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 2: Season and Prepare the Steak
Remove the steaks from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to let them come to room temperature. Season the steaks generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides. Letting the steak warm slightly ensures that it cooks evenly.
Step 3: Broiling the Steak
Preheat your oven to high broil and place a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan on the top rack to heat up. A hot pan helps sear the steak and develop a rich crust.
Once the pan is heated, carefully place the steaks in the skillet and broil for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on the steaks to avoid overcooking.
For an alternative broiling technique, you can refer to this guide on how to broil steak perfectly.
Step 4: Adding the Parmesan Crust
Once the steaks are almost done (about 2-3 minutes per side), remove them from the oven and spoon the prepared Parmesan mixture over the top of each steak. Return the steaks to the oven and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the Parmesan crust is golden brown and bubbly.
Important: Watch the steaks carefully during this stage. Parmesan can burn quickly, so be sure to remove the steaks as soon as the crust turns golden.
Step 5: Resting and Serving
After broiling, remove the steaks from the oven and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
Alternative Cooking Methods for Parmesan Crusted Steak
Reverse Searing
For those who prefer a more precise method of cooking steak, reverse searing is an excellent option. In this technique, the steak is cooked slowly at a low temperature and then finished by searing it in a hot pan. This method allows for better control over the steak’s doneness and ensures a perfect crust.
To reverse sear:
- Preheat your oven to 225°F and place the seasoned steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Cook the steak in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of about 10°F below your desired doneness.
- Remove the steak and quickly sear it in a hot skillet, then follow with the Parmesan topping under the broiler.
Serving Suggestions for Parmesan Crusted Steak
This Parmesan crusted steak pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus roasted in olive oil complement the rich flavors of the steak.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a soft, buttery contrast to the crispy Parmesan crust.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the steak.
For a complete meal idea, you can pair the steak with this baked mahi-mahi with fresh herbs, adding a light, refreshing seafood option to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the Best Cheese for a Parmesan Crust?
While Parmesan is the top choice due to its sharp, savory flavor and excellent melting properties, you can also experiment with other cheeses like Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or Gruyere for a different twist.
Can I Make Parmesan Crusted Steak in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Simply follow the same preparation steps and place the steaks in your air fryer at 400°F. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, adding the Parmesan topping halfway through.
How Do I Get the Parmesan Crust to Stick to the Steak?
The mayonnaise in this recipe helps bind the Parmesan cheese to the steak. Be sure to evenly spread the mayonnaise mixture over the steaks before broiling to ensure it adheres well and forms a crispy crust.
Variations of Parmesan Crusted Steak
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak the flavors to suit your preferences:
- Herb Variations: Swap out the basil for thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
- Different Cuts of Steak: While New York strip is a favorite, you can also use ribeye, filet mignon, or tenderloin for this recipe.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making the crust with blue cheese, cheddar, or feta for a completely different flavor profile.
Final Tips for Cooking Parmesan Crusted Steak
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. Aim for 125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium, and 145°F for medium-well.
- Keep an Eye on the Broiler: Broilers vary in intensity, so it’s essential to keep a close watch on your steak to prevent the Parmesan crust from burning.
- Resting the Steak: Always let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes after broiling to retain the juices and enhance the flavor.
Conclusion: The Perfect Parmesan Crusted Steak in 20 Minutes
This Parmesan crusted steak recipe is a quick, flavorful, and impressive dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With just a few ingredients and 20 minutes, you can transform a simple steak into a restaurant-quality meal that your family will love. Whether you’re serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home.
Be sure to try variations like using different herbs or cheeses, and don’t forget to pair it with delicious sides such as this crispy breaded chicken wings recipe for an even more satisfying dinner.
This recipe not only guarantees a delicious steak but also provides room for creativity, making it a versatile go-to option.