What is Hanger Steak? A Quick Recipe Overview

Hanger steak is a cut of beef hit for its exceptional taste and tenderness. It is a flat, V-shaped cut sourced from the plate or belly region of the cow or steer and located just below the animal’s diaphragm.

Because of its location, it was often overlooked in the past, but its unique flavor and texture have earned it a well-deserved place in the spotlight. 

This cut is also known by other names, including “butcher’s steak” and “hanging tenderloin.” In France, it is commonly found on bistro menus under the name “onglet.” While hanger steak shares some characteristics with flank steak and skirt steaks, it offers a higher level of tenderness.

Tips for Achieving the Best Results

1. When marinating your steaks, strike a balance. Aim for a minimum marinating time of 90 minutes, but don’t exceed 8 hours. Prolonged marination can produce undesirable results, causing the meat fibers to turn mealy or mushy.
2. Before firing up the pellet grill, allow your hanger steak to sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. This step ensures even grilling, as chilled steaks might cook unevenly.
3. After removing your steaks from the marinade, gently pat them dry. 
4. Ensure your grill reaches the ideal temperature range of 232°C to 260°C. The steaks should sizzle as they contact the grill grates, promoting those beautiful grill marks and flavor.

Easy Grilled Hanger Steak Recipe

Discover the art of turning the underrated hanger steak into a delightful, steakhouse-quality dinner with my simple yet delicious recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 large hanger steaks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Whisk together all the marinade ingredients, except the salt and pepper, in a small mixing bowl.
2. Season the hanger steaks with salt and pepper, then place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
3. When ready to cook, remove the marinated hanger steaks from the refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature.
4. Preheat your grill to high heat. Once it reaches the desired high temperature, carefully remove the steaks from the marinade and place them on the grill. Grill each side for approximately 4 minutes or until the internal temperature of the hanger steaks reaches 135°F.
5. Remove the grilled hanger steaks from the heat and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing them across the grain.

Storage Instructions

For Refrigeration: Place any remaining portions in an airtight container within the refrigerator to preserve them. These refrigerated leftovers should be consumed within 3 to 4 days to ensure freshness and quality.

For Reheating: An effective method is to warm it in a baking dish at a low temperature, approximately 250ºF until the internal temperature reaches 110ºF. 

For Freezing: Transfer the cooled steak into a container or a resealable ziplock bag, taking care to remove any excess air. This method preserves the meat’s quality for an extended period, allowing you to store it in the freezer for approximately 2 to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.

Conclusion

In this simple yet satisfying grilled hanger steak recipe, you’ve unlocked the potential of an often overlooked and underrated cut of meat.

You can enjoy a steakhouse-quality dinner right at home by marinating the hanger steak in a flavorful blend and expertly grilling it.

The result? Delicious, tender, and perfectly grilled steaks that will impress your taste buds and those of your guests. Elevate your culinary skills and relish the flavors of this fantastic dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the ideal internal temperature for grilled hanger steaks?

Aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) when grilling hanger steaks for a medium-rare doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

What should I serve with grilled hanger steak?

Grilled hanger steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider options like garlic mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, a crisp salad, or a flavorful chimichurri sauce for a complete meal.

Can I cook the hanger steak on an indoor or stovetop grill pan?

You can use an indoor grill or stovetop grill pan to prepare hanger steak if you need access to an outdoor grill. Set the grill or pan to high heat and follow the instructions accordingly.