Spike Steak
Spike Steak offers a bold, smoky flavor with a crust of coarse salt, garlic, and peppercorns, perfect for those who enjoy hearty, savory grilled or broiled steaks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the steak.
- Crack the black peppercorns coarsely and mince the garlic.
- Press the peppercorns and minced garlic into both sides of the steak; let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Make a thick paste of the coarse salt and water.
- Cover the top side of the steak with half of the salt-water mixture.
- If cooking over coals, cover the salt side with a wet cloth or paper towel and place the salt side down on the grill.
- The cloth or paper towel holds the salt in place; it will char as the steak cooks but will not affect the taste.
- Cover the top of the steak with the remaining salt mixture and another piece of towel.
- If broiling, place the steak salt side up, about 3 inches from the heat source.
- When turning the steak, apply salt to the other side.
- Cook approximately 15 minutes on each side for rare, or about 25 minutes for medium rare.
- Remove the salt coating before eating.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, allow the steak to marinate for a bit longer than one hour if time permits. If you're out of coarse salt, kosher salt can work as a substitute, but adjust the quantity as it may vary in saltiness. Additionally, consider using fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in the salt mixture for added depth. This steak recipe pairs beautifully with American recipes like Brown Beef Stew And Biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spike Steak with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. A robust red wine can complement the rich flavors, while a tangy chimichurri sauce can add a refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, pair it with Cheese Tater Pie or Cabbage Cacciatore for a delightful flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the steak in a preheated oven at 250°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can result in a tough texture. For best results, enjoy the steak cold in a salad or sandwich.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spike Steak contains roughly 161 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, while sirloin is recommended for its flavor and tenderness, you can substitute with ribeye or flank steak. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different cuts may require adjustments.
What if I don't have a grill?
If grilling isn't an option, broiling works well. Position the steak about 3 inches from the heat source, and follow the same cooking times to achieve your desired doneness.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method. For rare, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F, and for medium rare, look for about 135°F. Remember to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).