In this post, we answer, what is bavette steak? If you’re looking to find out more about this cut of steak, then you’re in the right place!
In a nutshell, Bavette steak is a long, flat cut of beef from the plate or the diaphragm.
The bavette is from bovine quadrupeds near the kidneys and loin area. The pieces are marbled by longissimus Dorsi muscle fibers.
While similar to flank or skirt steak, bavette is much more tender and much thinner.
Bavette has a robust flavor, though it is not as rich in beefy flavor as other cuts from the plate.
The cut can be grilled, sautéed, or braised. The meat should always be sliced against the grain for optimal tenderness.
Let’s take a closer look…
Contents
How Is Bavette Steak Best Cooked?
Bavette steak is best when grilled, sautéed, or braised…
This is because this type of steak is quite thin, and if overcooked it will be too chewy.
That being said, you can cook steak in a frying pan, but be careful! You’ll want to use lower heat or you’ll quickly dry it out.
I personally like to use a frying pan when I cook bavette steak, as I find it is easier and tastes delicious.
The first thing you’ll need to do is heat a pan on a high heat and let it get nice and hot.
You’ll want to use a frying pan as this will allow you to have the beef touching the bottom of the pan which will result in a crispy outside whilst still having a lovely moist inside.
The steak will need around 4 minutes each side, as well as being turned, you should also salt and pepper each side of the steak (this will bring out extra tasty flavors and add a little saltiness to your meal).
Whilst cooking, be sure not to move the steak around too much, as it may reduce the amount of crusting that forms.
If you want an extra crunchy outside then feel free to use a type of oil other than olive oil.
The steak will be ready when it turns a deep brown color and is crispy to the touch.
You should serve this tasty bavette steak with some sweet potatoes chips and your favorite salad or vegetables.
When cooking this easy-to-make meal, ensure you don’t overcook the steak as you want to ensure that you still get a bit of pink in the middle.
Be sure to use a tasty sauce such as peppercorn or red wine sauce to serve with it.
Depending on how you like your steak cooked, you should always cook it to rare to medium-rare and slice it before serving.
Of course, this all depends on the thickness of your steak. Bavette is fairly thin, so if you want a thicker cut you should either adjust cooking times accordingly or just use a different cut entirely.
How Is Bavette Steak Best Served?
When serving bavette steak, it’s best to slice it against the grain.
This will ensure it’s nice and tender, perfect for serving on top of rustic dishes like salads or with skinny fries.
If you want to cook bavette steak for sandwiches, then you don’t need to slice it – just let people tuck in!
Bavette steak can also be served with a wide variety of sauces, either alongside or on top.
Of course with something this good you’re going to want to have lots of options for people to choose from!
Another great way to serve bavette steak is to use a side such as mash, fries, potatoes as well as grilled vegetables.
This will surely blow your guests away and ensure they leave with a full stomach and are incredibly satisfied.
How Is Bavette Steak Prepared?
Preparing bavette steak is relatively easy, and you don’t need long to prepare it correctly.
You will want to make sure you have all your ingredients and equipment ready before starting, as this steak doesn’t take too long to cook.
Ensure you have your pan on medium heat, salt & pepper at the ready for seasoning, and a tasty steak rub for flavor too.
It’s also a good idea to use a steak butter to serve your steak to ensure the steak is nice and juicy.
Remember to let your steak rest for between 5 – 10 minutes before serving, as this will allow the juices to settle.
Is Bavette Steak Expensive?
When it comes to the price of bavette steak, this is a cheaper cut of steak to buy.
This is down to the thinness, as it doesn’t require many steaks for a restaurant or cooking a large number of meals at home.
It is also not as popular as other cuts, which can lead to it being labeled as an everyday steak option rather than something you cook every now and again such as Filet Mignon.
The average price of bavette steak is around $10, which is very affordable.
The bavette steak does have some fat around the edges, which can help to keep the steak moist throughout cooking.
It doesn’t contain as much fat as other steaks on offer, though it certainly isn’t low in fat content.
The fattiness of the meat makes it much more tender than other steaks, which also helps it to make a great everyday option.
You can cook this cut like you would any other steak and it is recommended that you grill the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked as desired.
Where Is Bavette Steak Commonly Found?
Bavette steak is commonly found in places where you would expect to find a skirt or flank steak.
This particular cut comes from the underbelly of the cow, so it is often seen in places such as New Zealand and Argentina.
In Europe, bavette steak originates from France and Italy, though it can also be found in some restaurants throughout the UK as well.
This steak is very popular in Argentina and Australia too, where it is offered as a ‘Bistec de Chorizo’ or simply just chori bistec.
This steak can be easily found at most supermarkets and will usually run for $10-$20 per pound.
What Is The Nutritional Value Of Bavette Steak?
The nutritional value of bavette steak is not bad, though it may vary depending on the specific cut and supplier.
See below the nutritional value of 100g of Bavette Steak below;
- Calories – 172
- Carbs – 0
- Fat – 10g
- Saturated – 0
- Protein – 19g
As you can see, the macros of this steak are pretty impressive for such a cheap steak.
Served with potatoes and vegetables this can be a very cheap, but nutritional and tasty meal for you and your family.
Other Considerations
It’s worth keeping in mind that bavette steak is a tougher cut of meat. This brings a few advantages and disadvantages.
The good news is that it’s easier to find a great deal on this steak because there isn’t as much demand for it, so you can buy a lot of this steak for a very cheap price.
This makes it a great option for those who love steak, or bodybuilders who are looking to pack on some muscle.
On the other hand, since it is a tougher cut it won’t be as tender as some other cuts.
This means that it may take longer to cook, and it can be a challenge to get a perfect temperature without overcooking the meat.
The flavor is also very intense compared to other, more expensive steaks. You’ll find that this steak really brings out the flavor of any sauce you use with it, so it’s wise to find a good sauce to use in combination with this steak.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, bavette steak is a great choice if you want a good steak without paying too much.
It’s also a cut that should be enjoyed with a sauce, whether it’s the traditional Béarnaise sauce or something more exotic.
Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed this steak and we have answered your question of, what is bavette steak?
It’s a beautiful steak that is cheap in price but not in flavor.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post, feel free to share it with someone who may find it of value.
