What Is Ranch Steak?

what is ranch steak

If you’re looking to learn more about ranch steak then you’re in the right place!

In this post, we answer a question we are regularly asked here at SteakSpecialist, what is ranch steak?

In short, ranch steak is also known as western steak, ranch flank steak, or grass-fed strip loin.

The cut of beef comes from the short plate in the area near the cow’s belly. 

Because this cut comes from an area that works hard on a daily basis, it requires lots of slow cooking to tenderize it.

The flavor is described as mild and slightly sweet.

How Is Ranch Steak Cooked?

Ranch steak is usually cooked with dry heat, such as on a grill or in a frying pan.

The trouble with cooking this cut of meat with moist heat methods like steaming is they can make it tough.

In order for the fibers to break down properly when they are being cooked, they must be heated for a long time.

Ranch steak should be cooked at low temperatures and is usually cooked medium-rare.

What Is The Best Way To Cook Ranch Steak?

When cooking ranch steak, you can use a variety of methods from pan-frying to grilling or broiling.

However, if you want your meat to have that signature smoky barbecue taste then nothing beats slow-cooked barbecued ranch steak.

Barbecued ranch steak is best made with a gas barbecue grill because it uses indirect heat, which means the meat cooks from all sides at once.

The trick is to cook your ranch steak for about 20 minutes per side over medium heat.

You will know when the beef is cooked when there are dark sear marks on the steak and when you can easily twist your fork into the meat.

What is the Best Way to Serve Ranch Steak?

Typically, ranch steak is enjoyed with a sauce or a marinade.

In order for the flavors of these sauces to be best appreciated, it’s important not to overcook them.

Serving ranch steak is best done with sauces that complement the flavor of the meat, such as a steak sauce or chimichurri.

When it comes to sides, ranch steak is best served alone simply because it is already flavorful enough on its own and can stand up against strong flavors like green vegetables.

If you plan on sautéing vegetables to serving ranch steak with chips or potatoes, it’s important to emphasize the flavor of the steak and make sure not to overpower it with too many spices.

How Is Ranch Steak Prepared?

Preparing ranch steak isn’t hard, it’s best to marinate them in a liquid to give it some extra flavor.

The best marinade for ranch steak is lemon juice, but you can use orange juice or lime if you prefer.

Try not to marinate overnight because the acid in the lemon juice will start to break down the meat.

Be sure not to skip this step since it is crucial for roast beef preparation.

Remember to season well with salt and pepper or a steak rub of your choice. If you want to go all out and really impress your guests, add a slice of steak butter after you’ve cooked the steak for extra texture and flavor.

This is a great way to add more fat to your diet as well as a new way to enjoy steak.

It’s also possible to use ranch seasoning in place of salt and pepper if you prefer some added flavor from the dried herbs.

For those who want a simple, classic roast beef recipe with very few ingredients, this is a great option.

What Exactly Is Ranch Steak?

Now that we’ve gotten the formalities out of the way, let’s get down to business.

What is ranch steak?

Ranch steak is a lean cut of beef that is typically grilled or broiled to perfection. Often, this cut of meat is so lean that it can be tough and chewy if overcooked.

As mentioned above, the ranch steak derives its name from its accompanying sauce often being called “ranch dressing.”

Similar to other types of steak, you have your choice between a bone-in the steak or a boneless one.

For a grilling option, you can’t go wrong with a bone-in version that has the bone acting as a ‘handle.’

Ranch steak is not that expensive and is a great option for those who want a tender piece of meat without shelling out too much money.

This is great news for those who eat lots of steaks, as it’s a tasty option that won’t break the bank.

This is a great way to dress up a cheap cut of meat.

No matter how you slice it, getting your hands on some delicious ranch steak will be worth the effort.

The only downside is that it’s difficult to find.

While there isn’t an official restaurant that makes ranch steak, many diners and restaurants serve something similar.

Your local butcher shop will certainly be able to hook you up.

Now that you know more about ranch steak, it’s time to put this knowledge into action.

The only way to truly appreciate what the “ranch” in ranch steak stands for is to get out there and try one yourself!

If you’re lucky, your local butcher shop will have some in stock.

Where Is Ranch Steak Commonly Eaten?

Ranch steak is a popular dish in a number of regions.

Ranch steak is a local specialty in parts of South Dakota and North Dakota, as well as Nebraska and Texas.

In other regions, restaurants have come up with their own variations on this classic steakhouse dish.

This means that you should be able to find ranch steak at most any restaurant or butcher shop you happen to visit.

This steak is most often served as is with no additional condiments or flavoring.

However, some restaurants do offer their own signature version of ranch steak and may provide a sauce for you to add on your own.

What Is The Nutritional Value Of Ranch Steak?

When it comes to the nutritional value of ranch steak, you’ll be glad to know that it’s pretty low in calories.

It is especially low in saturated fat and cholesterol, but high in iron.

Maybe the only downside to this steak is that being so lean, it’s not particularly flavorful, so adding sauce is a great idea.

Below are the macros for a 150g of Ranch Steak;

  • Calories 180
  • Fat 8g
  • Saturated 1.4g
  • Carbohydrates 0g
  • Fiber 0g
  • Sugars 0g
  • Protein 26.1g    

As you can see, this isn’t really a steak for people who are trying to bulk up or gain weight, but it’s perfect for anyone on a diet.

It’s a cheap option that offers pretty impressive calories making it a great option for those on a budget.

Other Considerations

It’s worth keeping in mind that ranch steak is not particularly rich in any vitamin or mineral, so it may be advisable to consider adding a side of vegetables to get your full range.

This steak is bound to become one of the cheapest steaks you can buy.

It’s also really easy to cook with it being so lean, which makes it perfect for anyone who’s looking for a quick meal that is nutritious and easy to make.

When discussing ranch steak, it’s important to know that the name is a little misleading. Ranch steak is actually just a cut of beef, so it’s going to taste like beef.

What makes this steak special is its relatively low price tag compared to most other types of meat and high-calorie content. It offers a healthy way for people attempting to lose weight to be able to eat beef.

It’s possible that you might find yourself surprised by how tasty ranch steak is, especially because it doesn’t have the overwhelming flavor of most other types of meat.

However, it’s definitely worth marinating the steak beforehand and ensuring you have some beautiful sauce at the ready.

Final Thoughts

As a whole, ranch steak is a good cut of meat for you to try. It doesn’t have too many calories compared to other steak cuts, it’s easy on the wallet, and you’re likely to enjoy its flavor.

It’s worth noting that ranch steak is very similar in shape, size, and price point to another cut of beef known as the flat iron steak. So if you enjoy flat iron steak, the chances of you enjoying ranch steak are higher.

One of the best things about ranch steak is that it’s not too difficult to prepare.

This makes it a quick and effective meal for you to cook up for your family and guests.

Hopefully, this post has helped you answer your question of, what is ranch steak? And now you know more about how to make your next meal more delicious.

Thanks for taking the time to read this post and feel free to share it with someone who may find it of value.

Other Popular Posts