One Man's Search for the World's Tastiest Piece of Beef

STEAK. Nothing that humans have ever put into their mouths in the name of nourishment has been the subject of such devotion, such flights of gastronomic ecstasy, or such grave connoisseurship as this most adored of meats. Now Mark Schatzker, an award-winning food and travel writer, takes readers on an odyssey to four continents, across thousands of miles, and through hundreds of cuts of steak, prepared in dozens of ways, all in a quest for the perfect piece. Steak is an impassioned, funny, and enlightening look at the fate of this beloved food.

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Felicity's perfect steak

 Photograph: Felicity Cloake

1 rib-eye steak, at least 4cm thick
Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
25g butter
1 garlic clove, skin-on and crushed
1 sprig of thyme

1. Take the steaks out of the fridge 2 hours before you're planning to cook, and allow them to come to room temperature.

2. Heat a heavy-based griddle pan or frying pan over a medium-high heat. Pat the steak dry with kitchen towel and then use tongs to press the fatty edge on to the hot pan until nicely browned. Meanwhile spread a thin layer of salt and a sprinkle of coarse pepper on a plate. Put the steak on the plate, and turn to coat the steak lightly, then put it flat-side down into the pan. Cook for 90 seconds on each side, pressing down with a spatula, until both sides are well browned.

3. Add the butter, garlic and thyme to the pan and, when melted, use them to baste the steak, turning it every minute until it's done to your liking: a 4cm steak should take about 6 minutes for medium-rare, but always do it by eye.

4. Take out of the pan and leave somewhere warm to rest for 5–10 minutes, then serve.

Courtesy of The Guardian

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