Why We Love Bavette Steak
Bavette steak may sound fancy but it is often an underrated underutilized piece of beef. Today I’m hoping to convince you to select Bavette steak over skirt steak and flank steak! Here we show you how to marinate and cook flap steak as a “sugar steak” to balance the beefy flavor and create a caramelized exterior. The basic but bright marinade includes sweet orange juice, garlic, brown sugar, and just a few key spices to bring it all together. Because the meat has lean muscle fibers, it beautifully soaks up the marinade to become super flavorful and tenderized. Note: Although you can grill Bavette steak we feel the best method is to sear it in a hot cast-iron skillet. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet or griddle large enough for the steak, feel free to cut it in half and cook it in two skillets. (You can use a gas grill, charcoal grill, or grill pan for this recipe; you just won’t have as much full-surface caramelization.)
What is Flap Steak?
Bavette steak is often confused with a flank steak… At meat markets in grocery stores in the USA, it’s usually labeled “flap steak”. Although it comes from a region near flank and skirt steak, Bavette, or sirloin flap steak, is technically bottom sirloin. It is much more flavorful because of the intricate fat marbling between the fibrous meat. While this lesser-known cut of beef is not widely used in the United States it’s well-loved in Europe, Mexico, Central America, and South America. That’s because it offers a delicate tender texture and extra beefy flavor compared to flank steak. However, Sirloin Bavette steak is not tough – which can sometimes be the case with flank and skirt steaks. In fact, in any recipe where you would use a flank steak, you can substitute a butcher’s cut flap steak instead!
Ingredients You Need
Bavette steak – also known as flap meat Orange juice – freshly squeezed or store-bought (You can use a smaller portion of lemon juice or vinegar instead.) Garlic – minced Light brown sugar – packed Spices – sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and crushed red pepper (optional) Butter – unsalted Oil – olive, canola, or avocado oil
How to Cook Bavette Steak
Set out a large zip bag, or a baking dish for the marinade. Combine the orange juice, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper in the bag or dish. Mix well. Place the meat in the bag and zip tightly. Refrigerate for at least one hour but up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, remove the Bavette steak from the marinade and allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes. I suggest placing the meat on a wire rack that’s set on top of a deep-rimmed baking dish. This will allow air to circulate around the steak, while the dish catches any excess juices or dripping marinade. Set an extra-large cast-iron skillet (or cast iron griddle pan) over high heat. When the pan is hot, add the butter and oil to the skillet. Once melted, sear the Bavette steak for 4 to 5 minutes per side, for medium-rare steak perfection. Make sure the surface of the steak is in full contact with the pan for best caramelization. Allow the steak to rest for 3 to 5 minutes before cutting and serving. Get the Complete (Printable) Flap Meat Steak Recipe + Video Below. Enjoy! When ready to slice, turn the steak so that each slice is cut against the grain.
Serving Suggestions
You can slice and serve Bavette steak with Cowboy Butter or other compound butters, with Chimichurri, or with any other sauce you like. It’s fabulous as a main dish protein with classic baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, or fancy Duchess Potatoes. And we love to add some veggie goodness to the table with simple Air Fryer Asparagus, Green Beans, or Brussel Sprouts. But don’t stop there! Marinaded flap steak is also delicious on sandwiches, steak salads, tacos, or fajitas.
Looking for More Easy Steak Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
Balsamic Oven Baked Steak (Sheet Pan Dinner) Steak au Poivre Recipe with Cognac Cream Sauce Steak Diane (Cheesecake Factory Copycat) Hanger Steak with Chimichurri Sauce 10 Ways to Dress a Steak
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