Covering a steak in salt before cooking is often referred to as "dry brining." This technique involves generously seasoning the steak with salt and allowing it to rest for a period of time before cooking. There are several reasons why people recommend this method:
Flavor Enhancement: Salt is a natural flavor enhancer, and by salting the steak before cooking, it helps to bring out the natural flavors of the meat. As the salt is absorbed into the steak, it seasons the interior, not just the surface, resulting in a more flavorful and well-seasoned steak.
Improved Juiciness: Contrary to what some might think, dry brining doesn't make the steak dry. Instead, it can actually help retain moisture. When salt is applied to the steak, it initially draws out some moisture from the surface through osmosis. However, this moisture is eventually reabsorbed, along with the dissolved salt, and helps to season the interior while keeping the steak moist and tender.
Texture and Tenderness: Dry brining can improve the texture and tenderness of the steak. As the salt interacts with the proteins in the meat, it can help break down muscle fibers, leading to a more tender steak.
Concentrated Flavors: When the surface moisture is drawn out by the salt, it can create a thin layer of concentrated flavor, often referred to as a "dry brine crust." This crust can enhance the overall taste and texture of the steak.
Here's a general guideline for dry brining a steak:
Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Generously sprinkle kosher salt or sea salt on both sides of the steak. You can add other seasonings at this point if desired.
Place the salted steak on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or plate. This allows air to circulate around the steak, promoting even salting.
Let the steak rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours, or even overnight for thicker cuts. The longer it rests, the deeper the seasoning will penetrate.
Before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps to ensure more even cooking.
Proceed with your desired cooking method, whether it's grilling, pan-searing, or broiling the steak.
Remember that the thickness and size of the steak will affect the optimal resting and cooking times, so you may need to adjust based on the specific cut of meat you're using. Additionally, different chefs and food experts may have their preferred methods of seasoning and cooking steak, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for your taste preferences.