Are you puzzled as to why your last steakhouse visit wasn’t very enjoyable? Well, it may be because you made one of these 17 steakhouse mistakes that almost every beginner makes that can quickly ruin an otherwise excellent experience. Remember these, and you’ll have a better steakhouse experience next time.
Not Knowing Steak Doneness Levels
In case you don’t know yet, not all steaks are cooked the same. The doneness of a steak is determined by how long it is cooked. From the most moist and bloody to the driest, The Spruce Eats lists these levels as “rare,” “medium-rare,” “medium,” “medium-well,” and “well-done.”
Failing to Learn About Steak Cuts
Steak cuts are the part of the beef the waiter will serve you. There are up to 13 types of cuts, each with its own variants and tasty characteristics. For instance, a fillet mignon is the most tender steak, and ribeye is agreed to be the juiciest. It’s a rookie error not to know about this!
Drenching Steak in Sauce
Many chefs dislike it when diners eat steak with sauces, and it’s quite simple to understand why. Sauces mask the steak’s natural flavor and could mess with how it settles in your mouth. Sometimes, steak doesn’t come with sauce for this very reason, and you should appreciate it just as it is.
Ignoring Sauces
In contrast to the last beginner mistake, when your steak does come with sauce, you should never ignore it. Sure, you want to savor the smoky beef flavor, but chefs include their specially prepared sauces in your dish because they’re part of the recipe, and they will complete and enhance the flavor.
Underestimating Price
When you hear about a steakhouse with incredible reviews, you know its steak will be the bomb! However, this will likely also mean that the price will be high. Don’t be that guy who gets bitter about the prices when you’ve specifically chosen a premium steakhouse!
Saving Money on Steak
Whilst we’re on the topic of price, there’s a reason why Wagyu steak is the most expensive in the world–it has a premium buttery taste, features flavor-enhancing marbling, and has perfect tenderness. This may not be affordable to you but don’t just choose the cheapest option, as you’ll probably be disappointed.
Focusing Only on Price
As previously mentioned, buying the more expensive steak is the safer option, but don’t rely too heavily on pricing. Some people don’t even like Wagyu beef! Sometimes, steak is more expensive just because it’s more tender, but that doesn’t guarantee you’ll enjoy the flavor.
Not Making a Reservation
If you intend to go to your area’s best steakhouse, always assume you need a reservation. Sadly, many beginners fail to consider this and end up waiting hours before dining. In many cases, they’ll even be turned away! Even if you think it’ll be quiet, it’s always best to call ahead.
Not Exploring Options
Everyone can relate to ordering the same meal every time they visit a restaurant, as you know what you like. However, it’s a mistake to do this at steakhouses; there are so many options and variables, so you never know what’s best for you unless you try out different options!
Ignoring Specials
You should never ignore the daily chef specials listed on a steakhouse menu. Many people ignore specials because they’re typically more expensive, but what they don’t consider is that chefs pay more attention to them. Ignoring these options could mean missing out on something truly special!
Eating Fast
How will you savor the flavor and texture of every bite when you swallow your steak after barely chewing it? Whether you’re in a rush or just very hungry, eating fast at a steakhouse is such a waste of money. Cleveland Clinic even explains that rushing your steak is bad for your health.
Not Asking Questions
At this point, you already know that a lot goes into the steak dining experience, and things can easily go wrong. This is why you should never shy away from asking waiters questions. They’ll always be happy to help, and their answers will greatly enhance your experience.
Failing to Pair With Red Wine
Steak pairs excellently with red wine, so you shouldn’t skip this chance to further delight your taste buds. Red wine’s bitter, acidic properties balance out the fatty flavors of beef, providing a delightful sensation for your palate. Don’t forget to ask the waiter which wine they recommend for your steak choice!
Ordering the Wrong Portion Size
You may see portion sizes like “¾ pound” “or “two servings” on the menu. Pay attention to these be; otherwise you could order too much or too little. Verywell Fit explains that one serving is 3 ounces, and 16 ounces is one pound. A half-pound is perfect for many people.
Overpaying for Steak
For those on a budget, you can actually get premium steak servings for less when you go at the right time of the day or week. Frequent diners usually know about these discounted periods, and you could find out for yourself by making a quick phone call or checking reviews.
Ignoring Steakhouse Etiquette
Etiquette may not affect how your steak tastes, but it’s an important part of the steakhouse experience. Bad habits include chewing on bones, eating every last bite, cutting the steak all at once, and even putting napkins on the table. Bring your best etiquette because otherwise, you risk embarrassing yourself or others!
Ordering Well-Done Steak
It’s the grand finale that many of you have been waiting for–never order your steak well done! Sure, it’s an option, but it’s going to destroy the steak’s juiciness and flavor. According to steak chef Wade Wiestling, who spoke to Business Insider, medium-rare provides the best balance between texture, flavor, and moisture.
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