Unlocking the Secret to Perfectly Cooked Steak: A Guide to Ruth’s Chris-Style Perfection

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked steak – juicy, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. And when it comes to cooking steak, there’s one name that stands out among the rest: Ruth’s Chris Steak House. From the first bite to the last, every steak at Ruth’s Chris is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. But how do they do it? In this article, we’ll uncover the secrets of cooking steak like Ruth’s Chris, so you can recreate that same mouth-watering experience in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your steak game with these tips and tricks from the experts at Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

The History of Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Ruth’s Chris Steak House has become a household name when it comes to fine dining and delicious steaks. But how did this iconic restaurant come to be? The history of Ruth’s Chris Steak House traces back to the mid-20th century, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The original restaurant was called “Chris Steak House” and was opened by single mother Ruth Fertel in 1965. Fertel bought the restaurant after being divorced and needing a way to support her family. She changed the name to include her own and soon got a reputation for serving the best steaks in town.

The secret behind the success of her restaurant was her unique cooking method – using extremely high heat. This allowed for the steaks to retain their juices and flavor while developing a crisp outer crust. This technique also required thicker cuts of beef, which Fertel proudly sourced from local markets.

Word of mouth spread quickly about this incredible steak house and soon it became a favorite among locals and tourists alike. In 1976, Ruth’s Chris Steak House expanded outside of New Orleans with their first franchise location in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Today, there are over 100 locations worldwide.

The Best Cuts of Beef for Steak

If you want to cook steak like Ruth’s Chris, you need to start with top-quality meat. Here are the best cuts of beef for steak:

– Ribeye: This cut comes from the rib section of the cow and is known for its marbling, making it one of the most tender and flavorful cuts.
– Filet Mignon: This cut comes from the tenderloin section of the cow and is known for its tenderness and lack of fat.
– New York Strip: This cut comes from the upper part of the back near the ribs and has a good balance between tenderness and flavor.
– Porterhouse: This cut is a combination of New York Strip and Filet Mignon, giving you the best of both worlds.

When purchasing steak, look for “Prime” or “Choice” cuts, as these are the highest grades of beef with the most marbling. It’s also important to choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks can easily overcook and become tough.

How to Properly Season and Prepare Steak

Before you start cooking your steak, it’s important to properly season and prepare it. Ruth’s Chris Steak House uses a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and butter to enhance the natural flavors of the beef.

First, make sure your steak is at room temperature before cooking. This allows for more even cooking throughout the steak. Next, season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

When it comes to preparing your steaks for cooking, there are a few different methods you can use:

– Grilling: Grilling is perhaps the most popular method for cooking steak. Preheat your grill to high heat (around 450-500°F) and place your seasoned steaks directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
– Broiling: If you don’t have access to a grill, broiling is a great alternative. Preheat your broiler on high heat and place your seasoned steaks on a broiler pan or wire rack set over a baking sheet. Cook for about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
– Searing: This method involves searing the steak on high heat in a cast iron pan or skillet and then finishing it off in the oven. This produces a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
– Pan-frying: Another option is pan-frying in a skillet on the stovetop. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the seasoned steaks. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.

Whichever method you choose, make sure to let your steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender steak.

Side Dishes to Serve with Your Steak

Now that you know how to cook steak like Ruth’s Chris, it’s time to think about what side dishes to serve with it. Here are some delicious options:

– Mashed Potatoes: You can never go wrong with classic mashed potatoes alongside your steak. Rich, creamy, and buttery mashed potatoes make the perfect pairing.
– Creamed Spinach: Another classic side dish at Ruth’s Chris is their famous creamed spinach. This indulgent dish complements the rich flavors of steak perfectly.
– Lobster Mac and Cheese: For a more luxurious side dish, try serving your steak with a side of lobster mac and cheese. The decadent combination of tender lobster and cheesy macaroni will elevate your meal.
– Grilled Vegetables: Add some color and nutrition to your plate with grilled vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers

The History of Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Ruth’s Chris Steak House has become synonymous with high-quality, perfectly cooked steaks. But where did this famous restaurant chain get its start? It all began in 1965 when a determined single mother named Ruth Fertel bought a small steakhouse in New Orleans called Chris Steak House. Despite her lack of restaurant experience, Ruth had a passion for food and an unwavering commitment to quality.

With hard work and dedication, Ruth’s restaurant quickly gained a reputation for serving some of the best steaks in the city. Her secret? Only using the finest cuts of beef, aged to perfection, and cooked under a 1,800-degree broiler to seal in the natural juices and flavor. This attention to detail and uncompromising commitment to quality soon caught the attention of diners and food critics alike.

By the late 1970s, Ruth’s Chris Steak House had expanded beyond New Orleans with locations in Atlanta, Dallas, and beyond. Today, there are over 150 locations worldwide, but the core values set by Ruth herself still remain at the heart of every meal served.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

At Ruth’s Chris, they know that you can’t have a great steak without starting with top-quality meat. That’s why they only source their beef from trusted suppliers who raise their cattle under strict standards. But even with high-quality meat, choosing the right cut is essential for ensuring a tender and flavorful steak.

Ruth’s Chris offers several different cuts to satisfy every palate. Their signature cut is USDA Prime ribeye – richly marbled for maximum tenderness and flavor. For those seeking a leaner option without sacrificing taste, they also offer USDA Prime New York strip – an iconic cut known for its firm texture and hearty flavor. And for those looking for something truly special, the USDA Prime T-bone offers a combination of both the ribeye and strip cuts, separated by a bone for added flavor.

So, whether you prefer your steak well-marbled or leaner, Ruth’s Chris has the perfect cut to suit your taste.

The Art of Aging Meat

One of the secrets to cooking a great steak is allowing it to age properly. While supermarkets may sell “fresh” meat straight from the butchers counter, it doesn’t mean that it’s ready to be cooked immediately. Ruth’s Chris takes their meat aging process very seriously, as it is crucial for developing maximum tenderness and flavor.

Ruth’s Chris only serves USDA Prime beef – the highest grade available. This means that their beef has gone through strict inspections and has been deemed superior in marbling, tenderness, and flavor. Once they receive their beef, they let it age for at least 28 days in a carefully controlled environment. During this time, the natural enzymes in the meat work to break down connective tissue for a more tender and flavorful steak.

When you dine at Ruth’s Chris, you know that your steak was aged to perfection – guaranteeing maximum quality and taste in every bite.

The Perfect Seasonings for Perfect Steaks

At Ruth’s Chris Steak House, they believe that simple is best when it comes to seasoning their steaks. Each steak is lightly seasoned with just salt and pepper before being placed under a scorching hot broiler to seal in all the juices.

But it’s not just about what goes on top of the steak; their famous steak butter also plays an essential role in creating their signature dish. Made with a secret blend of butter and herbs, this butter adds an additional layer of richness and flavor to each bite. It also helps keep the steak juicy while resting after cooking.

And while some restaurants may offer additional sauces or toppings for their steaks, at Ruth’s Chris, they believe that the quality of their beef speaks for itself and only detracts from the pure taste of a perfectly cooked steak.

The Famous Ruth’s Chris Sizzle

When you dine at a Ruth’s Chris Steak House, there is one thing that immediately catches your attention – the sizzle. As soon as your steak is placed in front of you, you’ll hear the loud sizzling sound emanating from under the plate. This is all thanks to their signature 500-degree broiler that seals in all of the natural juices and flavors, creating that unforgettable sizzle.

The intense heat from the broiler also creates a beautiful char on the outside of the steak, adding a depth of flavor and texture. But it’s not just about appearances; this searing heat ensures that each cut is cooked to perfection – whether you prefer your steak rare, medium-rare, or well-done.

So next time you dine at Ruth’s Chris, embrace the sizzle – it’s part of what makes their steaks truly exceptional.

Cooking Steak Like Ruth’s Chris at Home

If you can’t make it to a Ruth’s Chris Steak House but still want to enjoy

Q: What makes Ruth’s Chris steaks so special?

A: Ruth’s Chris uses USDA prime beef that has been aged for a minimum of 28 days, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor. The steaks are then cooked at 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, giving them a charred crust while maintaining a perfectly juicy center.

Q: What is the best cut of steak to order at Ruth’s Chris?

A: The most popular cut at Ruth’s Chris is their filet, as it is known for its tender texture and buttery flavor. However, they also offer other cuts such as ribeye, New York strip, and porterhouse, all of which are equally delicious.

Q: How should I prepare my steak before cooking?

A: Make sure your steak is at room temperature before cooking. Season it generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat.

Q: What is the best method for cooking a steak like Ruth’s Chris?

A: The key to cooking a steak like Ruth’s Chris is using high heat. Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and make sure your pan or grill is also very hot before adding the steak. Sear it for about two minutes on each side, then finish it in the oven for about four minutes for medium-rare.

Q: Can I recreate the famous sizzle at home?

A: Yes, you can! The sizzle comes from cooking the steak at high heat with clarified butter. Simply add some clarified butter (or regular butter) to your pan or grill right before placing the steak on it.

Q: How do I know when my steak is done cooking?

A: The best way to determine doneness is by using a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

In conclusion, mastering the art of cooking steak like Ruth’s Chris requires attention to details and a careful understanding of the techniques used by the renowned steakhouse. By following the steps mentioned in this guide, anyone can achieve a perfectly cooked steak that is tender, juicy and full of flavor.

The key takeaways from this topic are to choose high-quality meat, let it come to room temperature before cooking, use a hot cooking surface, and allow the steak to rest before slicing. Additionally, seasoning plays an essential role in enhancing the flavors of the steak, so it is crucial to use the right amount of salt and pepper.

Furthermore, understanding the various levels of doneness and implementing proper cooking times is crucial in achieving steak perfection. As mentioned earlier, investing in a digital thermometer can greatly assist in ensuring your steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Lastly, Ruth’s Chris has become renowned for its signature butter-topped steaks that add an extra layer of richness and flavor. While replicating their exact recipe may be impossible, incorporating simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and herbs in your own version can elevate your steak-cooking game.

Cooking steak like Ruth’s Chris may seem daunting at first glance, but with practice and attention to detail, anyone can achieve