Best Keto-Friendly Steaks: Cut And Quality

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has gained popularity in recent years. While it is true that the keto diet revolves around meat, it is important to note that meat should play a supporting, rather than starring, role in this diet. This is because the keto diet aims to achieve ketosis, a state where the body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. To achieve ketosis, the diet should be made up of around 70-80% fat, 20-25% protein, and only 5-10% carbohydrates. As meat is high in protein, it is important not to consume too much of it. So, which steaks are best for keto? Fatty cuts such as ribeye, skirt steak, and strip steak are ideal.

Skirt steak

There are two types of skirt steak: outside and inside. The outside cut is more desirable because it is tender, less coarse, and thicker. It comes from the diaphragm muscle of the steer and is noticeably longer than the inside cut, which comes from the transversus abdominis muscle of the steer, below the ribs. The inside cut is also wider and yields a chewier bite. If you can only get the inside cut, you can tenderise it with a mallet to a 1/4-inch thickness and use a marinade.

Ribeye steak

When choosing a ribeye steak, look for one with nice, even marbling and a good amount of fat. Thicker steaks are generally easier to cook and allow you to get a nice char on the outside without overcooking the inside. You can opt for either a boneless or bone-in ribeye steak, but keep in mind that cooking it with the bone can add flavour and juiciness.

To cook your ribeye steak, you can use a grill or a cast-iron pan. First, bring your steaks to room temperature and season them generously with salt and pepper or your favourite steak spice blend. If using a grill, heat it to medium heat and cook the steaks for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on your desired doneness. If using a cast-iron pan, heat it over medium-high heat and cook the steaks for about 2 minutes per side to get a nice sear. Then, transfer the pan to the oven and roast until the desired doneness is reached.

Letting your ribeye steak rest for a few minutes before serving is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak. Don't forget to top your steak with a pat of butter before serving for added flavour and juiciness.

To take your ribeye steak to the next level, try serving it with a delicious garlic butter sauce. Simply melt some butter and add garlic powder, black pepper, and fresh or dried thyme and rosemary. Drizzle this sauce over your cooked steak for a mouthwatering, flavourful experience.

Remember, when following a keto diet, it's important to ensure you're getting enough fibre. Consider adding some flax seeds to your smoothie or yoghurt, or choose keto-friendly side dishes like Mediterranean Low Carb Broccoli Salad or Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes.

Chuck steak

A keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb lifestyle, so fatty meats are embraced. Chuck steak is a good choice as it is carb-free and can be cooked in a variety of ways to keep your keto diet interesting.

One option is to cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and cook them in a skillet with butter and garlic. This is a quick and easy way to prepare chuck steak, and the results are always tasty. You can also add some grated parmesan or blue cheese for extra flavour.

Another option is to make a keto pot roast. This is an excellent choice for those who like their meat tender and shredded. You can cook a chuck roast in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker for around 40 minutes to get tender meat. Alternatively, you can simmer it on the stovetop or in the oven for about four hours.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on flavour, chuck steak is a great choice for keto dieters.

Strip steak

The strip steak, also known as the New York Strip Steak, is a great option for those on a keto diet. This is because it is a fatty cut of meat with few carbohydrates. A six-ounce serving of New York strip steak has 331 calories, 21 grams of fat, and 34 grams of protein.

The strip steak is cut from the short loin of the cow, which is a tender part of the animal that doesn't do much work. This makes the strip steak a tender cut of meat, which is best when cooked quickly over high heat.

When cooking a strip steak, it is important to use high-quality ingredients. The steak should be a bright red colour and at least 1.5 inches thick. It should be seasoned with coarse kosher salt or sea salt, and fresh cracked black pepper, if possible.

To cook the perfect strip steak, you will need to heat your grill to a very high temperature, around 900 degrees F. The steak should then be cooked for 2-3 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish. For a medium steak, increase the cooking time to 145 degrees F, and for medium-well, cook to 155 degrees F.

There are a few tips to keep in mind when cooking a strip steak. Firstly, make sure your grill is very hot before placing the steak on it. Secondly, use a compound butter made with ingredients like garlic, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce to add extra flavour to the steak. Finally, allow the steak to rest for 8-10 minutes after cooking, so that the juices can redistribute and the steak stays juicy.

Fatty cuts

The keto diet is all about lowering your carb intake, so you can afford to indulge in fat-rich meats like beef and pork. The best steak cuts for keto are fatty cuts, such as:

NY Strip Steak

A six-ounce serving of this steak has roughly 331 calories, 21 grams of fat, and 34 grams of protein. It is also known as a strip steak, club steak (bone-in), or Delmonico steak.

Ribeye Steak

An 11-ounce ribeye steak contains up to 54 grams of fat. This is a great option for keto as it is not only fatty but also affordable and easy to find.

Brisket

Brisket is another fatty option that is keto-friendly.

Skirt Steak

Skirt steak is cut from the inner rib of a cow and is rich in both fat and flavour. It is good for grilling or cutting into strips for fajitas or kebabs. However, it needs to be cooked carefully to retain its tenderness.

Chuck Steak

If you're looking for a more affordable option, chuck steak is tasty and flavourful, but it can be tough and hard to chew if not cooked properly due to its visible layers of fat.

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