Learn how to create the juiciest Kansas City Strip Steak with our easy-to-follow recipe!
What is a Kansas City Strip Steak?
A Kansas City Strip Steak, also known as a New York Strip Steak or a Strip Steak, is a cut of beef that comes from the short loin of a cow. It is a popular cut of steak that is known for its tenderness and rich flavor.
The Kansas City Strip Steak is cut from the larger end of the short loin and is characterized by its distinctively bold, beefy flavor. It is usually boneless, although some restaurants may serve it bone-in for added flavor and presentation. The steak is typically about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick and can be grilled, broiled, or pan-seared to perfection.
This cut of beef is often compared to the tenderloin or filet mignon in terms of tenderness, but with a stronger flavor profile due to the marbling of fat that runs throughout the meat. It is a popular cut of steak for grilling and is commonly served in steakhouses and upscale restaurants. What is the Most Tender Steak
Kansas City Steak, often associated with a rich, flavorful, and slightly sweet barbecue sauce and is a delicious choice for grilling or pan-searing. Here’s are two classic recipes for Kansas City Steak:
Kansas City Steak with Kansas City Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 Kansas City strip steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup Kansas City-style barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Steaks:
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel and season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine the Kansas City-style barbecue sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix well. Reserve a small portion of the marinade for basting during cooking.
Marinate the Steaks:
Brush the steaks generously with the marinade mixture. Make sure the steaks are coated on both sides. Place them in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. You can also marinate them for several hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
How to Cook Kansas City Steaks
Preheat the Grill or Pan:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C) or a heavy skillet on the stovetop. If you’re using a skillet, add a little oil to prevent sticking.
Grill or Pan-Sear the Steaks:
If grilling, place the steaks on the preheated grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time based on your desired level of doneness). Baste the steaks with the reserved marinade during cooking.
If pan-searing, place the steaks in the hot skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, basting with the marinade as well.
Rest the Steaks:
Remove the steaks from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the steaks tender.
Serve:
This recipe showcases the iconic Kansas City flavor with a delicious barbecue sauce marinade. Adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred level of doneness, and enjoy your Kansas City Strip Steaks with a taste of the heartland.
Here is a simple and delicious recipe for Kansas City Strip Steak:
Oven Cooked Steak
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 Kansas City Strip Steaks, about 1 1/2 inches thick
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs
How to Cook Kansas City Steaks
- Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Pat them dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the steaks to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until a nice crust forms.
- Add the butter, garlic, and thyme sprigs to the skillet and spoon the butter over the steaks.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the steaks reach your desired doneness (use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
This recipe yields two delicious and juicy Kansas City Strip Steaks that are perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home. Enjoy!
What is the Best Way to Cook a Kansas City Strip Steak?
The best way to cook a Kansas City Strip Steak depends on your personal preference. Here are three of the most popular cooking methods:
- Season steak before cooking for the best flavor.
- Let steaks sit out and come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Pan-searing – Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Pat your steak dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning. Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Place the steak in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Grilling – Preheat your grill to high heat. Pat your steak dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Broiling – Preheat your broiler to high heat. Place your seasoned steak on a broiler pan and place it in the oven on the top rack. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
How to Make a Delicious Creamy Steak Sauce with Blue Cheese
Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious creamy steak sauce with blue cheese:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the crumbled blue cheese, stirring until it has melted, and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the mayonnaise and sour cream to the saucepan and stir until well combined.
- Add the chopped chives and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue cooking the sauce on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Spoon the sauce over your cooked Kansas City Strip Steak and enjoy!
This creamy steak sauce with blue cheese is the perfect complement to the rich and savory flavor of a Kansas City Strip Steak. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great choice for a special dinner or entertaining guests. Enjoy!
Delicious Kansa City Strip Steaks for Special Dinner
- 2 Kansas City Strip Steaks about 1 1/2 inches thick
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs
-
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Pat them dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
-
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat.
-
Once the oil is hot, add the steaks to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until a nice crust forms.
-
Add the butter, garlic, and thyme sprigs to the skillet and spoon the butter over the steaks.
-
Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the steaks reach your desired doneness (use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature).
-
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
-
This recipe yields two delicious and juicy Kansas City Strip Steaks that are perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home. Enjoy!
Choose the Right Cut of Steak
To make the ultimate Kansas City Strip Steak, you need to start with the right cut. Look for a steak that’s well-marbled, with a good balance of fat to meat. The steak should have a nice sheen and springy texture when touched. Also, it’s important to buy USDA Prime grade beef for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Kansas City Strip vs Sirloin
Both the Kansas City Strip and Sirloin are popular cuts of steak that come from the back of the cow, but they are different in several ways.
The Kansas City Strip, also known as a New York Strip or Strip Steak, comes from the short loin and is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. It has a good amount of marbling, which gives it its characteristic beefy flavor. It is typically more expensive than a sirloin steak due to its tenderness and high demand.
The Sirloin, on the other hand, comes from the area between the short loin and the round and is a leaner cut of beef. It is still flavorful, but it tends to be slightly less tender than a Kansas City Strip due to its lower fat content. Sirloin steaks are usually less expensive than Kansas City Strips and are a popular choice for grilling and roasting.
Both cuts of steak can be delicious when prepared properly, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference and also budget. If you prefer a more tender and flavorful cut of beef and are willing to spend a bit more, the Kansas City Strip may be the better choice. If you prefer a leaner cut that is still flavorful and budget-friendly, the Sirloin may be a better choice.
What to Serve with Kansas City Strip Steak
You will Also Love Some of Other Delicious Steak Recipes:
Cowboy Cut Steak
Club Steak
Beef Bavette
Porterhouse Steak Recipe
