What Is Bavette Steak?
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Cut Location: Bottom sirloin flap
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Texture: Loose grain, chewy but tender when sliced properly
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Flavor Profile: Rich, deeply beefy
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Cooking Methods: Grilled, seared, sous vide, broiled
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Best When: Cooked rare to medium-rare, sliced against the grain
Recipe 1: Classic Grilled Bavette Steak with Garlic-Herb Butter
Ingredients
For the Steak:
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1.5 to 2 lb Bavette steak
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Kosher salt
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Fresh cracked black pepper
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Olive oil (2 tbsp)
For Garlic-Herb Butter:
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
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1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
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Season the Steak: Pat the steak dry. Generously season with salt and pepper on both sides. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
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Preheat Grill: Heat grill or grill pan over high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
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Grill: Sear steak for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until internal temp reaches 125°F (rare) or 130°F (medium-rare).
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Rest: Remove and let rest for 10 minutes under foil.
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Make Garlic-Herb Butter: While steak rests, mix butter, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
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Serve: Slice the steak against the grain, top with a pat of garlic-herb butter, and serve with roasted potatoes or grilled veggies.
️ Recipe 2: Chimichurri Bavette Steak (Argentinian-Style)
Ingredients
For the Steak:
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1.5 lb Bavette steak
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Salt + pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil
For the Chimichurri:
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1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
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½ cup fresh cilantro (optional)
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp red wine vinegar
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½ tsp red pepper flakes
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½ cup olive oil
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Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Chimichurri: Mix all chimichurri ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed. Let sit at least 30 mins.
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Grill Steak: Season and sear Bavette on high heat for 3–4 minutes per side. Let rest 10 minutes.
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Slice & Serve: Cut against the grain and serve with a generous spoonful of chimichurri.
️ Recipe 3: Bavette au Poivre (French-Inspired with Peppercorn Cream Sauce)
Ingredients
For the Steak:
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2 lb Bavette steak
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Coarse cracked black pepper
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Salt
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1 tbsp neutral oil (like grapeseed)
For the Sauce:
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2 tbsp green peppercorns in brine, drained
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1 tbsp brandy or cognac
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp butter
Instructions
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Press Cracked Pepper: Season steak with salt and press pepper onto both sides.
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Sear: In a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, sear the steak in oil for 3–4 mins per side. Remove and rest.
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Make Sauce:
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Lower heat. Add green peppercorns to the pan.
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Deglaze with brandy (careful, it may flame).
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Add cream and Dijon. Simmer until thickened.
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Finish with butter.
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Serve: Slice steak, drizzle with peppercorn sauce. Serve with pommes purée or haricots verts.
Recipe 4: Sous Vide Bavette Steak with Coffee Rub
Ingredients
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2 lb Bavette steak
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Salt & pepper
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Olive oil
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Coffee Rub:
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1 tbsp finely ground coffee
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp cayenne
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Instructions
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Rub: Mix all dry rub ingredients. Rub steak thoroughly and vacuum seal.
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Sous Vide: Cook steak sous vide at 129°F (54°C) for 2 hours.
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Sear: Remove, pat dry. Sear in hot pan with a bit of oil for 1 minute per side to form crust.
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Serve: Let rest briefly, then slice thinly against the grain.
Recipe 5: Bavette Steak Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
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1.5 lb Bavette steak
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Olive oil, salt, pepper
For Salad:
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5 oz arugula
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
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Optional: avocado, toasted walnuts
Dressing:
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2 tbsp balsamic glaze
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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Salt & pepper
Instructions
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Grill Steak: Season and grill steak to medium-rare. Rest and slice thinly.
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Assemble Salad: Toss arugula, onion, tomatoes, and Parmesan with dressing.
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Top with Steak: Lay warm slices of Bavette over salad and drizzle extra balsamic glaze.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bavette
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Don’t overcook: It turns chewy past medium.
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Rest time is critical: Prevents juices from escaping.
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Always slice against the grain: Crucial for tenderness.
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Use a meat thermometer:
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Rare: 120–125°F
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Medium-rare: 130–135°F
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Medium: 140°F (max recommended)
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Suggested Pairings
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Wine: Malbec, Syrah, or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon
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Beer: Porter or smoky brown ales
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Sides: Roasted fingerlings, grilled asparagus, chimichurri rice, or creamy polenta
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