What is Blue Steak: Some Things You Need to Know

Rare, medium rare, medium, and well-done – these are some of the most popular options when cooking or ordering steak. There is one thing that belongs to this group, but most people are unaware of – blue steak.

In this article, we’ll talk about what is blue steak. At the same time, we’ll have a rundown of the different things you might want to know, such as whether it is safe to eat or not.

What is Blue Steak?

Also called bleu steak or blue rare, it is a common fixture in traditional French cuisine. It is the first stage in the doneness chart of steaks. The outside is briefly seared, cooked in a high temperature. Meanwhile, its interior remains raw and cool.

To cook a blue steak, all that you must do is to sear it on both sides for a minute, making it extremely raw. It isn’t for everyone, especially if you are not a fan of uncooked or barely cooked meats.

Nonetheless, despite the minimal cooking time, the meat isn’t completely raw. It has been seared and is served warm, which changes the eating experience compared to eating raw meat.

There is no consensus as to why it is called a blue steak. Do not assume that it is a reference to the color, since it is nowhere near being blue.

The color is more of dark purple when it is initially cut. Eventually, however, it turns to red as a result of oxygen exposure. The purple color, meanwhile, is believed to be because of having residual deoxygenated blood.

When cooked skillfully, blue steak is delicate and delicious. It has a melt-in-your-mouth goodness, especially when you are using high-quality meat.

Blue Steak

Is It Safe to Eat Blue Steak?

Because it is almost raw, one of the most common misconceptions about a blue steak is that it is unsafe and unhealthy to eat. Nonetheless, such a claim has no scientific basis. Do not be afraid to try a blue steak!

One of the biggest problems with a blue steak is that it can contain E.coli, which is often associated with food poisoning. It can send you in an emergency room!

The good thing is that as long as a blue steak is handled and cooked properly, then you can be confident that it is safe to eat.

For the blue steak to be safe to eat, it is vital that it is cooked the right way. With this, many people prefer cooking it themselves to be sure. Nonetheless, if you eat from a reputable restaurant, chances are, they know the right method. Hence, you are sure of its safety.

To prevent the meat from being a safety issue, searing the edges and surface is a must. This will give the steak enough heat to kill the bacteria. The exposure to extreme temperature minimizes the chances of ending with a hospital trip after a delicious meal.

Is rare steak safe to eat? 

How to Cook Blue Steak

Curious about how a blue steak tastes like? You can make one at home within minutes! You do not need to be a pro to prepare it! Here’s a quick step-by-step guide of the things that you should do:

1. Start by bringing the meat to room temperature. If possible, remove it from your fridge at least 15 minutes before cooking. This way, the middle part won’t be icy or cold. Otherwise, it can ruin the entire experience of enjoying a blue steak.
2. Use paper towels to pat the meat, making sure that it is dry. This will help in drawing out excess moisture from the meat. This will also help in achieving a better color, making the steak more appetizing.
3. Season the meat on both sides with salt and pepper. You can use seasoning and other ingredients, depending on the flavor profile that you want. Nonetheless, we recommend that you keep it simple so as not to overpower the meat.
4. Heat the pan or grill. It should be hot enough before you put the steak in. Remember, cooking will be quick. If you put the steak too early, you won’t end up achieving the perfect sear that you are looking for.
5. Sear the steak for one minute on each side. It is best if you have a timer nearby, so you won’t end up overcooking the meat. Use a tong to lift the meat and to also sear it on the edges.
6. Put the steak on a plate and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This is crucial to maintain the right temperature and let the steak absorb its full flavors. When ready, serve and enjoy!

Aside from the steps above, another important thing to learn is the temperature at which you should cook the steak. Ideally, the internal temperature should be 115 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, it will be too cold and too rare, or it can end up being rare in terms of doneness.

How To Cook A Blue Steak in 6 Minutes

Choosing the Best Cut

Cooking blue steak is not just about the proper technique. One of the things that you should not miss is the choice of meat, specifically the cut. Because it won’t be cooked for a long time, choose a tender part so that it will be easy to chew.

Some of the best cuts that you can use are sirloin tip, top sirloin, round steak, filet mignon, and flat iron. They are tender and delicious. Plus, they have minimal fats. If you use a cut with too much fat, it might end up being difficult to chew.

Meanwhile, some of the cuts that you should not use for a blue steak include bottom sirloin, hanger, flap steak, skirt steak, flank steak, ribeye, and porterhouse.

How to choose the best cut of steak