Hibachi cooking is a traditional Japanese style of cooking that has become popular worldwide. Hibachi chefs use a flat-top grill to cook food in front of their guests, and their skills and techniques are a wonder to behold. One of the most popular dishes cooked by hibachi chefs is steak, and they have mastered the art of cooking steak to perfection. In this article, we will explore how hibachi chefs cook steak to perfection and the techniques they use.
The Hibachi Grill
The hibachi grill is the centerpiece of any hibachi restaurant. It is a flat-top grill made of cast iron or stainless steel and is heated by propane gas. The grill is divided into several sections, and each section has its own temperature control. This allows the chef to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously.
The hibachi grill is not just a cooking surface; it is also an integral part of the dining experience. The chef cooks the food right in front of the guests, and they can watch as their food is prepared. The sizzling sound of the grill, the aroma of the food, and the flames leaping from the grill all add to the excitement of the experience.
Choosing the Right Steak
To cook steak to perfection, you need to start with the right cut of meat. Hibachi chefs typically use high-quality cuts of meat, such as sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon. The meat should be at least one inch thick to ensure that it cooks evenly.
The chef will also look for marbling in the meat. Marbling is the fat that runs through the meat, and it adds flavor and tenderness to the steak. The more marbling the meat has, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
Preparing the Steak
Before cooking the steak, the chef will season it with salt, pepper, and other seasonings, such as garlic or onion powder. The seasoning is rubbed into the meat to ensure that it is evenly distributed.
The chef will then prepare the grill by heating it to the appropriate temperature. The grill should be hot enough to sear the steak and lock in the juices, but not so hot that it burns the outside of the steak while leaving the inside undercooked.
Once the grill is hot, the chef will place the steak on the grill and sear it on both sides to create a crust. The chef will then move the steak to a cooler section of the grill to finish cooking it to the desired temperature. Hibachi chefs typically cook steak to medium-rare or medium, but they can cook it to any degree of doneness that the guest requests.
Cooking Techniques
Hibachi chefs use a variety of techniques to cook steak to perfection. One of the most popular techniques is teppanyaki, which involves using a metal spatula to flip and turn the steak while it cooks. This technique ensures that the steak cooks evenly and develops a crispy crust.
Another technique used by hibachi chefs is called yakitori. Yakitori involves skewering small pieces of steak and cooking them over an open flame. This technique is ideal for smaller cuts of meat, such as sirloin or flank steak.
Hibachi chefs also use a technique called tataki, which involves searing the outside of the steak and leaving the inside rare or raw. This technique is used for high-quality cuts of meat, such as filet mignon, and is intended to preserve the natural flavors of the meat.
Our Final Thoughts
Hibachi chefs have mastered the art of cooking steak to perfection. They start with high-quality cuts of meat, prepare the steak with the right seasonings, and use a variety of cooking techniques to ensure that the steak is cooked to the desired level of doneness. The hibachi grill is an essential part of the process, allowing the chef to cook the steak in front of the guests, creating an exciting and interactive dining experience.
If you want to cook steak like a hibachi chef, start by choosing a high-quality cut of meat and seasoning it with salt, pepper, and other seasonings. Heat your grill to the appropriate temperature, sear the steak on both sides to create a crust, and then move it to a cooler section of the grill to finish cooking it to the desired degree of doneness.
By following these tips and techniques, you too can cook steak like a hibachi chef and impress your guests with a delicious and perfectly cooked steak. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, hibachi cooking is a fun and exciting way to prepare steak and other dishes, and it is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Are You Looking for an Amazing Hibachi Steakhouse?
Indulge in the ultimate dining experience with Certified Angus Beef at Kimono Restaurant! We pride ourselves on using only the finest ingredients to ensure that every bite of our dishes is nothing short of amazing. Our hibachi grill is the show’s star, providing a delectable meal and an exciting spectacle for the whole family to enjoy. From the sizzle of the beef to the flip of the spatula, our talented chefs will keep you on the edge of your seat with their impressive tricks and skills. But the benefits don’t stop there. With Certified Angus Beef, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best quality meat around. Our beef is carefully selected and rigorously inspected to meet the highest marbling, tenderness, and flavor standards. It’s no wonder that Certified Angus Beef is the go-to choice for top chefs and restaurants across the country.