In “Fateful Connections” Matt and Owen invited friends from work for a relaxing afternoon and evening at their ranch, enjoying the cool, refreshing pool, surrounded by the soothing, lush landscape. Later, when the sun had slipped down behind the hills, they feasted on Chef Eric’s Italian Steak Florentine.
Meet the king of all steaks, Bistecca Alla Fiorentina Recipe. Seasoned 3-pound porterhouse steak grilled to perfection and brushed with butter and fresh herbs.
Chef Billy Parisi is a classically trained chef with over 15 years in the restaurant industry. He focuses on homemade recipes from scratch while showcasing classical French and Italian cooking techniques.
Also known as Florentine Steak, this large cut of meat has been a traditional dish served for years across Italy and Italian restaurants in the US.
Bistecca Alla Fiorentina
This is a classical Italian recipe that you’ll see at any traditional Italian restaurant. The Bistecca Alla Fiorentina is a huge 2 ½ to 3-pound porterhouse steak with a New York strip steak on one side and a filet mignon on the other.
It was originally founded in Florence, Tuscany, and to be true to this recipe. It must feature the porterhouse steak. Anything else strips it of its authenticity. Classically it’s seasoned with salt, brushed with olive oil, and grilled. That’s it. I, of course, changed this recipe up a little bit just to put my little touch on it.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Steak – You will need a 2 to 3-pound bone-in porterhouse steak.
Herbs – I like to use a combination of fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme.
Seasonings – In addition to salt and pepper, you can use a little granulated garlic and onion to enhance the flavor.
Fat – You will need some good olive oil and unsalted butter for this recipe.
How to Grill Bistecca Alla Fiorentina
I’ve been grilling meat since the first restaurant I worked in 25 years ago, and I’ve changed how I like it cooked over the years. I’m a rare + guy these days, so I’m grilling this for just a few minutes per side.
Classically Florentine steak is grilled over the open flame, but it’s ok to do it in a grill pan or even just a big cast-iron skillet.
Make the baster by wrapping the fresh herbs up in butcher’s twine.
Next, brush both sides of the steak with olive oil.
Season the steak on both sides with salt, pepper, onion, and garlic granules.
Make sure your griddle is hot before placing down your meat, and cook it for 4-6 minutes per side for a beautiful rare steak. If you like more of a medium-rare internal temperature, then add 2 minutes per side when cooking.
While the meat is cooking, be sure to baste it with the butter and brush it with the fresh herbs for just an awesome little added touch to this recipe. Once the steak is done, let it rest for 3 to 4 minutes.
Serving a Florentine Steak is as simple as brushing it one last time with the butter and herbs and carving the cuts of steak away from the bone. Slice the strip steak and filet mignon away from the T-bone and then slice those cuts on a bias and serve it all next to the bone for a cool rustic look.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: This steak is meant to be eaten as soon as it is done cooking.
How to Store: You can keep this covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 1 day before reheating and serving.
How to Reheat: When reheating any piece of meat, it will raise the internal temperature. Re-sear it in a hot pan with lightly smoked oil or on a hot grill until warm.
CHEF NOTES + TIPS
You can use different herbs than what I used for brushing the Florentine steak.
For sure, try cooking this on an open flame grill.
You can purchase up to a 3-pound or 3″ thick steak for this.
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