Hanger Steak, and One Good Way to Cook it

Hanger Steak, and One Good Way to Cook it is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by J. Kenji López-Alt on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 42 min

Cost: $17.90 total, $8.95 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Hanger Steak (trimmed, about 1.5 pounds)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (neutral-flavored for searing)
  • 3 pcs Garlic Cloves (crushed)
  • 1 large Shallot (thinly sliced; reserve a small piece for sauce)
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped)
  • 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary (leaves stripped)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tsp Whole Black Peppercorns (crushed)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt (plus extra for seasoning)
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 8 oz Cremini Mushrooms (cleaned and sliced)
  • 2 tbsp Chinese Cooking Wine (Shaoxing) (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • ¼ cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 pinch Flaky Sea Salt (for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Steak (Optional)

    Combine olive oil, crushed garlic, sliced shallot, thyme, rosemary, parsley, peppercorns, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add the hanger steak, toss to coat, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Preheat the Skillet

    Place the heavy skillet over medium‑high heat and let it heat for about 5 minutes until it begins to smoke lightly.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  3. Sear the Steak

    Add a thin drizzle of neutral oil to the hot pan, then lay the steak in the pan away from you. Let it sear without moving for about 2 minutes, then begin turning and rotating with tongs every 30 seconds to brown all sides evenly.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  4. Baste with Butter and Aromatics

    When the steak is nicely browned, add the butter, remaining garlic, shallots, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and peppercorns. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steak continuously for 2–3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 400°F

  5. Monitor Internal Temperature

    Insert the instant‑read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. When it reaches about 100°F (38°C), remove the steak; it will carry over to ~125°F (52°C) while resting.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Rest the Steak

    Transfer the steak to a plate, loosely cover with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute and carry‑over cooking to finish.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Prepare Mushroom Sauce

    In the same skillet, add a splash more oil if needed, then add sliced mushrooms and the reserved shallot pieces. Sauté until mushrooms release moisture and brown, about 3 minutes. Deglaze with Chinese cooking wine (or sherry), let it reduce by half, then stir in Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Slice Against the Grain

    Identify the direction of the muscle fibers on the rested steak. Using a sharp knife, cut thin slices at a slight angle across the grain.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Plate and Serve

    Arrange sliced steak on a serving platter, spoon the mushroom sauce over the top, finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and a few fresh parsley leaves.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
35g
Carbohydrates
5g
Fat
32g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly

Allergens: Dairy, Mustard

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Hanger Steak, and One Good Way to Cook it

Recipe by J. Kenji López-Alt

A flavorful hanger steak marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, seared to a perfect medium‑rare, basted with butter and aromatics, and served with a rich mushroom‑shallot pan sauce. The key is to monitor temperature, continuously move the steak for even browning, and slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

MediumAmericanServes 2

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Source Video
22m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
42m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.90
Total cost
$8.95
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the steak (optional but adds flavor)
  • Preheating the skillet to a smoking hot temperature
  • Continuous movement and rotation while searing
  • Basting with butter and aromatics
  • Monitoring internal temperature and pulling at ~100°F
  • Resting the steak to allow carry‑over cooking
  • Slicing against the grain

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard or keep the kitchen vent on.
  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts; the handle becomes extremely hot.
  • Use tongs, not a fork, to avoid piercing the meat and losing juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of hanger steak in French cuisine?

A

Hanger steak, known as "onglet" in France, has traditionally been a butchery cut reserved for chefs and home cooks who prized its rich flavor. It was popular in French bistros for steak‑frites and is now celebrated worldwide for its beefy taste and relatively low price.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of hanger steak in French cooking?

A

In classic French bistro style, hanger steak is simply seasoned with salt and pepper and served with a shallot‑vinegar sauce. In the Southwest of France, it may be marinated with garlic and herbs, while in the Lyonnaise tradition it is paired with sautéed onions and a red wine reduction.

cultural
Q

How is hanger steak traditionally served in French bistros?

A

It is typically sliced against the grain, drizzled with a pan‑made sauce, and served with frites or a simple green salad. The steak is often finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh herbs for texture and brightness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is hanger steak traditionally associated with in French cuisine?

A

Hanger steak is a popular choice for casual weekday meals and weekend bistro‑style dinners, but it also appears on special occasion menus in France because its flavor feels indulgent without the high cost of pricier cuts like ribeye.

cultural
Q

What makes hanger steak special or unique in American steak cooking?

A

Its loose, coarse grain allows butter and aromatics to seep into the meat during basting, giving a buttery interior that differs from the more surface‑flavored ribeye or strip. It also reaches medium‑rare quickly, making it ideal for fast home‑cooked steak nights.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making hanger steak at home?

A

Common errors include overcooking past medium‑rare, not patting the steak dry before searing, and failing to rotate the steak for even browning. Skipping the rest period also leads to a loss of juices and a tougher bite.

technical
Q

Why does this hanger steak recipe use continuous basting instead of a simple sear?

A

Basting with butter and aromatics infuses the loose muscle fibers of hanger steak with flavor and moisture, creating a tender interior that a dry sear alone cannot achieve. The technique also helps develop a uniform crust.

technical
Q

Can I make this hanger steak recipe ahead of time and how should I store the leftovers?

A

Yes, you can marinate the steak up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. After cooking, store sliced steak and mushroom sauce separately in airtight containers; reheat gently on low heat and serve within 3 days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the hanger steak is done?

A

The steak should have a deep, caramelized crust on all sides while the interior remains pink‑red, about medium‑rare (≈125°F after resting). Sliced against the grain, the fibers should appear shortened and tender.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel J. Kenji López-Alt specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel J. Kenji López-Alt focuses on science‑based cooking techniques, detailed recipe development, and practical home‑cooking advice, often breaking down classic dishes with a focus on flavor and efficiency.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel J. Kenji López-Alt's approach to steak cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Kenji emphasizes precise temperature control, the use of a heavy skillet for even heat, and techniques like continuous basting and resting, whereas many other channels may rely on high‑heat grills or less detailed timing.

channel

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