Dry Aged Beef Tastes Like Funky Cheese
Look at any steakhouse menu and dry-aged steaks are significantly more expensive than regular steaks. Is it worth the splurge?
If you've heard the term "dry-aged beef" before, you probably associate it with a high price tag on a steakhouse menu. Dry-aged steaks are always pricier than the rest of the steaks, so it stands to reason they must taste better, right? Unfortunately, it's not as cut and dry as that; dry-aged steaks taste different, but whether they're worth the hefty price tag is up to your taste buds.
What Is Dry-Aged Steak?
A dry-aged steak is exactly what it sounds like: a cut of beef that has been aged, uncovered and surrounded by air. If you pick up a regular steak at the butcher, it'll be bright red and cook up chewy but juicy (especially when you hit that perfect medium-rare temperature). Dry-aged steaks, on the other hand, aren't fresh; they're dark brown in color because they've been aged anywhere from 7 to 120 days. They don't spoil during the process because they're stored in a humidity- and temperature-controlled environment that keeps them from going bad. They do gain a layer of white mold on the outside of the steak, but don't worry; this outer layer is always removed before you eat it!
The dry-aging process draws moisture out of the meat, shrinking its size and darkening the color. As the meat loses water, its flavor becomes concentrated to give it a more beef-forward finish. The time in the aging room also breaks down collagen—the connective tissues that holds together the beef's muscle fibers—so these steaks are more tender than fresh steaks.
See what goes on behind the scenes at your average steakhouse.
What Does Dry-Aged Steak Taste Like?
The first thing you'll notice about a dry-aged steak is its texture. Because most of the collagen has broken down during the aging process, the steak isn't as chewy as a regular steak. You may not even need a knife to cut into it; it's so tender, it almost melts in your mouth as you eat it.
When it comes to flavor, that really depends on how long the beef was aged. The most common dry-aged steak is aged for 30 days. This steak tastes very beefy (similar to a rare roast beef) with a hint of what people describe as buttered popcorn flavor. As it continues to age, the flavor becomes more and more intense. After about 45 days, it starts to take on a funky edge (similar to blue cheese), which continues to intensify at 90 and 120 days. Steaks that are aged this long are very expensive and are best for true beef connoisseurs.
Why Is Dry-Aged Beef Expensive?
The price tag on a dry-aged steak might turn you off, but it's expensive for a reason. First, it takes time and effort to age a steak, and you need specific equipment. An environment with controlled temperatures and humidity is crucial, and you have to carefully monitor the steaks to make sure they're only growing beneficial bacteria.
Then, there's the water loss. When a steak ages for 30 days, it loses 15% of its total weight in water. That means a one-pound steak now weighs 13.6 ounces. At 120 days, that same steak weighs even less; it's lost 35% of its weight and clocks in at 10.4 ounces. If you're a restaurant, you would want to account for both the time the steak sat in your inventory and its weight-loss, so every ounce becomes more valuable than the original.
Trying dry-aged steak at a steakhouse is a good way to determine if you like the flavor; you can definitely find it on the menu at the best steakhouse in every state. You can also find dry-aged steak at specialty butcher shops. If the flavor is to your liking, ask if you can special-order large roasts, too. It would be a great way to take your holiday roast to the next level.
Steakhouse Recipes You Can Make at Home
Inspired by Claim Jumper Ribeye Steak and Garlic Herb Butter
I make this recipe for special occasions. The tantalizing fragrance of the herbs de Provence is unforgettable. The seasoning and herb butter goes well with filet mignon, T-bone and steak strips, too. —John Baranski, Baldwin City, Kansas
Inspired by Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Blue Cheese-Crusted Steaks
My wife adores this steak—and me when I fix it for her. She thinks it's the ideal dish for Friday night after a long workweek. —Michael Rouse, Minot, North Dakota
Inspired by Fleming's French Onion Soup
My daughter and I enjoy spending time together cooking, but our days are busy so we appreciate quick and tasty recipes like this one. Hot and delicious, this soup hits the spot for lunch or dinner. —Sandra Chambers, Carthage, Mississippi
Inspired by Fleming's Lobster Tails with Drawn Butter
No matter where you live, these succulent, buttery lobster tails are just a few minutes away. Here in Iowa, we use frozen lobster with delicious results, but if you're near the ocean, by all means use fresh! —Lauren McAnelly, Des Moines, Iowa
Inspired by Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Mashed Potatoes
These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are so good, you can serve them plain—no butter or gravy is needed. This is one of our favorite red potato recipes. —Valerie Mitchell, Olathe, Kansas
Inspired by Morton's Steak Diane
Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak. — Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Inspired by Claim Jumper BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs
For more than 30 years, my brother-in-law Jim kept his famous rib recipe a secret. When he finally shared it, we just had to pass it along because we loved it so much. This one's for you, Jim! —Vicki Young, Brighton, Colorado
Inspired by Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Mushrooms Stuffed with Crabmeat
Served as an hors d'oeuvre or a light main dish, these stuffed mushrooms are pretty and delicious. Canned crabmeat becomes absolutely elegant. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio
Inspired by The Capital Grille Au Gratin Potatoes
This recipe represents my philosophy of cooking to its best - cooking with love. A good test to see if you have enough cream in the recipe is to gently press on the top of the layers (once finished). If there is enough cream, you should see it coming out on the sides, but not overflowing. Letting the au gratin rest is very important . . . even though it is so delicious that you would want to jump right in. If you like onions, slice thinly and add in between the layers. —Theresa Danos, Hyde Park, New York
Inspired by Black Angus Steak & Sea
For an intimate dinner with close friends, serve this stunning dinner of tenderloin steaks and lobster tail. Your guests will think they are dining at a fine restaurant when you serve them this surf and turf dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by Black Angus Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Don't be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California
Inspired by Fleming's Creamed Spinach
Cooked spinach makes a perfect accompaniment to many entrees, especially salmon.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by Black Angus Loaded Potato Skins
Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? I top my restaurant-worthy loaded potato skins with cheese, bacon and a dollop of sour cream. Have them at lunch, snack time or cocktail hour. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, Oregon
Inspired by The Palm Steak with Brandy Peppercorn Sauce
Here is an elegant entree that can be prepared in under 30 minutes! Tender meat and a great peppery flavor is accompanied by a rich cream sauce and fresh shiitake mushrooms. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia
Inspired by Morton's Creme Brulee
My favorite dessert is this creme brulee recipe. Recently I was at a party where the guests finished off their own desserts "broiling" the sugar on their portions with a small torch. What a great idea! —Joylyn Trickel, Helendale, California
Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/do-dry-aged-steaks-really-taste-better/
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