Plating a steak in an elegant and appetizing way takes some thought and effort, but with a few simple techniques, you can transform an ordinary steak dinner into a restaurant-worthy culinary presentation. Here are some tips for plating a fancy steak meal that will impress your guests.
Choose high-quality ingredients
Start with the best quality steak you can afford. Opt for a tender, well-marbled cut like a ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon. Dry-age the steak for 2-3 weeks in your fridge for maximum flavor. For sides, use fresh, seasonal vegetables and starches like roasted potatoes or wild rice. High-end ingredients will make the dish taste as good as it looks.
Pan sear the steak
Stovetop pan searing is the best cooking method for getting a good crust on your steak while keeping the interior nice and red. Use a heavy cast iron or stainless steel pan to get really high heat. Coat the steak lightly in oil and sear for 2-3 minutes per side. Baste the steak with garlic herb butter as it cooks. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and plating.
Slice the steak diagonally
After resting, slice the steak diagonally against the grain into long, slim strips. This cuts through the muscle fibers for more tender meat. It also exposes more of the interior of the steak, showing off the perfect medium-rare doneness. Arrange 3-5 slices fanned out slightly on the plate.
Include sauce and seasoning
A fancy steak dinner deserves an equally fancy sauce, like a red wine reduction, béarnaise, chimichurri or peppercorn sauce. Drizzle the sauce decoratively on and around the steak slices. Sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to finish.
Pile creatively shaped sides
Visual appeal is key for plating sides like vegetables and starches. Cut carrots, Brussels sprouts, potatoes and other veggies into interesting shapes. Try oblique cuts, crinkle cuts, or tourné shapes. Mould potato puree into quenelle shapes. Pile the sides artfully next to the steak, with plenty of height and color contrast.
Garnish appropriately
A few small garnishes can elevate the dish tremendously. Try a sprig of rosemary, watercress, microgreens, crispy shallots, edible flowers, or a dollop of compound butter on top. Lemon wedges also make for an elegant touch. Just don’t overdo it—a couple simple garnishes is all you need.
Use quality dinnerware
Plate the steak on round, oval or rectangular white plates in a modern, minimalist style. Avoid plates with bold patterns that might clash. Quality porcelain or stoneware dinnerware will give you the upscale restaurant feel. Place the steak thoughtfully off-center for visual interest.
Check presentation & lighting
Before serving, check out the plated steak from all angles and make any last tweaks. Turn off overhead lights and use candles or dimmed lighting to show off the food. The scene should look like a sophisticated steakhouse!
Conclusion
Plating a fancy steak dinner is both an art and a science. Choosing incredible ingredients and proper cooking techniques come first. Visually appealing slicing, stacking, sauce drizzling and minimal garnishing all contribute to a mouthwatering presentation. With the right dinnerware, lighting and some practice runs, you can master the art of plating the perfect steak.