How to Cook a Culotte Steak

A beef steak on a chopping board.
Image Credit: Lisovskaya/iStock/Getty Images

The culotte steak is a small steak cut from the bottom of the sirloin. Although you can purchase this steak at well-stocked grocery stores and butcher shops nationwide, the culotte steak is more often served on the West Coast of the United States. One benefit to the culotte steak is that it is cut small, from 4 to 6 ounces, which is closer to the 3-ounce serving size recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture than many larger steaks. Culottes are often sauteed because of their small size, but they can also be grilled or broiled.

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Sauteed

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Step 1

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over high heat.

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Step 2

Season 4 culotte steaks to taste with salt and pepper. Culotte steaks are typically served without extra seasoning, but you can rub them with 4 tablespoons of your preferred seasoning. Culotte steaks have a rich and meaty taste that goes well with garlic seasoning or a wine-based seasoning.

Step 3

Saute the culotte steaks for 1 minute on each side to sear the sides. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the steaks for 3 to 4 minutes more on each side.

Step 4

Take the culotte steaks out of the skillet and insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of a steak. The steaks are ready when they register 130 F for rare, 135 F for medium-rare, 140 F for medium, 150 F for medium-well or 155 F for a well-cooked steak.

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Step 5

Allow the steaks to rest for 5 minutes before you serve them. This will give the steaks enough time to cool slightly, which will prevent the hot juices from spilling out when you cut into the steaks.

Grilled

Step 1

Heat the grill to high, or 450 F.

Step 2

Season 4 culotte steaks to taste with salt and pepper, or with 4 tablespoons of the seasoning of your choice.

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Step 3

Grill the steaks for 4 minutes per side. Take the steaks off the grill and insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of one steak. When the steaks are cooked to your liking, place them on a serving plate.

Step 4

Allow the steaks to rest for 5 minutes before you serve them hot.

Broiled

Step 1

Heat the broiler to 500 F.

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Step 2

Season 4 culotte steaks to taste with salt and pepper, or with 4 tablespoons of the seasoning of your choice.

Step 3

Brush the broiler pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and place the steaks on the pan. Broil the steaks for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

Step 4

Take the steaks out of the oven and insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of one steak. When the steaks are cooked to your preferred temperature, place them on a serving plate.

Step 5

Allow the steaks to rest for 5 minutes before you serve them hot.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Skillet

  • 4 culotte steaks

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 4 tablespoons seasoning of your choice, optional

  • Spatula

  • Instant-read thermometer

  • Basting brush

  • Grill spatula

  • Serving plate

  • Broiling pan

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