Let me introduce you to the marvel of Bistecca Fiorentina! This Italian classic starts with a beautifully grilled steak, served atop a bed of peppery arugula and generously adorned with fresh shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of light lemon vinaigrette. The flavor combination is simply magical.
Back in October 2016, my family embarked on an unforgettable journey through Northern Italy. Amidst the breathtaking views, it was the food that truly stole our hearts. Among them, Bistecca Fiorentina left an indelible mark on me. I couldn't resist asking the restaurant owner about the secrets behind that delicious steak recipe... and he graciously shared all the details. So, I'm excited to share all those details with you in this recipe. Let's get cooking and recreate beef Fiorentina in quick cooking steps!
This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free and Paleo
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Here are 5 reasons why you'll love this authentic steak Fiorentina recipe:
- Flavorful and keto-friendly.
- Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor impact.
- Ready to eat in under 20 minutes.
- Impresses guests but is effortless to prepare.
- Ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Is Bistecca Fiorentina Low-Carb?
Yes, Bistecca Fiorentina is low-carb. As for this recipe, each serving contains less than 1.5g of net carbs, making it a delightful go-to option for a satisfying low-carb meal.
The Secrets to a Great Bistecca Fiorentina
Achieving a delicious Steak Florentine boils down to these four essential secrets:
- Meat: High-quality meat is the key! Opt for a well marbled ribeye steak or Delmonico. Season the meat well in advance of cooking.
- Cheese: Grate a nice chunk of Parmesan cheese using a microplane, creating delicate flavor strands. Avoid pre-shaved or canned Parmesan.
- Acid: Balance the richness of the steak and cheese with a light, lemony vinaigrette made from lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Use high-quality olive oil without bitterness.
- Bed: Serve your perfectly cooked and rested steak on a bed of peppery arugula. Each bite should include a mix of greens, Parmesan, vinaigrette, and steak for a delightful flavor combination.
Bistecca Fiorentina Ingredient List
You'll need the following ingredients to make delicious Bistecca Fiorentina:
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 pinch kosher salt
For the Bistecca Fiorentina
- 2 pounds ribeye steaks
- 2 cups arugula
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're missing a couple of ingredients for this juicy steak recipe. Here are some keto-friendly swaps you can try:
- Ribeye steaks: Opt for high-quality strip steak or a steak party T-Bone steak as an alternative to ribeye. The key is to choose well-marbled, premium meat.
- Arugula: Swap out arugula for fresh watercress to maintain that peppery kick and sharp flavor in your dish.
Additional Ingredients
Take your Bistecca Alla Fiorentina to the next level with these keto-friendly ingredients that perfectly complement the main dish:
- Dipping sauce: Create a perfect steak Florentine sauce by mixing ¼ cup of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. This tangy sauce pairs beautifully with the flavors.
- Herbed butter: Elevate this marvelous bistecca with truffle butter (if you're lucky enough to have fresh truffles!) or a fresh rosemary-infused butter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese, Gorgonzola, or Roquefort adds a luxurious richness to this Italian meat recipe.
- Balsamic reduction: If lemon isn't your thing, drizzle a reduced balsamic over the steak to contrast the meat's richness.
Note: These additional ingredients are optional and are not included in the recipe.
Cooking Tools Required
You'll need the following tools to make Grilled Steak Florentine:
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Microplane or cheese grater
- Serving platter or plates
How to Make Bistecca Fiorentina: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- Grilling
Preparation Steps
For Lemon Vinaigrette
- Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to a bowl.
- Mix vigorously with a fork until emulsified.
- Set aside.
For Bistecca Fiorentina
- Season the steaks with salt and pepper well in advance of cooking them, at least 2 hours up to 24 hours if possible.
- Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your grill on high heat.
- Once hot, add the steaks to the grill. Rotate 90 degrees after approximately 2 minutes.
- Flip the steaks and rotate again after 2 minutes. Cook the steak to hot grill to "Rare Plus" after about 8 minutes on the grill.
- Remove the steaks from the grill and allow them to rest. While resting, shave the Parmesan with a microplane.
- Place the steak on a bed of arugula.
- Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette onto each steak and sprinkle half the grated parmesan cheese.
- Slice each steak and serve family style. Keep the vinaigrette and any extra parmesan at the table.
💡 My Pro Tip
- Grilling a perfect Florentina steak requires patience and confidence, especially with premium cuts. Let the steak come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and a beautifully seared exterior. This minimizes contraction during cooking, resulting in a more tender texture. For ultra-rare steak, grill the cold steak directly for that desired doneness.
- Avoid relying solely on touch to determine doneness, especially with expensive cuts of steak. Instead, use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted from the side to check the internal temperature. The thermometer's sensor is located at the dimple on the silver probe, providing accurate readings without cutting into the steak. This method preserves juices and flavors for restaurant-quality results at home. With these tips, you'll grill perfect steaks like a pro!
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Make the lemon vinaigrette in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Shave the Parmesan and prepare the arugula while the steaks are cooking.
- Season the steaks ahead of time and let them sit in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Preheat the grill while you're prepping other ingredients to save time.
What to Serve With Bistecca Fiorentina?
To complement this Bistecca Fiorentina, consider these low-carb and delicious pairings:
- Grilled Asparagus: Serve alongside Bistecca Fiorentina for a vibrant and nutritious low-carb side that complements the rich flavors.
- Fresh Keto Taco Salad: This refreshing salad perfectly pairs with Bistecca Fiorentina, offering crunchy textures and a burst of flavors.
- Cauliflower Puree: Creamy and satisfying, cauliflower puree makes an excellent keto-friendly accompaniment to this famous dish.
- Summer Carrot Salad: Bright and colorful, this carrot salad adds a refreshing touch to the meal, balancing the richness of the flavorful steak.
- Grilled Artichokes: Grilled artichokes are a flavorful and unique side to serve with Florentine-style steak, offering a delicious contrast in taste and texture.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
- Leftovers of Bistecca Fiorentina can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating Tips
- For best results, reheat the steak over the grill or under a broiler. If using a broiler, place the steak on parchment paper in an aluminum pan to prevent a metallic taste. Avoid reheating in the microwave or stovetop as it can affect the texture.
Note: I do not recommend freezing cooked steak like Bistecca Fiorentina as it may compromise the quality of the meat.
Recipe Conclusion
And there you have it—Bistecca Fiorentina served up with flair and flavor! This dish is a true showstopper, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal. From the juicy grilled steak to the tangy vinaigrette and fresh arugula, every bite of this Tuscan cuisine celebrates deliciousness.
Also, if you haven't grilled before, fearing you will mess up, I've got you with my Grilling Guide to give you all the confidence you need for grilling recipes!
Now, it's your turn to fire up the grill and create your own Bistecca Fiorentina masterpiece. Don't hesitate—gather your ingredients, season your steaks, and get grilling! Please write in the comments any questions or suggestions you may have. You can also find us on Facebook or Instagram. Enjoy and savor every moment!
More Italian Recipes
Here are a few more delicious Italian recipes to try:
FAQs
Steak Florentine, or Bistecca alla Fiorentina, is a traditional Italian dish featuring a thick-cut T-bone or porterhouse steak, typically grilled and served rare.
Florentine steak is served rare to showcase the quality of the meat and preserve its tenderness and juiciness.
No, Florentine steak is not typically chewy when appropriately cooked on medium-high heat. It is tender and juicy, especially when grilled to perfection.
Bistecca Fiorentina (Grilled Steak Florentine) 🥩
Ingredients
Bistecca Fiorentina Ingredient List
- You'll need the following ingredients to make delicious Bistecca Fiorentina:
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 pinch kosher salt
For the Bistecca Fiorentina
- 2 pounds ribeye steaks
- 2 cups arugula
- ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
For Lemon Vinaigrette
- Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to a bowl.
- Mix vigorously with a fork until emulsified.
- Set aside.
For Bistecca Fiorentina
- Season the steaks with salt and pepper well in advance of cooking them, at least 2 hours up to 24 hours if possible.
- Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your grill on high heat.
- Once hot, add the steaks to the grill. Rotate 90 degrees after approximately 2 minutes.
- Flip the steaks and rotate again after 2 minutes. Cook the steak to hot grill to "Rare Plus" after about 8 minutes on the grill.
- Remove the steaks from the grill and allow them to rest. While resting, shave the Parmesan with a microplane.
- Place the steak on a bed of arugula.
- Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette onto each steak and sprinkle half the grated parmesan cheese.
- Slice each steak and serve family style. Keep the vinaigrette and any extra parmesan at the table.
Notes
If you love this recipe, please let mi know! Have other ideas on how to make this more low carb? Leave me a comment below!
Enjoy your day in the kitchen!
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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