The Perfect Cut. The Perfect Evening – How to create the steakhouse experience at home.
There’s something special about a proper steak night, and while we all love a trip to our favourite steak house – you don’t need to go out to enjoy it. With the right cut, careful preparation, and a few simple techniques, you can bring the restaurant quality experience to your own kitchen.
At Boxley’s of Wombourne, we believe the perfect steak night starts at the butcher’s counter. From choosing a premium cut to pairing it with the right accompaniments (including wine), these top tips will help you create a memorable evening that rivals your favourite restaurant.
Choosing the Right Cut
A great steak night begins with the right cut, suited to your taste and the way you plan to cook it. Some of the most popular options include:
- Ribeye – for rich flavour and tenderness
- Sirloin – for a classic balance of texture and taste
- Fillet – for something lean, soft and special
- Rump – for a fuller bite with traditional character
But for something a little more impressive, you might also consider speciality cuts, the kind you won’t often find in the supermarket. For special nights in or dinner party to remember why not try:
- T-bone – for a generous cut combining sirloin and fillet in one
- Tomahawk – for a standout steak with bold flavour and an impressive presentation
- Chateaubriand – for a tender, centre-cut fillet ideal for sharing
If you’re unsure which cut to choose, our butchers are always happy to help you pick the right steak for the occasion.
Timing Makes the Difference
Cooking steak is all about personal preference. The best way to judge doneness is by touch, but as a general guide, these timings work well for a typical 2–3cm thick steak cooked in a hot pan:
Rare
About 2 minutes per side
Soft, red centre
Medium Rare
About 2–3 minutes per side
Warm red centre, full of flavour
Medium
About 3–4 minutes per side
Pink centre, slightly firmer texture
Medium Well
About 4–5 minutes per side
Just a hint of pink remaining
Well Done
About 5–6 minutes per side
Cooked through with no pink
Always rest your steak for at least 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep it tender and juicy.
If you’re unsure, our butchers are always happy to offer advice on the best cut and cooking method.
How to Get the Best from Your Steak
A few small steps make a big difference:
Here are some essential steps to ensure your steak ticks all the boxes.
- Take your steak out of the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking
- Pat it dry and season generously with salt and pepper
- Use a hot pan or griddle to sear the steak
- Turn once and cook to your preferred doneness
- As mentioned above, remember to rest the steak for at least 5 minutes before serving
Resting is essential. It keeps the juices inside the meat, making every bite more succulent.
Steakhouse Sides and Signature Toppers
A steakhouse experience is about more than just the steak. Seasonal sides bring the whole plate together. While we believe you can’t go wrong with thick-cut chips, grilled tomato, and mushrooms on the side, served gastro pub style, here are a few other suggestions to make your meal really pack a punch.
Spring – New potatoes, asparagus, and light herb butter
Summer – Fresh salads, grilled vegetables and good quality dressings
Autumn – Roasted roots, sautéed mushrooms and peppercorn sauce
Winter – Creamy mash, braised greens and rich sauces
Keeping your sides seasonal makes steak night feel fresh and well-rounded throughout the season. But ultimately, how you eat yours is up to you!
A well-cooked steak speaks for itself, but if you fancy something a little different, a simple steak topper can take it up a notch.
Here are a few easy steakhouse-inspired combinations to try at home
New Yorker– Smoky bacon pieces, melted mature cheddar and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
The Blue Classic – Creamy blue cheese with rich caramelised onions for a bold finish.
Steakhouse Italiano – Mushrooms, garlic butter and Parmesan for a simple restaurant-style finish.
House Peppercorn – Cracked black pepper with a spoon of creamy peppercorn sauce for a proper steakhouse touch.
With the right sides and a finishing touch, steak night at home feels like a proper occasion. Whether you keep it classic or try something new, it’s all about enjoying it your way.
Wine Pairings
Pairing wine with steak is all about matching intensity and flavour. Here are a few straightforward suggestions:
Red Wines
- Cabernet Sauvignon – big, bold and structured, ideal for rich cuts like ribeye
- Malbec – smooth with dark fruit notes that complement charred flavours
- Merlot – softer acidity for leaner cuts like fillet
White Wines
Steak is traditionally paired with red, but fuller-bodied whites such as oaked Chardonnay can work beautifully with lighter cuts or herb butter sauces.
If you’re unsure, ask for a recommendation at your local wine merchant based on the cut you’ve chosen and the sauces you’re planning.
Finishing Touches for a Proper Steak Night
It’s the little extras that help turn steak night into a full evening at home. A few nibbles to start, a simple starter, and a good pudding to finish can make all the difference.
Nibbles
Something to enjoy while the steak cooks, such as fresh bread with good-quality oils or butter work well to get the evening started. For more inspiration, take a look at our deli counter for a few extra touches to serve alongside the meal.
Starters
Keep it simple with something to share, like our chicken wings coated in your favourite marinades or Boxley’s signature kebabs for an easy steakhouse-style starter.
For something a little different, why not try one of our famous Scotch eggs finished with a crisp crumb, but served warm with traditional honey mustard or a bold Chimichurri aioli for extra indulgence.
Our butcher’s black pudding also makes a rich treat to start the meal or for the cheese lovers, a baked Camembert with bread for dipping is always a solid choice.
Puddings
Don’t forget to finish strong with something sweet. Round off the meal with a classic dessert such as sticky toffee pudding, chocolate fondant, or a simple cheesecake for best results.
With a little planning, it’s easy to create that restaurant feel at home and our Butchers are always on hand to recommend the best products to complete your menu.
Steak Night Starts at Boxley’s of Wombourne
From premium steak cuts to speciality selections and deli favourites, Boxley’s has everything you need for a steak night done properly. Pop into our shop in Wombourne and speak to the team. We’ll help you choose the perfect cut and offer cooking advice so you can dine with confidence.