Recipe courtesy of Fabio Picchi
Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak)
- Level: Intermediate
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 4 servings
- Calories
- 733
- Total Fat
- 53
- Saturated Fat
- 21
- Carbohydrates
- 0
- Dietary Fiber
- 0
- Sugar
- 0
- Protein
- 60
- Cholesterol
- 186
- Sodium
- 945
- Total: 15 min
- Active: 15 min
Ingredients
A few small olive branches, optional as they may only be found in more Mediterranean climates
One 1.6-kilogram Fiorentina steak (porterhouse or T-bone) (about 3 1/2 pounds), at room temperature (see Cook’s Note)
Salt
Extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the grill, barbecue or fireplace well in advance and make sure the embers are white-hot and glowing.
- Now for the secret: Distribute some small olive branches over the embers. This will not only prevent burning by catching the first fats that fall from the steak, but it will add an extra earthy element of flavor to the meat.
- Place the meat on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for a further 5 to 6 minutes. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt on each side during cooking.
- Remove from the grill, carve out the bone and slice the meat into pieces. Arrange on a plate and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil before serving.
Cook’s Note
The key to a good Fiorentina is a top-quality, well-aged piece of beef so be sure to visit a trusted butcher and request that the steak be cut to the height of a matchstick (about the width of three fingers). The meat must be cooked over a hot grill, barbecue or fireplace for a truly authentic result.