How To Cook Delmonico Steak: Recipes & More
Steak dinners aren’t just for special occasions or summer cookouts. For us, it’s a way of life, and there’s nothing more delicious than the Delmonico. From its origins in NYC over 100 years ago to the debate over what it actually is, these steaks have quite a history. We’ll cover all these topics and more in our guide on how to cook Delmonico steak!
History of Delmonico Steak
This steak originated in NYC at a restaurant called Delmonico’s in 1837. They created a new, high-end dining experience with the Delmonico steak as their house special. And it took off! Known as the best beef available, it was a symbol of luxury dining during that time period.
All these years later, Delmonico steaks are still extremely popular, but the exact details of the original cut and recipe are a little fuzzy. No one seems to agree on what Delmonico steak really means, with different restaurants and regions using different cuts.
What Is Delmonico Steak?
Delmonico steak is thick-cut premium beef often available at higher-end steakhouses, offering a taste of luxury straight from the roots of American fine dining. Depending on the region, the name has been used to refer to many different cuts, from ribeye to sirloin. At the end of the day, it has to be top-shelf.
While this is much debate about what exactly qualifies as a Delmonico steak, there are a few things we know:
- Can be boneless or bone-in
- Can be up to two inches thick
- Should be a premium cut of beef from the rib or short loin
- Should have lots of marbling
- Is known for rich flavor
- Has a tender and juicy texture
If you’re looking for how to cook Delmonico steak the “authentic” way, we recommend following the current Delmonico Restaurant, which serves it as a thick-cut boneless ribeye.
Delmonico Steak vs. Ribeye
You may be wondering: what’s the difference between a Delmonico steak vs. ribeye? And you’re not the only one! Here are some of the main differences.
1. Cut
The biggest difference between the two is where on the cow it comes from. Ribeyes come from the rib area exclusively, while Delmonicos can vary. Some come from the short loin, others from the rib, hence the confusion.
2. Marbling
Both steaks are known for their heavy marbling, but ribeyes tend to have more fat content, leading to a bold, beefy flavor. On the other hand, we would describe a Delmonico as rich and buttery.
3. Thickness
Delmonico steaks are large and can be up to two inches thick. Ribeyes tend to be a little smaller. However, they both share a tender, juicy texture.
Recipes & Tips For How To Cook Delmonico Steak
Ready to whip up a Delmonico steak for your next backyard BBQ? Make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew. Follow these recipes to learn how to cook Delmonico steak on the grill, in the oven, and on a skillet!
Seasonings and Marinades
Before you begin cooking, try enhancing the flavor of your beef with a Delmonico steak marinade. Combine your ingredients and pour the marinade into a plastic bag. Add your steak and coat the entire thing. Since Delmonicos are thick, they may benefit from marinating in the fridge overnight. When it’s done, remove the steak and begin cooking!
Common Delmonico steak marinades include:
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
If you want to go a different route, spice up your steak with some dry rub. From chili-crusted to BBQ, these Delmonico steak seasonings will leave your mouth watering for more.
Grilled Delmonico Steak
Servings: 4 | Prep time: 15 min | Cook time: 20 min | Marinate time: 3+ hours
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of olive oil
- ¼ cup of Worcestershire sauce
- 6 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons of steak sauce
- 3 tablespoons of steak seasoning
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon of pepper
- 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
- 12 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 4 Delmonico steaks (10 ounce)
Steps:
- Combine wet ingredients, steak seasoning, salt, pepper, and rosemary in a food processor. Add garlic and onion. Blend well.
- Place steaks in a large baking dish. Cut them on both sides with a fork. Pour marinade over the steaks and flip them to coat well. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 3-8 hours.
- When you’re ready to cook, preheat an outdoor grill to medium and oil the grate.
- Take out your steaks and remove the excess marinade.
- Place the steaks on the grill. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes per side, until they are beginning to firm up and are slightly pink in the center (or until a meat thermometer reads 140 degrees F).
Broiled Delmonico Steak
Servings: 1 | Prep time: 5 min | Cook time: 10-20 min
Ingredients:
- Your choice of seasonings
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- 1 Delmonico steak
Steps:
- Remove your steak from the refrigerator half an hour before cooking so it can get to room temperature.
- Position your broiler pan 3-4 inches from the broiler flame. Coat with a nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to broil.
- Pat your steak dry with paper towels. Massage in your favorite Delmonico steak seasonings. Apply olive oil to both sides before broiling.
- Put your steak in the center of the broiler pan and place it in the oven. Broil for 5-10 minutes on each side (depending on the thickness of your cut).
- Check the temperature using a meat thermometer. Cook until it reaches 145 degrees F. Return the steak to the broiler and cook longer if needed.
- Using tongs, move the steak to a serving plate. Tent it with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Pan-Seared Delmonico Steak
Servings: 2 | Prep time: 5 min | Cook time: 10-20 min
Ingredients:
- 2 Delmonico steaks
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic for garnish
Steps:
- Remove your steaks from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking so it can reach room temperature.
- Pat your steaks dry and season generously with salt, pepper, or other seasonings.
- Heat your oil in a skillet over high heat. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Place your steaks in the skillet. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a brown crust.
- Move your skillet to the oven and roast the Delmonicos for 6-10 minutes until they reach your desired level of doneness. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for around 145 degrees F for medium.
- Once fully cooked, move your food to a plate and top with butter, letting it melt over the hot steak. Add fresh herbs and garlic.
- Allow the juices to redistribute by letting your steaks rest for about 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
After your Delmonico steak has been grilled, broiled, or seared to perfection, it’s time to pair it with a delectable side. We love mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, steamed asparagus, or a refreshing deli salad. No matter what you serve it with, your Delmonico will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.
Where to Buy Delmonico Steak
With these tips and recipes for how to cook Delmonico steak, you’re ready to get your hands on one of your own. Explore our full list of signature steaks from our butcher shop! Find grilling instructions for every cut, along with photos and descriptions.
With these recipe ideas, you’re ready to impress at your next cookout! Shop our premium cuts of Delmonico steak at our butcher shop.