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Last Updated on October 29, 2021
If you’ve ever bitten into a steak at a steakhouse and wondered at the complexity and depth of the flavor, you’re not alone. There’s a reason steak prepared by a chef tastes so much better, and dry aging is part of that.
Most steaks at the grocery store are wet-aged, a relatively new preservation technique introduced in the 1950s, in which you preserve steaks by vacuum-sealing them in plastic.
Without the necessary oxygen, the enzymatic change does not take place as it does with dry aging. If you’ve tasted meat preserved in both these manners, you can tell that steak that’s been wet-aged tastes more metallic or bloody, whereas dry aged steak has tons of umami flavors.
What Is Dry Aging?
This preservation method is simple and effective. People have been dry-aging beef for centuries, compared to the relative newness of a similar process called wet-aging. People kept the meat from rotting before refrigeration by storing it in places like cellars or caves, where the temperature remains static.
Along with brining, pickling, or smoking, dry aging is another pre-refrigeration way of preserving meat. And it doesn’t just preserve it; it tenderizes it and makes it more delectable.
Scientifically, dry aging occurs as air circulates around the meat, creating a crust that will be trimmed off later. While exposed, moisture is drawn out of the beef, and enzymes begin breaking it down, making it more tender. As the water drains, a crust forms around the meat, so even though the cut may look dry, inside, everything is still tender and moist.
Other environmental factors, like mold or yeasts, that land on the steak in the dry aging process also impact the meat’s flavor. Bacteria forms in this process and creates a unique flavor profile, much like aging wine or cheese.
The longer it dry-ages, the more intense these flavors become. Most experts aim to dry age their beef between 40 to 50 days, but no longer than 2 months. After that point, the flavors become too intense and unpalatable.
With only a few simple steps and rudimentary equipment, you can dry age your steaks at home. You’ll be amazed at the tenderness and whole-mouth flavor that this simple process imbues on your meat.
How Does Dry Aging Improve the Flavor?
The length of time a steak dry ages will have the most significant impact on its flavor. Each steak loses up to 15% of its total weight with this process. With the loss of this moisture, the flavor is concentrated and gives the steak a more intense, beefier taste overall. In turn, the longer the steak is dry aged, the more intense the flavor will be.
Commonly, a steak is dry aged for 30 days. From this length of time, you can expect a beefier taste comparable to rare roast beef. In addition, subtle hints of other flavors, such as buttery popcorn, are also commonly picked up on with dry aged steaks.
Steaks undergoing dry aging for more extended periods, such as 45 days, appear a bit unsightly if you’re not used to seeing them, often resembling a moldy blue cheese block. Yet, this process is perfectly natural and the steaks are safe to consume. You can expect this appearance to intensify if dry aging is prolonged up to 12o days.
Is Dry Aging Worth the Higher Cost?
Whenever you’re out at a steakhouse or other high-end restaurant, you’re bound to notice that dry aged steaks are more expensive than other types. With the time-consuming process of dry aging, the intensity of the beefy flavor, and the tenderness it creates, it’s understandable the cost is higher and that people are willing to pay that higher price.
The time and effort it takes for the dry aging process is a significant factor when determining price. Not everyone has the special equipment and facilities needed to accomplish this delicate aging process. Those that do take pride in providing the best tasting steaks possible.
Determining if dry aging is worth the higher cost is a personal choice. Those who enjoy a tender, flavorful steak should look for products dry aged up to 30 days at a reasonable price. This product gives you the benefits of dry aging without breaking the bank.
The longer the steak undergoes dry aging, the stronger the flavor and the more tender the cut, the higher the price. While beef lovers enjoy these longer-aged steaks, they are often cost-prohibitive to the casual backyard griller except for special occasions. Again, it will depend on your personal preferences and how big your budget is for such delicacies.
You may want to start by ordering a dry aged steak at your favorite restaurant to determine if its flavor is worth the additional cost. From there, you may choose to keep a supply on hand for grilling at special get-togethers or whenever you want a good steak to enjoy.
Whenever you’re out at a steakhouse or other high-end restaurant, you’re bound to notice that dry aged steaks are more expensive than other types. With the time-consuming process of dry aging, the intensity of the beefy flavor, and the tenderness it creates, it’s understandable the cost is higher and that people are willing to pay that higher price.
The time and effort it takes for the dry aging process is a significant factor when determining price. Not everyone has the special equipment and facilities needed to accomplish this delicate aging process. Those that do take pride in providing the best tasting steaks possible.
Determining if dry aging is worth the higher cost is a personal choice. Those who enjoy a tender, flavorful steak should look for products dry aged up to 30 days at a reasonable price. This product gives you the benefits of dry aging without breaking the bank.
The longer the steak undergoes dry aging, the stronger the flavor and the more tender the cut, the higher the price. While beef lovers enjoy these longer-aged steaks, they are often cost-prohibitive to the casual backyard griller except for special occasions. Again, it will depend on your personal preferences and how big your budget is for such delicacies.
You may want to start by ordering a dry aged steak at your favorite restaurant to determine if its flavor is worth the additional cost. From there, you may choose to keep a supply on hand for grilling at special get-togethers or whenever you want a good steak to enjoy.
Time Frame in the Dry Aging Process
Many alterations take place from the first day of aging to the last. Bacterial and enzymatic activity changes the steak each day that you let it rest, creating a hard, crusty exterior and impressive flavor interior. Here’s an overview of how your meat changes over time:
After 1 Week
Collagen has begun to break down, but the meat is still a bright red. Steaks aren’t for sale as dry aged in this early stage.
After 3 Weeks
The meat loses 20% of its moisture in the first 21 days of the dry aging process. The sides with bone and fat won’t seep water, but the other porous sides will. The meat shrinks, giving the steak a concave look, and it will darken. Some people, who are new to dry aged beef, request the minimum amount of dry aging, 3 weeks.
After 1 Month
A month is the most commonly requested age for dry aged steaks. At this stage, the meat has lost 15% of its moisture and benefits from the dry aging process. The flavor has a buttery taste like popcorn blended with rare roast beef.
After 45 Days
White webbing will appear across the meat, which is a mixture of salt and mold. The steak isn’t losing a lot of moisture anymore, but the fat is also changing along with the meat, so be sure not to trim too much off before cooking.
3 Months of Aging
A white crust forms around the meat, protecting it much like the rind on citrus fruit or skin on a cheese protects their soft interiors. You’ll trim this off before cooking, but while the meat ages, leave it be.
4 Months of Aging
A steak aged for this extended period is usually only purchased by high-end restaurants as it has an intense, funky flavor. Only those with a genuinely adventurous palette or experience with dry aged beef request this tasty treat.
Dry Aging Steaks at Home
The most considerable expense when starting a new dry aging process is buying something to put it inside to help control the temperature. Many use a separate fridge because you shouldn’t dry age your steaks in a location where you’re keeping other foods. The flavors cross-contaminate, so your milk starts smelling and tasting like dry aged beef or vice versa.
Here’s what you’ll need to dry age your steak at home:
- A fridge that can hold its temperature at 36°F
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Small electric fan for air circulation
Regarding what types of cuts you should be dry aging, look for large, sub-primal cuts, which means whole muscles like a rib roast (with at least 3 ribs) or prime rib. You shouldn’t get meat with the fat trimmed off, which will hinder the aging process and reduce the flavor.
Step 1: Set up
The baking sheet catches any drippings during the dry aging process, so your steak should sit on the wire rack on top of the baking sheet. Slide these into your fridge, set the fan up under the meat, and turn it on to circulate the air.
Step 2: Wait
Don’t touch your meat for at least 2 weeks because every time you open the fridge, the temperature fluctuates, and unwanted odors or contaminants get inside. Wait for 2 to 4 weeks for added tenderness, 4 to 6 weeks for that delicious dry-aged flavor, and 6 to 8 weeks for the full funky effect.
Step 3: Trim
Once your meat has hit the desired stage, remove it from the fridge and trim it. The meat will look desiccated or slightly concave from the outside, but once you carve it into steaks and strip off any hardened layer on the outside, the benefits will become evident.
Once you remove the crust and cut your meat into steaks, it’s time to cook, grill, or broil them for a delectable, unforgettable meal.
Tips for Grilling Dry Aging Steaks
There is an art to cooking dry aged steaks on the grill. Remember they are different from the usual, fresh steaks and, in turn, due care needs to be taken to ensure the best possible outcome. With less water trapped inside the meat, a tendency to dry out is common if it is cooked too long, so always stay alert when grilling.
Here are a few essential cooking tips to help make your dry aged steaks the best they can be on your grill.
- If frozen, allow plenty of time to thaw
The preferable method is to let the steak thaw for two to three days in the refrigerator.
- Prepare before grilling
An hour before grilling, let your steak sit out until at room temperature. Shortly before grilling, also apply salt to both sides of your steak. Any earlier application and the salt will pull more moisture from the meat and wet the exterior.
- Apply heat correctly
Sear both sides of your steak on high heat to caramelize the surface and capture juices. Then transfer the steak to a lower heat setting location on your grill. You can also use the reverse searing method, which top restaurants often use.
- Use the proper tools
Only use blunt-ended tongs to move your steaks, avoiding any punctures in the meat. Check with a meat thermometer to ensure you’re reaching the correct cooking temperature. Many chefs recommend cooking dry aging steaks no more than to a medium-rare level.
- Let it rest
Allow the steak to rest on a hot plate so internal juices can settle before cutting.
Deciding if Dry Aged Steak is Right for You
Grilling steaks is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with family or close friends. When you switch up the menu for some variety, consider including dry aged steaks for remarkable taste and texture that everyone will enjoy. Everyone deserves a special meal once in a while, so for these occasions, dry aged steaks can be well worth the extra cost.
The Last Word
Dry aging beef is an age-old technique that makes your steaks more tender and flavorful. With only a fridge, a wire rack, a baking sheet, and a fan, you can create the appropriate conditions to age your meat. Although the crust belies the tender meat within, this preservation process creates a delicious flavor that is unforgettable.
