by Ross Kingsley | Jan 15, 2025 | KNOWLEDGE: MEAT ESSENTIALS
Beef jerky, with its rich history and global adaptations, is a testament to humanity’s ingenuity in preserving food. This dried, cured meat has roots tracing back thousands of years, originating as a practical solution for sustenance during long journeys or lean seasons. Among its global counterparts, the Chinese bakkwa stands out as a flavorful variation that blends tradition with culinary finesse.
The origins of jerky can be found in cultures worldwide. In South America, the Quechua people developed “charqui,” a technique of salting and sun-drying strips of meat, which influenced modern jerky. Native Americans crafted pemmican, a mixture of dried meat, fat, and berries, for endurance during harsh winters. Across continents, the necessity to preserve meat birthed unique approaches that resonate today.
In China, bakkwa (肉干), a close cousin of jerky, has been enjoyed for centuries. Unlike its drier Western counterparts, bakkwa is tender, slightly sticky, and bursting with flavor. Made from minced or thinly sliced meat—often pork or beef—it is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices before being grilled or air-dried. Traditionally associated with Lunar New Year celebrations, bakkwa has become a popular snack enjoyed year-round, bridging the gap between cultural heritage and contemporary tastes.
Modern uses of jerky, including bakkwa, extend far beyond snack food. Crumbled jerky enhances salads, soups, and flatbreads with rich, savory notes. Rehydrated strips can elevate stews and braises, infusing them with intense umami flavor. Gourmet variations of bakkwa now feature exotic meats or health-conscious ingredients, further broadening its appeal.
From South American charqui to Chinese bakkwa, beef jerky exemplifies the creative ways cultures adapt to their environment. What began as a simple preservation method has transformed into a global culinary art, celebrating the ingenuity of tradition while embracing innovation.
Image Credit: https://wikipedia.org
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Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse serves affordable Wagyu and Black Angus steaks and burgers. We are open daily from 12noon to 11pm at Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong / Phuket.
We are family-friendly and offer free parking and Wi-Fi for guests. See our menus, reserve your table, find our location, and check all reviews here:
https://ChurrascoPhuket.com/
#Churrascophuket #jungceylon #phuketsteakhouse #affordablewagyu #wagyu
by Ross Kingsley | Dec 30, 2024 | KNOWLEDGE: MEAT ESSENTIALS
This culinary combo unapologetically marries the earth’s bounty with the ocean’s treasures, offering diners the best of both worlds. But where did this pairing come from, and why is it so popular?
From Kitsch to Class
Surf & Turf first sizzled onto the scene in the 1960s, during the height of America’s post-war affluence. Historians believe it debuted in Las Vegas, where restaurants vied to impress with flashy, over-the-top offerings. What better way to scream luxury than by pairing lobster, a symbol of high-class dining, with steak, the king of the carnivore’s table? The dish gained further traction in the 1970s, making appearances at wedding banquets and upmarket steakhouses. It became synonymous with special occasions, an edible symbol for anyone looking to splurge.
Variations Around the Globe
While lobster and filet mignon are the classic duo, the interpretation of Surf & Turf varies widely. At Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse, it is served as a char-grilled tenderloin and a lemongrass skewer with sautéed fresh prawns. In Australia, you might find prawns draped over a ribeye instead. In Southeast Asia, grilled squid pairs with pork belly, creating a smoky, spicy twist. Scandinavian versions lean on butter-drenched salmon alongside reindeer steak—because why not?
Even within the U.S., creativity abounds. Cajun Surf & Turf might feature crawfish and blackened steak, while Pacific Northwest iterations include Dungeness crab legs with grass-fed beef.
Why Diners Like It
At its core, Surf & Turf embodies culinary hedonism. The contrasting textures and flavors—tender steak against delicate seafood—feel both indulgent and harmonious. It’s also versatile, allowing chefs to innovate while maintaining the dish’s essence of extravagance.
Ultimately, Surf & Turf isn’t just a meal. It’s a special carnivore experience.
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© CHURRASCO PHUKET STEAKHOUSE / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse serves affordable Wagyu and Black Angus steaks and burgers. We are open daily from 12noon to 11pm at Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong / Phuket.
We are family-friendly and offer free parking and Wi-Fi for guests. See our menus, reserve your table, find our location, and check all reviews here:
https://ChurrascoPhuket.com/
#Churrascophuket #jungceylon #phuketsteakhouse #affordablewagyu #wagyu
by Ross Kingsley | Dec 30, 2024 | KNOWLEDGE: MEAT ESSENTIALS
Steak Rossini is a dish synonymous with tradition and sophistication, blending tender beef, rich foie gras, and a luxurious truffle-infused sauce. It embodies culinary opulence, with origins rooted in a homage to art and culinary precision.
The dish is said to have been created in the 19th century by renowned French chef Marie-Antoine Carême or, alternatively, Georges Auguste Escoffier. Both names carry heavy weight in culinary history, but the connection to Italian composer Gioachino Rossini gives the dish its identity. Rossini, celebrated for his operas such as The Barber of Seville, was also a noted gourmand. Legend suggests that the composer had a penchant for dining indulgently, inspiring chefs to craft this masterpiece in his honor.
Traditionally, Steak Rossini features a perfectly cooked filet mignon as its base, crowned with a seared slice of foie gras. The dish is finished with a drizzle of Madeira or truffle sauce, sometimes accompanied by a shaving of black truffle for an earthy, aromatic finish. Its origins reflect the fusion of Italian appreciation for fine ingredients and French culinary techniques.
Today, Steak Rossini remains a staple in top-end restaurants worldwide, often symbolizing celebration and culinary artistry. However, one ingredient—Foie Gras—has faced scrutiny for its impact on animal welfare. This has led to bans in some regions and spurred creative adaptations of Steak Rossini with ethical alternatives. Such adjustments allow chefs to maintain the dish’s essence while respecting evolving cultural values. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt while preserving its storied roots.
Image Credit: Wikipedia / https://www.flickr.com/photos/kennejima/7502133416/
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© CHURRASCO PHUKET STEAKHOUSE / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse serves affordable Wagyu and Black Angus steaks and burgers. We are open daily from 12noon to 11pm at Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong / Phuket.
We are family-friendly and offer free parking and Wi-Fi for guests. See our menus, reserve your table, find our location, and check all reviews here:
https://ChurrascoPhuket.com/
#Churrascophuket #jungceylon #phuketsteakhouse #affordablewagyu #wagyu
by Ross Kingsley | Dec 30, 2024 | KNOWLEDGE: MEAT ESSENTIALS
Tagliata is a celebrated Italian steak preparation, with roots in the rustic traditions of Italy. The term “tagliata” derives from the Italian word “tagliare,” meaning “to cut,” and perfectly describes the dish’s defining characteristic: slices of perfectly cooked beef arranged to showcase its texture and flavor. It is served at Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse.
Origins
The origins of Tagliata are firmly planted in Italy’s Tuscan and Piedmont regions, areas renowned for their culinary heritage and high-quality beef. Historically, Italian farmers and butchers would reserve prime cuts of meat for quick, high-heat cooking, ideal for showcasing their natural flavors without extensive preparation. Over time, this simple technique evolved into a dish synonymous with Italian-style steak.
Characteristics
Tagliata is typically made using premium cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin, cooked to medium-rare or rare perfection. The steak is often grilled or seared, then sliced thinly against the grain to enhance tenderness. It is usually served on a bed of arugula, accompanied by shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or balsamic vinegar. The flavors are deliberately unembellished, highlighting the quality of the beef and the freshness of accompanying ingredients.
Current Use
Today, Tagliata is a staple on menus in Italy and upscale Italian restaurants worldwide. Its versatility makes it suitable for both casual meals and fine dining. Modern interpretations include variations with truffle oil, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled vegetables, but the essence of the dish remains rooted in simplicity.
Geographical Reach
While Tagliata remains most popular in Italy. But it has found a dedicated following in countries with a strong Italian immigration history, and the resulting culinary influences, such as the United States, the UK, and Australia. It continues to be a favorite among steak enthusiasts who appreciate its straightforward yet sophisticated preparation.
Tagliata is more than a dish—it’s a celebration of quality ingredients and the charm of Italian cuisine.
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© CHURRASCO PHUKET STEAKHOUSE / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse serves affordable Wagyu and Black Angus steaks and burgers. We are open daily from 12noon to 11pm at Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong / Phuket.
We are family-friendly and offer free parking and Wi-Fi for guests. See our menus, reserve your table, find our location, and check all reviews here:
https://ChurrascoPhuket.com/
#Churrascophuket #jungceylon #phuketsteakhouse #affordablewagyu #wagyu
by Ross Kingsley | Dec 30, 2024 | KNOWLEDGE: MEAT ESSENTIALS
Once a star of mid-20th century dining, Steak Diane has slipped into culinary obscurity. A dish that epitomized the elegance of tableside service, it now occupies a niche role in the modern gastronomic landscape, often evoking nostalgia more than excitement.
Steak Diane does not appear in the classics of French cuisine, was most likely invented in London in the 1930s. but is generally associated with mid-20th century American fine dining. Its name and concept borrowed from the French flair for flambé, and the goddess Diana, patron of hunters. This naming nod links the dish to venison and game, though beef—typically a tender cut like filet mignon—became its mainstay.
The dish gained immense popularity during the 1940s and 1950s, a time when tableside theatrics were a hallmark of fine restaurants. Prepared on a cart before diners, Steak Diane featured thinly pounded beef, sautéed quickly with butter, shallots, and a rich sauce made from cognac, mustard, Worcestershire, and cream. The pièce de résistance was the flambé—a fiery spectacle as cognac ignited in the pan, captivating diners and adding an air of drama.
Steak Diane’s heyday was fueled by its luxurious ingredients and the sense of indulgence it represented. However, as dining trends shifted toward lighter fare and more global cuisines, its rich, heavy flavors fell out of favor. By the 1980s, it was relegated to a relic of a bygone era, appearing mainly in retro-themed menus or classic cooking revivals.
Today, Steak Diane enjoys a quiet renaissance among chefs and home cooks who appreciate its historical charm and simplicity. While it may never regain its former glory, the dish remains a delicious reminder of a time when dining out was as much about entertainment as it was about the food itself.
Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse currently does not offer Steak Diane on it’s menu.
Image Credit: https://freepik.com
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© CHURRASCO PHUKET STEAKHOUSE / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse serves affordable Wagyu and Black Angus steaks and burgers. We are open daily from 12noon to 11pm at Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong / Phuket.
We are family-friendly and offer free parking and Wi-Fi for guests. See our menus, reserve your table, find our location, and check all reviews here:
https://ChurrascoPhuket.com/
#Churrascophuket #jungceylon #phuketsteakhouse #affordablewagyu #wagyu
by Ross Kingsley | Dec 30, 2024 | KNOWLEDGE: MEAT ESSENTIALS
When it comes to iconic steaks, the T-bone and porterhouse are legends. Both cuts come from the short loin of the animal, and feature the signature T-shaped bone, making them visually striking. Despite this similarity, these two steaks have distinct differences that set them apart.
What Is a T-Bone Steak?
The T-bone steak consists of a T-shaped bone with meat on both sides: the strip loin (or New York strip) on the larger side and a small portion of tenderloin on the other. Known for its balance of tenderness and bold, beefy flavor, the T-bone is slightly smaller than a porterhouse and often favored for individual portions. Its thinner tenderloin section makes it an excellent choice for quick grilling or pan-searing, ensuring even cooking.
What Is a Porterhouse Steak?
The porterhouse, on the other hand, is essentially a larger T-bone. Cut from the rear end of the short loin, it features a significantly larger tenderloin portion. In fact, by US standards, the tenderloin must measure at least 1.25 inches wide to qualify as a porterhouse. This steak is thicker, heftier, and ideal for sharing. Its size makes it better suited for slower cooking methods like reverse searing to ensure both the strip loin and tenderloin cook evenly.
Which Should You Choose?
The choice between a T-bone and porterhouse comes down to preference and occasion. If you’re dining solo and want a steak with a mix of tenderness and robust flavor, the T-bone is a great pick. For a special meal or to share with someone, the porterhouse’s generous tenderloin and hearty strip loin make it worth savoring.
No matter which you choose, both cuts deliver a classic steakhouse experience. Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse currently does not serve either cut.
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© CHURRASCO PHUKET STEAKHOUSE / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse serves affordable Wagyu and Black Angus steaks and burgers. We are open daily from 12noon to 11pm at Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong / Phuket.
We are family-friendly and offer free parking and Wi-Fi for guests. See our menus, reserve your table, find our location, and check all reviews here:
https://ChurrascoPhuket.com/
#Churrascophuket #jungceylon #phuketsteakhouse #affordablewagyu #wagyu
