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Recipe Blog - Spinalis Steak - Feature

Spinalis Steak with Umami Seasoning & Brown Butter Potatoes

By: Andrea Alden

Get ready for the best steak you have probably never heard of. This recipe for Spinalis Steak with Umami Seasoning and Brown Butter Potatoes is a little bit of heaven on a plate. But what is the Spinalis? On the pricier side, the Spinalis is a specialty cut that you will have to request from your butcher. It is the cap off a ribeye steak. That buttery and delicious, thin strip of meat below the large fat vein. The Spinalis is removed in butchering either from a ribeye or from a whole standing rib roast. It is then rolled and bound tightly. The ones cut from the prime rib roast can be left as a roast or sliced into thick steaks – as seen in this recipe.

Spinalis is forgiving, incredibly tender – possibly more so than tenderloin – and flavorful on its own. It is well-marbled and will benefit from a thorough seasoning. That’s why I paired it with umami seasoning. The combination of dried mushrooms, kosher salt, and cracked peppercorns is the perfect way to provide flavor for these steaks. Served with potatoes that have been cooked in browned butter for a luxurious meal.

Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
45 min
Yield
4
Difficulty
Easy

Spinalis Steak with Umami Seasoning & Brown Butter Potatoes

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Ingredients

Method

Photos

Ingredients
  • 4 Spinalis steaks or a roast divided into four
  • 4 tbsp. umami seasoning
  • 1 lb. (454 g) baby potatoes, washed
  • 3 tbsp. salted butter
  • Salt to taste

Umami Seasoning

  • ½ cup (144 g) kosher or flake salt
  • ¼ cup (38 g) dried mushrooms
  • 2 tbsp. whole black or mixed peppercorns
Method
  1. Grind dried mushrooms in a coffee or spice grinder until nearly powdered. Add salt and peppercorns, pulse until mixed. Combine with remaining salt. 
  2. For best results, season the steaks thoroughly, on all sides, with the umami seasoning. Allow them to sit for at least 40 minutes before beginning to cook. 
  3. Preheat your grill to 300°F (150°C). If you are using a charcoal grill, begin by igniting a medium to small load of charcoal. Open the bottom vent to setting 1 or 2. Once the charcoal has ashed over, rake it out a little but keep the charcoal to one side of the barbecue. Place the cooking grids in the highest position. 
  4. When the grill is up to temperature, place your steaks over the cool side of the grill, the one without charcoal. Cook the Spinalis steaks for 25 to 40 minutes, until an internal temperature of around 125°F (52°C). 
  5. While waiting for the steaks to reverse sear, cook the potatoes. Boil the clean potatoes in a pot for 5 to 10 minutes, until soft. Drain the potatoes and add the butter and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Shake or stir the potatoes every so often but allow them to crisp on the outside a little, the butter will brown in the pot as you slowly cook, producing a savory and nutty scent. When you are ready to serve, season to taste with salt.  
  6. Remove the steaks to rest and rake the coals into a concentrated pile. Open the bottom vent wide and move the cooking grids to the lowest position within the grill. If the BBQ does not heat to searing temperatures, you can light and add a little more charcoal. 
  7. Sear the steaks over direct, high heat, for a minute, turn them slightly, and continue searing for another minute. Flip and repeat to get the best sear marks. 
  8. Serve the steak topped with salt, butter, or shards of parmesan cheese, as well as the potatoes and your favorite seasonal side dish.

This recipe for Spinalis Steak with Umami Seasoning & Brown Butter Potatoes is a culinary adventure that will leave you craving its heavenly flavor. Have you heard of or experienced this delicacy? Tell us about it or your favorite and unique cuts of meat by sharing your recipes, ideas, and photos on our social pages like Facebook and TikTok, using the hashtags #NapoleonEats and #NapoleonGrill.

Happy Grilling!

Recipe Blog - Spinalis Steak - Season

Season the steaks thoroughly with Umami Seasoning, then let them rest on a rack for at least 40 minutes

Recipe Blog - Spinalis Steak - Charcoal

Light the charcoal and preheat the grill

Recipe Blog - Spinalis Steak - Grill1

Grill the steaks using indirect heat until they reach an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C)

Recipe Blog - Spinalis Steak - Grill2

Rake the coals and lower the grids. Sear the steaks until grill marks form

Recipe Blog - Spinalis Steak - Serve1

Serve the steaks with the browned butter potatoes

Recipe Blog - Spinalis Steak - Serve2

And don't forget your favorite seasonal sides

AndreaAlden
Andrea Alden

I used to be the Sultana of Sizzle, but you can call me Andrea. I have always been passionate about food. Even though I was majoring in Art and Graphic Design, I would frequently be found cooking for my friends and family.

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Recipe Blog - Spinalis Steak - Season

Season the steaks thoroughly with Umami Seasoning, then let them rest on a rack for at least 40 minutes

Recipe Blog - Spinalis Steak - Charcoal

Light the charcoal and preheat the grill

Recipe Blog - Spinalis Steak - Grill1

Grill the steaks using indirect heat until they reach an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C)

Recipe Blog - Spinalis Steak - Grill2

Rake the coals and lower the grids. Sear the steaks until grill marks form

Recipe Blog - Spinalis Steak - Serve1

Serve the steaks with the browned butter potatoes

Recipe Blog - Spinalis Steak - Serve2

And don't forget your favorite seasonal sides

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