The secrets behind the best steak in Manchester: a Q&A with our Head Chef
Join us as we uncover the secrets behind the best steak in Manchester.
In the culinary realm, few things rival the satisfaction of sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked steak – and here at Dakota we’re proud to serve the best steaks in Manchester. Behind every sizzling steak, and every satisfied guest lies our expert team of dedicated chefs who pride themselves on delivering unparalleled culinary experiences to our valued guests – leading the helm in our kitchen is Head Chef Sam Karle. We sat down with Chef Sam who shared his insights, expertise, and passion for crafting the finest steaks in Manchester. From selecting premium cuts to mastering the art of cooking, join us as we uncover the secrets behind Dakota’s legendary steak experience.
Selecting the finest cuts
At Dakota Hotels, quality is paramount. Our commitment to excellence begins with the selection of premium cuts, sourced from our trusted suppliers who share our passion for only the best produce.
Chef Sam, could you walk us through the process of how we select the finest steaks?
Absolutely. We only partner with reputable suppliers who promise to provide us with the best in local produce. Our primary suppliers at Donald Russel are committed to excellence – providing locally sourced, grass-fed livestock that’s reared outdoors in the UK. The beef is then matured for 21 – 35 plus days, depending on the cut, and hand-prepared by expert butchers who uphold exceptionally high standards of precision butchery, ensuring the produce is a joy to cook, serve, and eat.
What steak cuts do we offer at Dakota, and what makes each cut different?
We offer a variety of cuts at Dakota – you can enjoy your classic Sirloin, Rib-eye, Rump, or Chateaubriand if you’re looking for something to share. If you’re looking for something extra special, we also serve Wagyu steak – or as I refer to them, the Ferrari of steaks.
Preparing for perfection
Meticulous preparation is key to achieving the most succulent steaks – the proper preparation ensures the steak can be cooked perfectly and is packed with flavour. Head Chef Sam shared with us how his team prepares our steaks and how you can replicate this at home to guarantee you the perfect juicy steak, every time.
What are your top tips for preparing and seasoning steak to get the best flavours?
I would always recommend allowing the steak to reach room temperature before cooking – when you’re cooking from home taking your meat out of the fridge about 45 minutes to an hour before cooking will make all the difference. When it comes to seasoning, we always use our Dakota blend of spices accompanied by a light sprinkling of salt. While we can’t reveal all our kitchen secrets, you can find all the ingredients you need for a great steak seasoning at home: I’d recommend using garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
The perfect cook
Achieving the perfect level of ‘doneness’ is a delicate balance that our chefs have mastered. Whether you prefer the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of a medium-rare fillet or the robust flavour of a medium rib-eye, we guarantee that each of our steaks is finished to your preference.
Chef, can you share the techniques you use to achieve the perfect steak cook?
I’m a big advocate for grilling as it seals the steak’s juices, ensures tenderness, and gives the perfect charred finish. Timing is essential, and it all comes down to the guest’s chosen cut and personal preference. It’s important to remember to rest the steak once grilled to allow the muscle fibers time to relax and the juices to settle.
Do you have a personal favourite steak cut; one you always opt for when dining?
Without a doubt, my personal favourite is the rib-eye. Its marbled fat creates an incredible depth of flavour, and when cooked to medium, the fat renders down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s just irresistible. Pair it with a classic side of chips and your choice of sauces (if I could choose all of them, I would) and you’ve got the perfect steak dining experience.
Takeaways for aspiring home chefs
Top tips for steak success at home: for aspiring home chefs eager to replicate the Dakota experience, Sam shares his top three tips for achieving steak perfection in the comfort of your kitchen.
Sam, if you can leave us with just three key takeaways for achieving the perfect steak at home, what would these be?
- Allow your steak to reach room temperature before you begin the cooking process.
- Cook in butter to achieve a rich flavour.
- Allow for ample resting time after cooking – about 5 to 10 minutes, preferably.
Finding the best steak in Manchester
Concluding our insightful Q&A with our Head Chef, it’s evident that crafting the perfect steak to our guest’s preference is a labour of love, rooted in passion and precision. At Dakota Hotels Manchester our commitment to excellence shines through in every bite, ensuring an unforgettable steak experience, that delights the sense and leaves you wanting more.
Book your visit and prepare to tantalise your tastebuds as you enjoy the best steak in Manchester.
