Bavette, also commonly known as flap steak in the United States, is a highly flavorful and loose-textured cut of beef that is flat in shape. The name comes from the French term “bavette,” which means “bib” in French and refers to thin cuts of meat. In this guide, we compiled essential facts about bavette steak and answered frequently asked questions.
What is Bavette Steak, Exactly?
Bavette steak comes from the bottom sirloin. It is a long and relatively lean cut of meat with a grainy, loose texture that takes marinades very well. A well-cooked bavette steak has a robust, beefy flavor and a juicy, tender interior.
Its versatility is delightful, as it can be grilled or pan-fried whole and cut into thin strips. It is also suitable for slow cooking. It is essential to cook it to medium-rare or medium; otherwise, it will be tough and chewy. Additionally, it is important to cut it against the grain to maximize tenderness.
Where is the Bavette Steak on a Cow?
Bavette steak comes from the bottom sirloin on a cow, the same area where the well-known tri-tip comes from. The muscles in this area are quite active, resulting in leaner and tougher cuts of meat. Close by, there’s also another popular cut, the flank steak, which shares a few similarities with the bavette steak.
Other Names For Bavette Steak
The bavette steak is more commonly known as the flap steak or “butcher’s cut” in the United States. However, you might also hear different names for this cut, such as faux hanger, bottom sirloin bavette, bottom sirloin butt, flap, bottom sirloin flap, flap meat, and sirloin tip.
In Colombia, it is known as sobrebarriga, and in Brazil, as fraldinha.
Buying Bavette Steak
Bavette steak is often confused with other cuts, so buying it from someone who knows the meat well is very important. We highly recommend purchasing bavette steak from a quality butcher or a supermarket with knowledgeable staff. Below are some reliable butchers that offer bavette steak with home delivery:
- Snake River Farms
- Porter Road
- Crowd Cow
- Holy Grail Steak Co.
If you’re purchasing bavette steak from a vendor that isn’t on the list above, check their reviews in multiple places to avoid potential scammers or low-quality meat.
Additionally, always look for fresh meat with a good amount of marbling and a tender texture. The grain and muscle fibers should be quite loose-looking, with clear spaces in between. This will ensure that any rubs and marinades you use will seep into the cut, resulting in a flavorful steak.
Bavette Steak Cooking Techniques
Bavette steak is a versatile cut of beef that you can cook in many different ways. It’s best grilled whole or pan-seared over medium heat, then sliced thinly into strips. You can even slow-cook it.
Ensure to cook bavette steak to at least medium-rare and no more than medium doneness. Otherwise, the meat will be too dry and chewy if overcooked or have the unpleasant texture of raw meat if undercooked. You can also take advantage of the potential of marinades, which give the meat a unique flavor and further tenderize it.
Bavette Steak FAQs
Is bavette steak good?
Bavette steak has a rich beefy flavor and can be tender and juicy if cooked properly. What sets it apart from other steaks is its distinctive grainy texture, which pairs perfectly with marinades. This cut is versatile, and you can either eat it as a standard steak or use it as one of the key ingredients in recipes such as fajitas, steak enchiladas, and many others.
Unfortunately, as its popularity has grown, the price of bavette steak has also increased. However, it is still a great option for those who appreciate the robust flavor of the beefy steak.
What is bavette steak good for?
Bavette steak is a unique cut of beef popular in Mexican cuisine, but its versatility makes it an excellent choice for many other dishes. This steak is perfect for quick cooking on a grill or pan over medium heat and can be served as a standalone steak or used as an ingredient in various recipes.
One of the best things about bavette steak is its grainy texture, which makes it ideal for marinating. We encourage you to experiment with different marinades to bring out the best flavors of this delicious cut of beef.
Is bavette steak expensive?
Bavette steak has recently gained popularity in the US, but it used to be a little-known and inexpensive cut of beef. While it is still considered a more affordable option than premium cuts like ribeye or porterhouse steak, its price has risen in recent years, and in most places, it is no longer as budget-friendly as it once was. Currently, it falls into the middle price range.
What is a bavette steak similar to?
Bavette steak is often confused with flank steak. Both cuts have a similar flavor profile, making them interchangeable in many recipes. Bavette can also be used as a substitute for hanger steak, skirt steak, or even tri-tip, as these cuts share a similar flavor profile, and some have a similarly grainy texture to bavette steak.
Is bavette steak the same as flank steak?
No, Bavette steak and flank steak are two different cuts of beef from different areas of the cow. While these cuts are sometimes mistaken, it’s important to know they are not the same. Flank steak has a slightly different texture and shape than Bavette steak. Despite these differences, both cuts of beef have a similar, strong beefy flavor and are perfect for fast cooking methods like grilling.
Discover Other Beef Cuts
Many cuts of beef share a similar meat texture and flavor profile to bavette steak. Here are five of the most interesting ones: