Covering a steak in mayonnaise may not seem controversial to some home cooks but Alton Brown caused quite the debate when he posted this method of preparing meat on Instagram. The food science expert was out of ingredients to make a steak so he covered the beef in mayonnaise before pan-frying it. Commenters were quick to respond and they were clearly divided on the issue. One person simply wrote "sick" and another said "gross." Others wondered how Brown could run out of butter and oil at the same time. The majority however thought the trick was a stroke of genius. One commenter enthused: "Mayo is a great substitute for butter!" and another cheered: "Great idea Alton!"
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 Guga | 2024-05-03 14:15:03 |  390,719 Views |
Alton Brown teaches me all about steaks!
Brown is definitely onto something. Think of the components of mayonnaise. The beloved sandwich condiment is made from oil water egg and an acid (usually lemon juice or vinegar) that’s blended into a creamy spread. It’s an interesting combination of fat and protein: the rich egginess helps create an enviable crust on the steak and also helps insulate the meat. You’ll be amazed at the results when you try it on your favorite steak.
It’s the egg whites that make all the difference when you cook steak this way. The spread’s oil-protein base creates a barrier that helps the meat brown faster and more evenly. This gives thinner cuts like skirt steak a deeper color without overcooking them. Not only does mayonnaise brown food better but using it also gives your steak a satisfying crust. That deliciously charred exterior is created by the Maillard reaction the chemical process that occurs when meat is cooked at high temperatures. Mayonnaise aids in that process.
Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter which is why some people prefer to use it in place of the churned dairy product when making a grilled cheese sandwich. The seasoning gives the bread an extremely crispy texture with less risk of burning and smoking. This means you can cook your mayonnaise-covered steak at a higher temperature and it can sit on the stove longer without burning. Alton Brown demonstrated this technique on YouTube when he cooked his mayonnaise-covered steak on a griddle heated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high-heat cooking method works well no matter what cooking surface you use — try it in a pan or on a grill or griddle.
