yet another flank steak question...

[JJ40]

Okay, here goes. I have a flank steak marinating as I type. The recipe says to "cut across the grain diagonally" once it is cooked.

I'm not clear on how I'm supposed to slice this baby. Do I slice it WITH the grain, or AGAINST the grain, or what??

TIA,
Julie http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[sneezles]

It means to more or less start in a corner and slice. The steak should be somewhat of a rectangular shape with the "grain" of the meat running across the short sides, if you slice with the grain or even across the grain the pieces would not hold together.

[JohnK]

"Across the grain" means against the grain. This is a mechanical means of tenderizing stringy meat. Cutting the "strings" into very short bits.

"Diagonally" indicates the angle at which you hold the knife to cut the grain. Not literally diagonal on the piece of meat i.e. NOT corner to corner. The blade angle should be about 45 degrees or greater like:__\__

This should turn a vertical:__|__ slice of meat, for example, 1-inch thick into a thin but wide 2-inch slice of meat. June 2001 page 101 the Adobo flank may give you a sense of what I'm trying to describe, in the event you don't have June yet, try August 2000 p 97, not as in your face but may be a little more graphic. Maybe a descriptor would be "beveled cut" or "slanted cut". Clear as mud?

[Gail]

John,

Thanks so much for "popping up" to clarify the question. Now that you've done so, I thought I'd mention that I think it's great to have you folks from CL chime in every so often with tips. Nothing better than hearing from one of the pros.

BTW, your guacamole is terrific! (This from the person seated on your right at the taste-testing.)

[JJ40]

Thanks Sneezles, I think I know what you mean.

I know I haven't done it right before, and I don't want to ruin a great flank steak!

Julie

[luv2cook]

John, I second Gail. I was sitting to your right next to Kathleen. I WANT IT http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[joyous]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JohnK:
[B] Cutting the "strings" into very short bits.

THANK YOU!! This is the best description of "cutting across the grain" that I've ever seen.

Signed,

Joyous, the Spatially Impaired

[Lynn B]

Thanks, John!
(BTW, it was a pleasure to meet you!)
Lynn

[JJ40]

Hi John,

Thanks so much for your reply. I don't have June's issue yet, but I will make a point to check out the Adobo flank steak.

Thanks!
Julie