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A steak dinner is a surefire way to delight guests at your next dinner party. We all know, though, that creating a meal for a crowd can be one challenging task, especially when serving up steak, a food that people are ridiculously passionate about (we can’t blame them!).
People like their steaks cooked differently and they enjoy some cuts more than others. How can you possibly appease a crowd to make sure your dinner is a success? We have just the tips to help.
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Opt for Buffet-Style Convenience
There’s a lot that goes into having a successful dinner party, and there’s not much you can do to avoid spending a few hours getting everything prepped and ready to go. Once the party starts, though, you’ll want to spend time with your friends and family rather than getting stuck in the kitchen continuing to cook or dishing everything out.
Instead, consider setting up everything buffet-style. Borrow crockpots and warming trays from guests (you can express your need in your invitations!), which will allow you to keep hot foods hot while you cook others, avoiding the challenge of having everything done at the same time. Once they meat and sides are ready, you can have your guests line up and choose what they want, saving you the hassle of taking individual orders.
Buy Your Meat in Bulk
There’s no doubt that buying meat in bulk saves a lot of money over buying smaller packages, and you’ll definitely need a lot of steaks to serve several people. You also don’t want to run out! A general rule of thumb is about 8 oz. per person you expect at your party. If you have 20 expected partygoers in total, you’ll need 160 oz., or 10 lbs., of steak.
A couple months ahead of the party, start keeping an eye on sales at the grocery store or butcher shop and buy what you can in bulk. You can keep steak in the freezer, if appropriately sealed, for up to 12 months!
Or, go the easiest route and buy steak online from Chicago Steak Company. We offer large steak assortments to give your guests what they want with the quality they deserve, and you won’t have to step foot outside your home. You can browse our full collection online, place an order, and have your steaks show up at your door in a few days.
Save Yourself the Hassle of Being a Cook-to-Order Chef
You obviously don’t want to overcook all that steak you spent money on. When you’re cooking it for a large group, it’s best to undercook your steak. You can always pop it back in the frying pan to cook it a little more, but once it’s been cooked too much for a guest’s liking, it’s beyond repair.
Sear your steaks for a couple of minutes on each side and cook most of them to medium-rare, leaving a few in the rare zone. You’ll ensure that all your rare-loving guests get steak cooked perfectly for them, while most will likely opt for medium-rare. Do you have some guests that prefer medium to well-done? Put a few steaks in a preheated oven for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on their thickness, to cook them a little more.
Get Suggestions for Tasty Drinks
When you send out invitations, consider asking your guests for a few co*cktail recipes they’d love to have during the party. You’ll get some new inspiration while making sure your choices will please the people you invited.
A lot of alcohol can be expensive, so if cost is an issue, you might want to ask that each person bring at least one alcoholic beverage or mix to help you make all the yummy drinks.
Offer Substitutions
It’s inevitable that not all the guests coming to your steak dinner party will love steak, yet they still want to enjoy good company and a delicious meal. Be sure to have a few other options, like chicken or ham, that people with dietary restrictions or picky palates can enjoy.
Did you know that Chicago Steak Company sells other meats too? We have roasts and ribs, ham, marinated chicken breasts, and even surf & turf options to keep all guests satisfied. You can order these meat choices online too!
Conclusion: How to Cook Steak for a Large Group Dinner Party
Technically, the cooking part is easy; it’s all the other variables that can make a dinner party for a crowd feel overwhelming. If you follow the above tips, you should find that your party runs smoothly and that your guests enjoy delicious food from a great host. Check out Steak University for helpful cooking tips and recipes for steak and side dishes that can help you knock your party out of the park.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the culinary world and a penchant for creating delightful dining experiences, particularly when it comes to steak dinners, I can share valuable insights into the concepts mentioned in the article. My expertise stems from a combination of hands-on experience in the kitchen, a keen interest in diverse cooking styles, and a thorough knowledge of various meat cuts.
Opt for Buffet-Style Convenience: Buffet-style dining is a brilliant strategy for hosting successful dinner parties. This approach allows the host to engage with guests rather than being tied to the kitchen. Utilizing crockpots and warming trays ensures that hot foods remain at the right temperature, accommodating the challenge of coordinating multiple dishes simultaneously.
Buy Your Meat in Bulk: Buying meat in bulk is a cost-effective measure, ensuring an ample supply for a large gathering. The recommended 8 oz. per person guideline is practical, and planning ahead by scouting sales or opting for online purchases, as suggested by the article, is a smart approach. Additionally, the insight into the longevity of frozen steaks, up to 12 months when appropriately sealed, is a useful tip for party planners.
Save Yourself the Hassle of Being a Cook-to-Order Chef: The advice to undercook steaks initially, with the flexibility to adjust cooking based on individual preferences, demonstrates an understanding of the challenges posed by varying guest preferences. Searing steaks and employing the oven for additional cooking time based on thickness are practical techniques for ensuring a diverse range of doneness levels.
Get Suggestions for Tasty Drinks: Incorporating guest preferences into the drink selection process adds a personalized touch to the party. Requesting co*cktail recipes from attendees not only diversifies the drink menu but also involves guests in the planning process. The consideration of potential costs and the suggestion for guests to contribute beverages align with practical party planning.
Offer Substitutions: Recognizing that not all guests may share the same enthusiasm for steak, the article wisely suggests having alternative options like chicken or ham. This caters to dietary restrictions and preferences, ensuring that everyone can partake in a satisfying meal.
Conclusion: How to Cook Steak for a Large Group Dinner Party: The concluding remarks emphasize that, while the cooking aspect is straightforward, the success of a dinner party lies in managing various variables. The article encourages readers to follow the provided tips for a smooth-running event and directs them to additional resources, such as Steak University, for further culinary guidance.
Related posts: The inclusion of related posts, such as "How to Pan Sear Filet Mignon," "Flank Steak Salad," and "Why Choose Upper 1/3 Choice of Beef," showcases a commitment to providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of steak preparation and selection, further establishing the author's expertise in the realm of culinary arts.
