Hanger steak is a flat-shaped steak with excellent tenderness and flavor. The steak comes from the diaphragm muscle. It's called a "hanger" steak because on a side of beef, the muscle hangs down from the loin area.
Other Common Names
- Butcher's Steak
- Hanging Tender
Primal Cut
- Loin Primal
Hanger Steak Cooking Methods and Tips
Typical Cooking Methods
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Grilling
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Broiling
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Sous Vide
General Cooking Recommendations
A hanger steak has rather loose fibers, and a rough texture — giving it plenty of little hiding places for the additional flavor of marinades and rubs. The steak itself has plenty of flavor too, so you won't overwhelm it with a strong marinade. That makes hanger steak ideal for spicy and pungent flavors.
The best method of cooking is hot and fast. These steaks can be rather thin, so they aren't good candidates for reverse sear methods. Get your grill as hot as possible and sear until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare.
How to Cook Hanger Steak on Your Traeger
First, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, or season it with a favorite rub. Set your Traeger to high (500 degrees Fahrenheit) and preheat for 15 minutes. Place the steaks directly on the grill for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees.
Hanger Steak Internal Temperatures
- For rare, aim for 120-130 °F internally.
- For medium-rare, aim for 130-135 °F internally.
- For medium, aim for 135-145 °F internally.
- For medium-well, aim for 145-155 °F internally.
- For well-done, aim for 155-165 °F internally.
Hanger Steak FAQs
Is Hanger Steak a Good Cut?
Hanger steak is an excellent cut for grilling, especially after the steaks are marinated or rubbed. The steak has decent marbling for flavor, but it isn't the most tender cut.
How Much Does Hanger Steak Cost?
Hanger steak is usually $6 to $12 per pound. It is typically less expensive than other loin cuts like strip loin steaks.
How Do You Know When Hanger Steak Is Done?
Hanger steak is done when the outside is browned and the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees.
What Is a Hanger Steak Best For?
This cut is best for marinating, then grilling. The loose fibers and rough texture allow the marinade to seep into little nooks and crannies, making for flavorful bites.
Is Flat Iron Steak the Same as Hanger Steak?
No, flat iron steak and hanger steak are two different cuts. The flat iron steak comes from the shoulder of the animal, while the hanger steak is part of the diaphragm muscle, near the throat. Both cuts are somewhat flat with long, loose meat fibers.
What Is the Difference Between Skirt Steak and Hanger Steak?
Skirt steak is from the plate of the animal near the belly. Hanger steak is cut from the diaphragm muscle near the throat. The cuts do have a similar shape and texture.
Can Hanger Steak Be Cooked From Frozen?
Yes, hanger steak can be cooked from frozen. If you do so, cook it quickly over high heat to prevent dangerous bacteria from forming.
Interesting Facts About Hanger Steak
Hanger steak is also known as butcher's steak. The tale behind the name is that butchers would often take it home for themselves rather than selling it.
One reason butchers may have seized the hanger is that the steak is delicious. Another reason may have been that because the steak hangs outside the carcass, it can get slightly dry and discolored during storage. Rather than have a somewhat unsightly steak in their meat case, butchers took it home for themselves.
Hanger steak is called “onglet” in France where it's often served alongside french fries (known there as “frites”).
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association identifies the hanger steak with UPC number 1435. You may see this number in the UPC code on the beef package label at the supermarket.