Elevate your National BBQ Day celebration with a unique and delicious twist by grilling up some flavorful Ostrich steaks.
Grilling Ostrich steaks offers several advantages. First, Ostrich meat is lean and low in fat, making it a healthier option compared to traditional beef steaks. It is also rich in protein, iron, and other essential nutrients. Additionally, grilling Ostrich steaks brings out their natural flavors and creates a delicious smoky taste. Finally, Ostrich meat is a sustainable choice, as ostriches require less land, water, and feed compared to traditional livestock.
Another advantage of grilling Ostrich steaks is their quick cooking time. Due to their low fat content, Ostrich steaks cook faster than beef steaks or pork chops. This means you can enjoy a delicious meal in no time.
Preparing Ostrich steaks for the grill is a simple process. Start by marinating the steaks to enhance their flavor and tenderness. This also reduces the chance of burning the steaks over the flame. Choose a marinade that complements the natural taste of Ostrich meat. We would recommend something that addresses the slight sweetness of the Ostrich meat.
You can start with as a combination of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices and perhaps add red or white wine. You are making your perfect steak...so put in the flavours that you like. Let the steaks marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a more intense flavor.
Before grilling, make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steaks from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the steaks with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning. Place the steaks on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F.
Alternatively, if you have a cast iron pan you use on your BBQ, you could search the meat in a well heated cast iron pan prior to finishing on the grill (or just cook through in the cast iron). If you choose to cook it on the grill... be careful as Ostrich meat really does cook fast.
Once the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.
Please let them rest...my husband is adamant that you need to do this to get the right colour and consistency on the inside of the steak. I would advise letting them rest covered in tin foil to hold the heat in (otherwise they can get cold fairly quickly).
The main components of a good marinade are: oil, an acid, salt, spices. When it comes to marinating Ostrich steaks, the possibilities are endless.
Here are a few marinade ideas to try:
- Asian-inspired marinade: soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey, and sesame oil
- Mediterranean marinade: olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and thyme
- Spicy marinade: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and lime juice
Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your favorite marinade for ostrich steaks.
To achieve perfectly cooked Ostrich steaks on the grill, follow these tips:
- Preheat the grill or cast iron pan to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking and a nice colour on the steaks.
- Oil the grill grates or brush the steaks with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Let the steaks rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the ostrich steaks against the grain for maximum tenderness.
By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy perfectly grilled Ostrich steaks every time.
When it comes to serving Ostrich steaks, there are plenty of delicious options. Here are some serving suggestions and pairings:
- Serve the grilled Ostrich steaks with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and balanced meal.
- Pair the steaks with a flavorful sauce, such as a red wine reduction or a tangy chimichurri sauce.
- Add a touch of elegance to your meal by serving the Ostrich steaks with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms. I love to do this with Ostrich gravy that I made with Ostrich bone broth. I use the neck to make a separate pot of bone broth and use this to make the gravy. I'll do a post specifically about that in the future.
- For a refreshing and light option, serve the grilled Ostrich steaks sliced over a bed of mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette.
Don't forget to pair your Ostrich steaks with a good wine or craft beer to enhance the dining experience. We recommend either xxxx or xxxx as a great beer. For the wine, I think something full bodied and just slightly sweet would complement the meat nicely.
If you serve Ostrich at your National BBQ Day celebration, the guests are sure to remember it for a long time.