Crispy Garlic Crumb Steak Recipe
I love crispy-fried, breaded anything. Whether it's a fatty pork chop, a lean chicken breast, or a nice piece of beefsteak, if it's been coated in breadcrumbs and cooked in hot fat, I'm very interested. But, as much as I like this kind of thing, I'm not a fan of the dreaded breading station. The classic 3-step method involves a dish of seasoned flour, a dish of beaten eggs, and a dish of breadcrumbs. It's effective, but messy both on the table and your hands. So, Ive come up with a streamlined version where everything happens on the same plate, with fewer steps and less mess. Here, we skip straight to the crumbs, and the results are almost the same, just with a slight difference in texture and flavor. The key is using a piece of meat that can be pounded to a quarter-inch thick and going for the sharper panko breadcrumbs. This recipe keeps the ingredient list simple and focuses on technique, but feel free to spice it up as you see fit. I hope you give it a try soon!
Ingredients
- cup panko breadcrumbs
- 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 pound top-sirloin steak, trimmed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Gather all ingredients. Prepare everything in advance so you can work quickly.
Step 2: Put the breadcrumbs into a small bowl.
Step 3: Combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil and crushed garlic in a skillet. Heat over medium heat until the garlic starts to sizzle, about 20 to 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Once the garlic has sizzled, strain the oil into the breadcrumbs. Mix them together thoroughly to make garlic crumbs. Allow this mixture to cool for a moment.
Step 5: Cut the steak into two equal portions, about 8 ounces each. Place one steak onto a piece of plastic wrap, and fold the wrap over the steak to cover it completely.
Step 6: Using a meat tenderizer or another heavy object, pound the steak to about -inch thickness. Repeat with the second steak.
Step 7: Season both sides of each steak with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Spoon the cooled garlic crumbs generously over the flattened steak, making sure to cover it up to the edges.
Step 9: Fold the plastic wrap over the steak again and pound it gently to press the garlic crumbs into the meat. Flip the steak and repeat this process on the other side.
Step 10: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the skillet. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until the steak begins to sizzle.
Step 11: Reduce the heat to medium and cook the steak for about 2 minutes per side for medium to medium-rare doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature it should read 130 to 140F (54 to 60C).
Step 12: Once cooked to your preferred doneness, remove the steaks from the skillet and serve immediately.
Enjoy your crispy garlic crumb steaks!
Chef's Notes
- This recipe yields two servings, even though only one steak is shown in the video.
- Once breaded, the steaks can be refrigerated or cooked immediately.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 666
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 51g
- Sodium: 265mg
- Cholesterol: 138mg
- Potassium: 831mg
Note: Nutritional information is based on available data and includes the full amount of breadcrumbs used. Actual breadcrumb consumption may vary.

Recipe Overview: Crispy Garlic Crumb Steak is a delicious and innovative dish where a tender steak is coated in crispy garlic breadcrumbs. This method eliminates the traditional breading process, creating a lighter, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. The technique helps transform tougher cuts of meat into something juicy and tender, making it an accessible yet indulgent dinner option.
History of the Dish
The idea of breading meat is ancient, with variations appearing in cultures across the globe. However, the specific method of using garlic crumbs is a relatively recent innovation, likely popularized in the American culinary scene. The dish reflects a modern twist on classic breaded steaks, with a focus on simplicity and ease. By eliminating the typical flour and egg dipping stations, this recipe makes cooking more accessible while preserving the flavor and texture of traditional breaded steaks.
Regional Variations
While the Crispy Garlic Crumb Steak is a dish that can be found in many American homes, it is particularly popular in regions where beef is a staple, such as the Midwest and Texas. In these areas, steaks are a beloved part of the diet, and local chefs often experiment with various crusting techniques to enhance the flavor and texture of beef. This dish might also be seen in restaurants that focus on elevated comfort food, where simplicity and bold flavors are prioritized.
Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes
The Crispy Garlic Crumb Steak stands out from similar steak dishes due to its unique preparation method. Unlike traditional breaded steaks, which often require a multi-step breading process (flour, egg, and breadcrumbs), this recipe skips the flour and egg, using only crispy panko breadcrumbs that are flavored with garlic-infused olive oil. This not only simplifies the process but also results in a lighter, less greasy coating, while still achieving a satisfyingly crunchy texture. Additionally, the meat is tenderized by pounding, which helps it cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the garlic crumbs.
Common Settings for Serving
Crispy Garlic Crumb Steak is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of settings. Its perfect for a casual family dinner, but also sophisticated enough to be featured in a more formal gathering. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. The dish is often served in American-style restaurants that specialize in steak or comfort food, and it can also be found on the menus of casual dining spots that emphasize flavorful, hearty meals. Its quick preparation makes it a great option for weeknight dinners, but its crispy, golden exterior also makes it a perfect choice for special occasions.
Fun Facts
- The term "panko" refers to Japanese breadcrumbs, which are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, making them perfect for dishes like this one.
- The garlic-infused olive oil used in this recipe adds an extra layer of depth to the flavor, elevating the dish without being overwhelming.
- This recipe is incredibly customizablefeel free to add herbs, spices, or even grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs to create a unique twist.
- Although the recipe calls for top-sirloin steak, other cuts like flank steak or even chicken can be used for a different variation of this dish.
FAQ about Crispy Garlic Crumb Steak Recipe
Comments
Nicholas Evans
09/28/2022 03:10:45 AM
I followed the recipe exactly, using boneless pork loin chops, and they turned out absolutely delicious!