- How much should I cook it?
- Strictly medium-rare or rare is recommended. If you overcook it (well-done), the lack of fat will make it tough as old boots.
- I can't find emu, what should I use?
- Ostrich steak or lean beef fillet are the best alternatives.
Chargrilled emu steaks with rosemary
Emu meat is one of gastronomy's best-kept secrets: a red meat that resembles the finest beef fillet in taste and texture, whilst having negligible fat content. As it is an extremely lean meat, the secret lies in gentle handling – overcooking is the enemy. The classic pairing of rosemary and garlic does not overpower but highlights the meat's natural, game-like aroma.
Ingredients
4
pieces
Emu steaks (at room temperature)
30
ml
Olive oil
2
cloves
Garlic (crushed)
5
g
Fresh rosemary (chopped)
10
g
Salt (coarse sea salt)
5
g
Black pepper (freshly ground)
20
ml
Lemon juice
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Grill pan or garden grill
- Meat thermometer (highly recommended!)
- Brush for basting
- Kitchen paper
Instructions
1
✓
Remove the meat from the fridge at least 20 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat completely dry with kitchen paper.
Tip: If you put cold meat into a hot pan, it cools it down and starts to stew instead of sear. A layer of water on the surface causes the same issue (Avoiding thermal shock and Maillard reaction).
2
✓
Prepare the marinade: mix the olive oil, crushed garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Coat the meat thoroughly and let it stand for 30 minutes.
Tip: The salt begins to penetrate the meat structure, and the acidic lemon juice tenderises the fibres (Osmosis and protein denaturation).
3
✓
Heat the grill pan or grill until smoking hot. Grease the grate lightly with oil.
Tip: The hot surface instantly sears a crust onto the meat, sealing in the valuable juices.
4
✓
Place the steak on the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Do not move it unnecessarily, turn only once when it releases from the grate.
Tip: Emu meat is best when the core temperature reaches 52-55°C (medium-rare). Do not overcook!
5
✓
Remove the meat from the heat and rest on a warm plate for 5-10 minutes before serving. This is the most important step!
Tip: During cooking, the juices flow to the centre of the meat. While resting, these juices redistribute amongst the fibres, making every bite tender (Pressure equalisation).
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Emu steaks (at room temperature)
- 30 ml Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic (crushed)
- 5 g Fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 10 g Salt (coarse sea salt)
- 5 g Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 20 ml Lemon juice