Are you curious about hobo steak but unsure where to start? Imagine uncovering a dish steeped in history, rich with flavor, and versatile in preparation. You’re in the right place—this guide promises to deliver everything you need, from its origins to step-by-step preparation tips. With historical insights and practical recipes, we’ll empower you to create and enjoy this iconic dish in your own kitchen or on your next adventure.
What is Hobo Steak? A Brief History
The term “hobo steak” can refer to two culinary traditions:
- Chasen’s Hobo Steak “Hobo steak” originated as an off-menu specialty at Chasen’s Restaurant in West Hollywood. This legendary dining spot was frequented by Hollywood’s elite, including Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Alfred Hitchcock. The dish featured a twice-cooked New York Strip steak, served simply over toasted sourdough. Despite its basic presentation, the flavor of the high-quality beef elevated it to iconic status.
- Hobo Dinner Foil Packs Another variation of hobo steak is a practical and rustic meal often associated with camping and outdoor cooking. These foil packs combine ground beef, vegetables, and seasonings, cooked together over a grill, campfire, or in the oven. This version reflects the simplicity and versatility of “hobo-style” cooking.
Chasen’s Hobo Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 three-inch-thick prime New York strip steak
- Very thin beef fat ask your butcher
- 1 cup kosher salt
- Butter
- Sourdough bread cut into 1.5” x 2.5” rectangles
- Minced chives for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Steak:
- Wrap the sides of the steak with strips of beef fat and secure with butcher twine.
- Mix kosher salt with water to create a paste and coat the top of the steak.
Broil the Steak:
- Place the steak under a high broiler (6 inches from the flame) for 8 minutes.
- Remove the salt crust, flip the steak, reapply the salt, and broil for another 8 minutes.
Finish and Serve:
- Discard the salt crust and let the steak rest for 10 minutes.
- Saute steak slices in butter and rendered beef fat until lightly browned.
- Toast sourdough rectangles with butter and top each with a slice of steak.
- Drizzle with pan juices and garnish with chives.
Hobo Dinner Foil Packs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or protein of choice
- 1 large potato sliced thin
- 2 carrots sliced
- 1 onion sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Montreal steak seasoning
Instructions
Assemble the Packs:
- Lay out heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Layer potatoes, carrots, onions, and a hamburger patty in the center.
- Add a pat of butter and sprinkle with seasoning.
Cook:
- Grill: Cook on medium-high heat for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 30-40 minutes.
Serve:
- Open the packs carefully and serve directly from the foil for easy cleanup.
Tips for Perfect Hobo Steak
- Choose High-Quality Meat:
- For Chasen’s version, prime-grade New York strip steak ensures the best flavor.
- For foil packs, ground beef with moderate fat content (80/20) works well.
- Customizable Ingredients:
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes to your foil packs for variety.
- Experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or thyme.
- Master the Cooking Method:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure desired doneness (medium-rare: 130-135°F).
- For foil packs, ensure vegetables are sliced thin for even cooking.
Where to Enjoy Hobo Steak
After mastering the rustic hobo steak, elevate your meat-cooking skills with our elegant duck marsala recipe.
While Chasen’s Restaurant is now closed, you can recreate its famous hobo steak at home using the recipe above. For foil pack hobo steak, many diners, campsites, and family-friendly restaurants offer variations. Check local eateries or camping cookbooks for inspiration.
Hobo steak, whether as a gourmet dish from Hollywood’s golden age or a hearty camping meal, offers simplicity and rich flavors. With the recipes and tips provided, you can bring this versatile dish to your kitchen or campsite. Enjoy the nostalgia and deliciousness of hobo steak, and make it your own!