Know Your Meat - Porterhouse
Book NowPorterhouse steak is one of the most flavoursome and impressive looking cuts of steak. Actually comprising of two delicious and hearty cuts, you’ll find your Porterhouse steakhouse experience in London to be a true feast for your eyes and your mouth. Head to Zelman Meats, in Harvey Nicholls Knightsbridge, and experience the exceptional cut for yourself.
What is Porterhouse steak?
Like all steak, the iconic Porterhouse steak is a highly sought-after, mouth-watering cut of beef. It differs, however, in that Porterhouse steak combines the best of two worlds: the tenderloin and the strip steak. Porterhouse steak in the UK is known for its impressive size, tenderness, and rich flavour, making it a top choice for steak lovers, carnivores and those who love the delicious, savoury flavours of exceptional beef.
The Porterhouse steak is a cut that comes from the short loin of the cow. It is located just above the tenderloin and below the ribs. This particular cut is named after the Porterhouse Inn, a popular 19th-century London steakhouse. It became famous for serving this cut of steak, and its name has stuck ever since. What sets the Porterhouse steak apart is its unique shape and composition. It consists of two parts: the tenderloin and the strip steak. The tenderloin, also known as the fillet, is a tender and lean cut of beef that is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture. On the other side of the bone is the strip steak, also known as the sirloin. This part has a slightly more pronounced beefy flavour and a firmer texture.
The key difference between a Porterhouse and a T-Bone steak lies in the size of the tenderloin. In a Porterhouse, the tenderloin is larger, making up a significant portion of the steak. On the other hand, a T-Bone has a smaller tenderloin, resulting in a slightly different flavour profile. To be considered a true Porterhouse, the steak must have a tenderloin section that is at least 1.25 inches wide. If it is smaller, it is technically considered a T-Bone steak.
Where does Porterhouse steak come from?
The porterhouse steak is a prime cut of beef that comes from the short loin of the cow. This specific region of the animal is located just above the tenderloin and below the ribs. Whilst it may seem simple enough, the Porterhouse Steak actually gets its name from the renowned Porterhouse Inn, a popular 19th-century London steakhouse. This iconic steakhouse became famous for serving this magnificent cut, and the name "porterhouse" has stuck ever since.
Whilst the Porterhouse steak may have its origins in London, it is the United States that truly took this cut to new heights. In the US, the porterhouse steak became a staple of classic American steakhouses and grill culture. With its impressive size, tenderness, and rich flavour, it quickly became a top choice for meat lovers across the country, flying under the radar of either a T-Bone or Porterhouse steak. The quality of the porterhouse steak in the UK is also heavily influenced by the breed of cattle and the farming practices used. In the UK, prime beef is typically sourced from traditional British breeds such as Aberdeen Angus, Hereford, and Longhorn. These breeds are known for producing meat with excellent marbling, tenderness, and flavour, making them perfect for creating a mouth-watering porterhouse steak.
Porterhouse steak flavour
One of the most enticing aspects of the porterhouse steak is its exceptional flavour. When you sink your teeth into this succulent cut, you’ll encounter a flavour that is robust, savoury and downright heavenly.
The porterhouse steak boasts a remarkable depth of flavour that is a result of its unique composition. The combination of the tenderloin and the strip steak creates a harmonious balance of tenderness and beefy richness. The tenderloin, or fillet, is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle, buttery flavour. On the other hand, the strip steak, or sirloin, offers a more pronounced, robust beefiness. Together, these cuts make up the most sublime Porterhouse steak. The marbling within the porterhouse steak also contributes to its incredible flavour profile. Marbling refers to the streaks of fat that run through the meat, enhancing its juiciness and adding a lusciousness to every bite. The well-distributed fat within the porterhouse steak ensures that each mouthful is bursting with moisture and flavour.
Porterhouse steak pairings
When it comes to enjoying a delicious porterhouse steak, the perfect pairing can truly enhance the entire experience. Whether you're dining at home or indulging at a steakhouse, these pairings will complement the rich flavour and tender texture of the porterhouse.
For those who appreciate the simplicity of flavours, a classic pairing for a porterhouse steak is a glass of full-bodied red wine. A rich Cabernet Sauvignon or a bold Malbec will perfectly complement the robustness of the steak. The tannins in these wines help to cut through the richness of the meat, while their fruity undertones provide a pleasant contrast.
If you prefer a more indulgent flavour and some variety, consider adding a sauce to your porterhouse steak. A creamy peppercorn sauce, with its tangy and slightly spicy flavour, adds a luxurious kick of flavour to the steak and the creaminess of the sauce pairs beautifully with the tender texture of the porterhouse. For those who enjoy a touch of umami, consider adding some mushrooms to your porterhouse steak. Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and thyme provide a delightful earthiness that complements the richness of the steak.
Back to drinks, if wine isn’t your usual, you can also pair your porterhouse steak with a glass of bold and smoky Scotch whisky. The smokiness of the whisky adds depth and complexity to the steak, creating a unique and memorable dining experience. Take a sip of the whisky before taking a bite of the steak to fully appreciate the harmonious blend of flavours. Then pair with the peppercorn sauce for a truly divine and earthy combination of flavours.
Porterhouse steak London
The Zelman UK Porterhouse steak at Zelman is a truly remarkable cut. Both flavoursome and tender, with the most delicious savoury taste and succulent bite. You’ll find this delicious cut on the menu of Zelman Meats. A 35 day aged, grain-finished cut of beef from North Yorkshire.
Pair your UK Porterhouse steak with any number of delicious sides and complete the whole experience with a magical drink pairing. Whether it’s a glass of bold red such as a Pinot Noir, or a stiff glass of Irish Whiskey, the Porterhouse will shine.
Centrally Located
You’ll find this Porterhouse steakhouse located in iconic Knightsbridge, on the fifth floor of Harvey Nicholls. Just a stone's throw away, you’ll find plenty to do around bustling London, such as a stroll through Hyde Park, or a visit to the royal Buckingham Palace, as well as the famous Harrods just a 10 minute walk away.
If you’re travelling from the city to Zelman Meats, or vice versa, the nearest tube station is Knightsbridge, which is on the Piccadilly line. The station is just a 2-minute walk from the restaurant and will ensure you can get to and from your next fix of delicious Porterhouse steak with ease and efficiency.
