Authentic French Grilled Hanger Steak: The Ultimate 'Onglet' Recipe

Introduction

Known affectionately in France as the "Onglet" or the "Butcher's Cut," the hanger steak is a hidden gem that offers an intensity of beefy flavor unmatched by more expensive cuts like filet mignon. Historically, butchers would keep this cut for themselves because its loose grain and rich marbling make it incredibly tender when prepared correctly. This recipe transports the classic Parisian bistro experience directly to your backyard, utilizing a robust marinade of red wine, shallots, and fresh herbs to tenderize and enhance the meat. Grilling this steak on the Arteflame allows for a restaurant-quality sear while keeping the inside juicy and pink. Whether you are hosting a sophisticated dinner party or simply elevating your weeknight grilling game, this marinated hanger steak promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that celebrates the art of French cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Hanger steak (trimmed of the center membrane)
• 2 large shallots, finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Coarse sea salt (plus more for finishing)
• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the red wine, olive oil, and Dijon mustard until the mixture emulsifies and thickens slightly.
2. Stir in the minced shallots, crushed garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the trimmed hanger steak inside a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow glass baking dish.
4. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring the meat is thoroughly coated on all sides. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferred for maximum flavor penetration.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

1. Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 to 45 minutes before you plan to cook to let it come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
2. Preheat your Arteflame grill. Aim for a medium-high heat zone on the flat cooktop griddle. You want the surface hot enough to sear immediately upon contact.
3. Brush a light layer of vegetable oil or grapeseed oil onto the grill surface to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill the Steak

1. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting the excess liquid drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
2. Place the hanger steak directly onto the hottest part of the grill grate or the center of the plancha.
3. Sear the steak for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. You are looking for a deep, dark brown crust.
4. For a medium-rare finish (recommended for this cut), cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F to 135°F.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the steak from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent loosely with aluminum foil.
2. Let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak.
3. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Sprinkle with a pinch of coarse sea salt before serving.

Tips

Hanger steak is delicious, but it requires specific handling to ensure it remains tender rather than chewy. The most critical rule is to always slice against the grain. The muscle fibers in a hanger steak are long and distinct; cutting perpendicular to them shortens the fibers, making every bite tender. Additionally, do not skip the resting period. If you cut into the meat immediately off the grill, all the flavorful juices will run out onto the board, leaving you with dry meat. Finally, because this cut has a loose texture, it absorbs marinade very quickly. While overnight is best, even a short one-hour soak can impart significant flavor if you are pressed for time. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature, as hanger steak can become tough if cooked past medium.

Variations

While the classic red wine and shallot marinade is traditionally French, the hanger steak is a versatile canvas that can handle bold flavor profiles. If you want to depart from the bistro style, you can easily adapt the marinade to suit different cuisines. The loose grain of the meat traps sauces and rubs exceptionally well. Here are a few variations to try next time you fire up the grill:

• Chimichurri Style: Skip the red wine and marinate in parsley, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, vinegar, and olive oil. Serve with fresh chimichurri on top.
• Asian Fusion: Swap the wine for soy sauce and rice vinegar, add ginger, sesame oil, and brown sugar for a teriyaki-inspired glaze.
• Coffee Rub: Use a dry rub consisting of ground espresso, chili powder, brown sugar, and cumin for a smoky, earthy crust.
• Balsamic Glaze: Replace the red wine with balsamic vinegar for a sweeter, tangier finish that caramelizes beautifully on the Arteflame.
• Herb Butter Finish: Grill with salt and pepper only, then top the hot steak with a compound butter made of garlic, parsley, and lemon zest.

Best pairings

To complete the French bistro experience, the side dishes should be as classic as the main course. The richness of the marinated hanger steak pairs beautifully with starchier sides that can soak up the jus. You cannot go wrong with "Steak Frites"—crispy, thin-cut french fries served with a side of aioli. For a lighter option, a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan cuts through the richness of the red meat. Grilled vegetables are also a natural companion; try grilling asparagus or halved tomatoes directly on the Arteflame alongside the steak. Regarding wine, pair this dish with the same varietal you used in the marinade. A bold Cabernet Sauvignon, a structured Bordeaux, or an earthy Malbec will complement the iron-rich flavor of the hanger steak perfectly.

Conclusion

Mastering the hanger steak is a rite of passage for any grilling enthusiast. This French-inspired recipe allows you to take an often-overlooked cut of beef and transform it into the star of the show. The combination of the savory shallot and wine marinade with the high-heat sear of the grill results in a texture and flavor profile that rivals the best steakhouses in Paris. Remember that simplicity is key; let the quality of the ingredients and the precision of your cooking technique shine. Whether you are serving this for a special romantic dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this Grilled Marinated Hanger Steak is sure to impress and leave your guests asking for the recipe. Enjoy the process, and bon appétit!