This much loved Tuscan steak is traditionally made from the region's Chianina breed of cattle, which are prized for their tenderness and flavour. In typical Italian style, simplicity rules the day; little more than olive oil, rosemary and salt are needed to highlight the rich flavour of the meat.
Bistecca Fiorentina is normally served rare or medium-rare. If you prefer your steak more well done, cook as stated to form the crust, then place onto a cooler part of the barbecue, and continue cooking to desired doneness.
If you do not wish to fire up the barbecue, this steak may also be cooked under the grill, following the same directions and times in the recipe.
Check out our BBQ how-to guides and videos for easy tips on how to BBQ to perfection!
Most important to great bistecca is not so much the seasoning, which is minimal, but a good piece of meat and someone who knows how to cook it properly. Hubs managed both. I've had steak prepared this way all my life, but always in a skillet, not on the grill. Hubs resisted, since he has his tried and true seasoning for grilled steaks, but he admitted he liked this. Seasoning is typically just olive oil, a good grey sea salt and pepper. Rosemary, lemon and sometimes garlic are options I skipped. A simple garnish of arugula and some grilled potatoes with thyme finished the steak perfectly. I loved this, but then again, as an Italian gal who is quite familiar with this, I may just be a little biased! - 31 Jul 2009 (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)
This steak was fabulous! I love fresh rosemary and when paried with a good cut of steak the result is out of this world. I highly recommend cooking this on charcoal if you can. We served this with roasted red potatoes, a garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing and a good glass of wine- this meal definitely rivaled any restaurant. - 21 Apr 2010 (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)
I'm pretty fixed and rigid when it comes to how I like my steak prepared, but this is a deviation I don't mind repeating. The wonderful Italian flavors of rosemary, sea salt, pepper and olive oil are subtle, and actually enhance the flavor of the meat. - 11 Sep 2011 (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)