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Historic Stockyards City.
Dry aged vs wet aged steak
Dry-Aged vs Wet-Aged Steak Cattlemen's 100-Year Aging Process
When it comes to crafting the perfect steak, the aging process is where good old science meets time-honored tradition. There are two main ways to age a steak: dry aging and wet aging, and folks have strong opinions about both. Down here at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in OKC, we have been perfecting the wet aging process for over a century to serve up what we proudly call the best aged steak in Oklahoma. As the longest continuously operating steakhouse in the state, and with our 2023 induction into the National Steakhouse Hall of Fame, we reckon we know a thing or two about aging a steak right. So today, we are breaking down the science behind both methods and showing why the Cattlemen’s way stands a cut above the rest.
Understanding Dry-Aging
Simply put, dry aging is the process of hanging large cuts of beef in a carefully controlled environment to bring out deeper, richer flavor. The temperature is kept just above freezing, with humidity around 80 to 85 percent, allowing moisture to slowly evaporate from the muscle and concentrate the beef’s natural taste. At the same time, enzymes begin breaking down tough connective tissue like collagen, which helps tenderize the meat. This aging process can take anywhere from two to six weeks, and many steak lovers describe the result as having a nutty, earthy flavor with a firmer bite. However, dry aging does come with its challenges. The meat loses weight as moisture escapes, and the process requires special equipment and constant monitoring. While some purists stand by it, dry aging is less common in most steakhouses due to the cost and complexity involved.
The Wet-Aging Process
Wet aging steak is a modern marvel that brings out bold flavor and tenderness in a shorter amount of time. This method involves sealing cuts of beef in airtight plastic packaging and storing them at steady temperatures, typically between 32 and 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike dry aging, wet aging happens in a moisture-rich, oxygen-free environment, which keeps the meat from drying out and allows it to age naturally in its own juices. Enzymes still get to work, breaking down muscle fibers and connective tissue to enhance tenderness and develop a smooth, savory flavor. Because wet-aged steaks retain more moisture, their flavor is often described as clean, rich, and slightly milder than the bold, nutty profile of dry-aged beef. Another key benefit is that wet aging results in little to no weight loss, which helps preserve the integrity and value of each cut. At Cattlemen’s, we have spent generations refining our wet-aging process to get every ounce of flavor and tenderness from the beef, just the way our guests have come to expect.
Why Cattlemen’s Wet-Aging Process is Superior
At Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, we’ve over a century of experience in mastering our aging techniques to achieve the perfect temperature, humidity, and timing controls, tailored to Oklahoma’s local conditions. We strongly believe in the benefits of wet-aging, which preserves that beloved juice and enhances the natural umami flavors to maintain a truly cowboy-tasting experience. We meticulously select only the finest USDA-grade beef to undergo our wet-aging process, achieving the perfect flavor. The result? A steak that perfectly balances tenderness, rich flavor, and plenty of juice that’ll keep you coming back for more!
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse is the only Hall of Fame steakhouse in Oklahoma, renowned for the authentic Western culture and unwavering, wet-aged steak quality. We believe our steak preparation honors our storied tradition while leveraging modern aging science. When you visit our steakhouse, you’ll taste our commitment to quality and tradition with every bite. We can’t wait to see you!
Come Grab Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse OKC!
If you’re craving a hearty, no-nonsense breakfast that’ll stick to your ribs, a juicy burger, and our signature mac-and-cheese, or a Hall of Fame Steak Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, OKC is the place to be.
From juicy steak and eggs to homemade biscuits and gravy, you won’t leave hungry, that’s a promise.
Cattlemen’s has been an Oklahoma City staple for over a century, and folks can’t stop raving about it. With 4.6 stars on Google from over 10,000 reviews, it’s clear that people love the food, the service, and the down-home atmosphere.
So why not see what all the fuss is about?
Address: 1309 S Agnew Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73108
Call us at: (405) 236-0416 (ps call ahead and save a seat, we’d hate for you to have to wait in the long line)
Breakfast Hours: Monday–Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:30 AM, Saturday & Sunday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Rated 4.6 stars on Google – Over a century of great food and great service!
So what are you waiting for? Swing by Cattlemen’s for breakfast and taste a true Oklahoma tradition!
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