It is easy for a chef to fall into a creative rut, so look to a steak cookbook directory resource for assistance. Cookbooks are the key to creating diversity in your menu. Whether you are the chef of a restaurant or food service institute, it is imperative to your business’s success that you offer variety. Specialty cookbooks allow you to experiment with different recipes, and sometimes add your own twist.

With the Internet, it's easier than ever to search for a steak cookbook provider. Finding the right cookbook for your needs proves slightly more challenging. Cookbooks give you ideas for recipes, but also open the door to developing your own unique recipes. In many ways, mastering classic recipes is the best foundation for a chef’s training. When searching for steak cookbook information, remember the following:

1. Chefs of food service institutes should choose from a steak cookbook list with accommodating yields. Some recipes may not convert well, so make sure the cookbook you choose works for your size establishment.

2. Don’t be afraid of including old fashioned recipes in your menu selection. Many tried and true recipes are favorites when prepared well.

3. The cookbooks that you choose should reflect your skill level, your schedule, and your budget.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick steak cookbook recipes that reflect the style of your establishment

With so many wonderful recipes out there, it's tempting to choose all that look appealing. However, make sure the recipes you choose reflect the character of your establishment. Guests have expectations when they select a restaurant, so unless you're confident that you will pleasantly surprise them, don't choose recipes that challenge your restaurant's concept.

I recommend: Morton's Steak Bible: Recipes and Lore from the Legendary Steakhouse features the steakhouse's secrets to its world-famous steak recipes. The New Steak: Recipes for a Range of Cuts plus Savory Side covers the various cuts and traditional cooking methods, in addition to flavorful modern twists.

Check recipes in each steak cookbook and make sure ingredients are easy to find

There's nothing better than a unique recipe with a unique taste. But if producing such a dish requires ingredients that are difficult to get, it may not be worth it. For this reason, you may want to steer away from cookbooks with recipes that require hard-to-find herbs and spices, or certain seasonal or regional produce and food items.

I recommend: Great Gathering Guide & Cookbook is produced by Omaha Steaks and includes a diverse selection of steak recipes. Steak: From T-Bone Steak to Thai Beef Salad focuses on the versatility of steak with recipes such as caramelized beef salad with green mango dressing, and beef and oyster bruschetta.

Continue to update and enhance your steak cookbook collection

You may assume that you have a pretty substantial cookbook collection, but recipes are continuously enhanced and updated. Stay abreast of the newest creations, but don't forget the classics.

I recommend: Steak Lover's Cookbook educates chefs on the various cuts of steak and cooking methods, and includes hearty recipes like Hungarian steak soup. The Great Steak Book offers instruction, steak cut information, and a variety of classic and contemporary recipes, including pan seared rib-eye, pepper crusted tenderloin, and Texas beef wellington.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join an association or club for beef lovers to find steak cookbook recommendations, recipes and other information.