Who doesn’t love a good steak? It’s a mouthwatering delight that many of us crave. But with the rising cost of living, indulging in luxury foods like steak can be a rare treat. So, I decided to embark on a mission to find the best steak among the major supermarkets, all while keeping an eye on my budget.
Now, I must confess, I’m no chef. And dining out at a fancy restaurant for a top-quality slice of beef is not something I can afford on a regular basis. But fear not, my friends! I’ve got a plan. I’ll uncover the truth about the steak offerings from Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Morrisons, M&S, and the Co-Op, all in the name of delivering you an unbiased verdict.
A Meaty Adventure Begins
Picture this: six ribeye steaks, all lovingly cooked the same way to ensure a fair comparison. Two to three minutes on each side, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper. No fancy sauces allowed. My taste buds were tingling with anticipation as I dived into this carnivorous experiment.
The Verdict, Please!
Tesco: 5/10
As the UK’s most popular supermarket, Tesco is a household name. It’s easily accessible, and their regular ribeye steak costs £5.35. However, my local store ran out, so I opted for Tesco Finest at only 45p more (£4.60 with a Clubcard). The steak was decent, nothing exceptional. It looked great in the packaging but disappointingly shrank in the pan. Medium rare eluded me; instead, I ended up with a medium, dry result. Not exactly what I was hoping for from a “finest” range.
Aldi: 7/10
Ah, Aldi, the budget supermarket sensation! Known for its cheeky marketing tactics, I had high hopes for their steak priced at £4.99 — the cheapest among the contenders. And guess what? It didn’t disappoint. Despite being a little thin, like its Tesco counterpart, it delivered on taste and juiciness. If you’re on a tight budget and still want a flavorful steak, Aldi’s got you covered.
Co-Op: 8/10
If money is no issue and you’re searching for a culinary indulgence, the Co-Op is here for you. Their steak comes with a price tag of £5.50, but boy, does it deliver! When it comes to juiciness, flavor, texture, and sear, it stands head and shoulders above the rest, with only one other contender coming close. Cooked to medium rare perfection in just 2-3 minutes, it was a family favorite. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed if you’re willing to splurge a little.
Morrisons: 4/10
Morrisons, stick to fish. Their steak, priced at £4.99, left much to be desired. Bland, dry, and lacking flavor, it failed to make an impression. Quality-wise, it couldn’t hold a candle to Aldi, despite being similarly priced. This one was a letdown, plain and simple.
Asda: 3/10
Oh, Asda, what happened? With a similar store preference to Aldi, I had high expectations. But their £5.20 ribeye steak left me sorely disappointed. Its unappealing appearance in the packaging was only matched by its toughness on the plate. At one point, I even questioned if I had mistakenly cooked one of my Crocs instead. It was that tough. So, unless you enjoy a challenge with your steak, I’d suggest giving this one a pass.
M&S: 9/10
And finally, the winner of this meaty showdown is M&S! They might be known for their upmarket status, but fear not, this steak won’t break the bank. Priced at £5.25, it was a mere 26p more than Aldi. And let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. The flavors exploded in my mouth, and it retained all its juiciness even after sizzling in the pan. This steak was so good that I selfishly enjoyed it all to myself. Sorry, not sorry.
Find Your Perfect Steak
So, my friends, there you have it. The shocking results of my supermarket steak experiment. While each supermarket had its own strengths and weaknesses, M&S stole the show with its exceptional flavor and quality. But remember, taste is subjective. What may be a winner for me might not be the same for you. So why not embark on your own steak adventure and discover your perfect match?
If you’re looking to satisfy your carnivorous cravings, head over to Hook’d Up Bar and Grill for a tantalizing steak experience that will leave you wanting more.