In this quick video from the Institute of Culinary Education and Wüsthof, Chef James Briscione demonstrates the professional technique for finding the grain and slicing steak for maximum tenderness.
When it comes to steak, how you slice it is just as important as how you cook it.
Whether you’re grilling a flank steak for a backyard barbecue or serving a perfectly rested skirt steak for taco night, one simple technique can make every bite noticeably more tender: slicing against the grain.
Many home cooks focus on seasoning, temperature and doneness, but overlook what happens after the steak comes off the grill. Cutting meat correctly shortens the long muscle fibers that naturally make tougher cuts chewy, resulting in a more tender, enjoyable bite.
Watch Chef James Briscione demonstrate how to identify the grain and make clean, confident slices like a professional chef.
Why Slicing Against the Grain Matters
The “grain” refers to the direction the muscle fibers run through a piece of meat.
When you slice with the grain, those fibers stay long, making each bite tougher to chew. Cutting across the grain shortens those fibers, helping even lean cuts feel significantly more tender. This simple technique works especially well for:
- Flank steak
- Skirt steak
- Hanger steak
- London broil
- Flat iron steak
It also improves the texture of many other grilled and roasted cuts.
Pro Tips Before You Slice
For the best results:
- Let your steak rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking.
- Locate the direction of the muscle fibers before cutting.
- Hold your knife at a slight angle for wider, restaurant-style slices.
- Use a sharp chef’s knife or slicing knife for clean cuts that preserve the meat’s juices.
Build Better Knife Skills
Professional chefs know that knife skills are about more than speed — they’re about precision, consistency and respect for every ingredient. Learning foundational techniques like finding the grain can elevate everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.
Whether you’re just getting comfortable in the kitchen or looking to refine your technique, mastering the basics pays off every time you cook.
🔪 Interested in developing professional knife skills? Students at the Institute practice essential cutting techniques throughout their culinary training. Learn more today.
