Cooking for Special Occasions with Matangi Angus Beef

At Matangi, our love for exceptional beef runs deep—it's part of who we are, shaped by generations of farming expertise and dedication. But above all, we believe one thing: nothing celebrates a special moment quite like a perfectly cooked, thoughtfully sourced steak.

Marking an occasion of note? Delight your guests with the sublime tenderness of eye fillet steaks. Celebrating a landmark event? Let a majestic tomahawk steak set the tone. Simply raising a glass to the quiet triumph of making it through the week? A richly marbled, bone-in ribeye transforms the everyday into the extraordinary.

The secret to a memorable steak dinner lies in two essentials: source only the finest beef, and prepare it with precision and care. In this guide, we help you do both, selecting the right cut for the moment and ensuring it’s cooked to perfection.

 

Choosing the Right Cut for a Special Occasion

At Matangi, our boutique grass-fed Angus cattle are raised with a sustainable farming approach and thoughtful intention, resulting in cuts that are limited in quantity and extraordinary in quality. Among our most celebratory offerings are three cuts renowned not only for flavour, but for their presence on the plate.

Presenting: elegant eye fillet steaks, the commanding tomahawk steak, and the richly indulgent bone-in ribeye rack.

 

Eye Fillet Steaks

Eye fillet steaks are often referred to as the Emperor of Steaks, this is a classic choice for discerning palates. Eye fillet steaks are cut from the tenderloin, an area prized for its sublime texture and mild, buttery flavour. This is a steak that requires little embellishment: a gentle sear, a touch of garlic butter, and a pinch of flaked sea salt is all it takes to highlight its quiet luxury.

 

Tomahawk Steaks

A visual and culinary centrepiece, the tomahawk steak offers high drama and deep, satisfying flavour. Featuring a long, frenched bone and a generous portion of ribeye attached, it evokes a kind of primal elegance, perfect for dinner guests who appreciate theatre as much as taste.

 

Bone-In Ribeye Racks

When you’re serving an exclusive gathering and want to combine a mood of abundance with refinement, the bone-in ribeye rack is an excellent choice. Rich in marbling and enhanced by the presence of the bone, this cut delivers depth and juiciness in every slice. Served tableside, it invites conviviality and celebration.

 

How to Make Your Steak Worthy of the Moment

Here are a few essential tidbits to ensure that your NZ Angus Beef arrives at the table in all its succulent glory.

 

Let Your Steak Come to Room Temperature

Before you begin cooking, remove your meat from its packaging and allow it to come up to room temperature(covered, of course). This gentle acclimation ensures even cooking and a beautifully seared surface, without sacrificing a juicy centre.

 

Season Thoughtfully

Great beef needs little to shine. At Matangi, we recommend a minimalist’s approach: coarse sea salt, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. For added depth, consider a rub of rosemary and garlic, or a delicate overnight brine; both will amplify the meat’s natural richness without overpowering it.

 

Rest, Always

One of the most essential yet often overlooked steps is resting after cooking. Give your steak a few quiet minutes loosely covered (20 minutes for large cuts, 10 minutes for smaller ones) to allow the muscles to relax and the juices to redistribute evenly. This simple pause transforms good beef into truly exceptional beef.

 

The Company You Keep

Ultimately, what defines a special occasion is not just the moment itself, but the people with whom you share it. While a finely dressed table and the perfect lighting are desirable, all you really need is the warmth of good company and a meal made with care from the finest ingredients.

Choosing a thoughtfully sourced, expertly prepared steak is one way to honour that moment. Whether you opt for eye fillet steaks, a showstopping tomahawk steak, or a celebratory ribeye rack, your choice speaks volumes about the quality of the occasion and the company you’re keeping.

 

Mark the Moment with Boutique Grass-Fed Angus Beef from Matangi

Tucked away in the pristine hills of Hawke’s Bay, bordered by the winding Tuki Tuki River, Matangi is home to hand-raised Angus herds, nurtured with care and integrity. Our butchers work with reverence for the craft, selecting only the finest cuts for discerning cooks across New Zealand.

If your next gathering deserves something truly special, turn to Matangi. From tomahawk steak to eye fillet steaks, every cut is a celebration in itself.

Buy a steak online today, and let your next occasion begin at the table.