How to Cook a Steak Perfectly

When it comes to cooking a steak, you would want it to cook in the right way. So, whether your preference is a flavor-packed sirloin or a butter-soft fillet, you need constant attention while cooking your beef. Moreover, with a few-minute difference between a well-done and rare, cooking a steak perfectly is all about timing.

People might tell you that it takes a bit of art to cook steak perfectly. In reality, it is pretty simple. So, want to know how you can cook steak the right way? Continue reading the article to learn more about cooking a steak by following simple, easy steps. You maybe also interested in how to slice brisket.

 

Choosing your steak

The piece of steak that you use depends on your budget and personal choice. Different cuts deliver different levels of flavor and tenderness.

Sirloin – Considered as the main steak, similar to fillet. They have more flavor and are served best as medium-rare.

Fillet – It has the perfect tender cut and is expensive as well. It consists of little fat and served best as rare.

T-bone – To ensure that everything cooks evenly, you should finish it in the oven.

Tomahawk or rib-eye – It has two cuts: boneless and rib-eye. It usually serves as one.

Bavette – It’s a cheap cut and best served as a medium. Also, it is perfect for barbequing.

Onglet – This rope-shaped cut of meat has many flavors. However, if you cook beyond rare, it becomes tough.

Flat-iron – This piece of meat is cut from the shoulder blade and neatly shaped. But if you cook it more than medium, it might get tough. 

Rump – Perhaps the least expensive one among prime steaks. And, anything cooked beyond medium can make it tough.

 

Important things to consider

If you wonder how to cook a steak perfectly, you should follow a few guidelines regardless of whatever cut you choose. Before getting started to cook a steak, get the piece of meat out of the refrigerator. Allow it to adjust to the room temperature. Wait for an hour before you cook.

Grilling or frying the piece of meat while it is cold won’t allow the heat to penetrate the mid-portion. As such, it won’t cook efficiently. Moreover, make sure that your griddle, barbecue, or pan is hot before you begin. As a result, the heat makes the meat caramelize and prepares it for a delicious crust.

While cooking, try to cook the meat medium-rare to medium. Anything more than that will take the tenderness away and leave you with a tough piece of meat. Moreover, turning the steak every minute will give you evenly cooked meat.

After cooking, leave the steak to rest for some time. Next, rub the steak with butter or olive oil to have an excellent, juicy steak. If you remember these simple tips, you get great results every time you cook steak.

How to cook the perfect steak

A perfect steak creates a flavorful crust with the right temperature in the center and sealing in with delicious juices. Here is how you can cook a steak perfectly.

1. The first step is to take the meat out of the fridge for about 25 to 30 minutes before cooking. That way, it allows the meat to come down to normal room temperature. Also, it ensures an evenly cooked steak.

 

2. Pat dry the steaks with paper towels to get the perfect outer crust. But if you wish to cut the fat from the steak, you can do that after it’s cooked. That’s because fat adds moisture and flavor to the meat while cooking.

3. It is unwise to add oil to the pan. Instead, you can brush the steak with oil. And, season the meat with pepper and salt according to your taste.

4. Preheat the frying pan or barbecue to high heat. When you are using a frying pan, aim for a heavier base. Keep in mind that pans with a heavy base can hold heat longer and allow the meat to cook evenly. However, it is important not to crowd the pan.

Or else, the meat will stew instead of sear. You can use two pans or cook the steak in batches. When the meat hits the pan, you should hear a sizzle. If you don’t hear a big sizzle, it means the pan isn’t hot enough.

5.Timing is a crucial factor when you cook a steak. In general, a steak about 22mm thick needs two minutes of cooking each side for rare. For medium-rare, it takes 3 to 4 minutes cooking each side and 4 to 6 minutes for medium on each side. If you need it well-done, cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side and turn down the heat to cook for another 5 to 6 minutes.

6. Next, you have to test the steak for doneness. Use your clean index finger to prod the piece of meat. If you find the steak squishy and soft, it is rare. When it’s springy yet soft, that’s medium-rare. But if it’s springy, it is medium. And, any firmer than the ones mentioned, it is well-done.

 

7. Finally, allow the steak to rest on a plate or wooden board. You can cover it loosely with foil and keep it for about 6 to 7 minutes before slicing them and serving it. When you allow the meat to rest, the juices return to the meat fibers. As such, juices from the meat won’t run out on the plate while cutting the steak.

8. Transfer the steak to a cutting board. Cut the steak into pieces with a sharp carving knife like this German stainless steel set. These knives are made with high-quality stainless steel and specifically designed to cut juicy steaks. You will love to have them while slicing. It results in a more tender steak.

 

9. Everyone has their preference when it comes to eating steak. Many people love them with chips and crisp salad, whereas others love to eat them with sauces, pepper or a salsa verde that cuts right through it. Moreover, you can get fancier by adding garlic butter on top of the steak. Whatever you choose, the feeling is incredible.