Unlock the secret to mouthwatering, tender steaks with 10 Secrets to Perfectly Cooked Steak Every Time. Master the techniques and tricks to achieve the perfect sear, ensuring that your steak is cooked to perfection every single time.
To further enhance your culinary skills, dive into grilling 101: the ultimate guide to BBQ mastery or explore the art of roasting techniques for perfectly cooked chicken. Steak is one of the most popular foods in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s tasty, and satisfying and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
| Takeaway |
|---|
| 1. Choose high-quality cuts of steak for the best results. |
| 2. Pre-season your steak with salt to enhance its flavor. |
| 3. Let your steak come to room temperature before cooking. |
| 4. Use a hot grill or pan to create a delicious sear on the steak. |
| 5. Allow the steak to rest after cooking to retain its juices. |
| 6. Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. |
| 7. Experiment with different cooking methods like grilling, broiling, or pan-searing. |
| 8. Use a basting brush to add extra flavor while cooking. |
| 9. Consider marinating your steak for added tenderness and taste. |
| 10. Practice and perfect your technique to achieve consistently cooked steaks. |
But what makes a steak really delicious? And how do you cook it so that it comes out perfectly every time? Here are ten secrets for cooking the perfect steak every time:
Set the Meat Out Ahead of Time
It’s important to bring your meat up to room temperature before you start cooking it. This will allow the heat from the oven or grill to cook the steak more evenly, and prevent any cold spots that might end up overcooking the outside of the meat while leaving an undercooked center.
If you don’t have time for this step, you can use a meat thermometer instead. Inserting it into your steak will take some guesswork out of when its done: Just make sure that it reaches 135℉ (57℃).
| # | Step | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the meat from the refrigerator | Take the meat out of the refrigerator ahead of time to allow it to warm up. |
| 2 | Let it sit at room temperature | Keep the meat at room temperature for a specific duration before cooking. |
| 3 | Use a meat thermometer to monitor temperature | Monitor the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it reaches optimal readiness. |
| 4 | Ensure safe food handling practices | Follow proper food safety guidelines when setting meat out of the refrigerator. |
| 5 | Consider using a rapid thawing method | Utilize convenient tools like the Thaw Claw to speed up the thawing process. |
Cut Your Steak Into Chops
Cutting your steak into chops is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also allows the meat to cook evenly. The reason for this is that each chop will have a consistent thickness and shape, making sure that all parts of the steak are cooked to perfection.
For best results, use a sharp chef’s knife and cut against the grain of your beef. To determine whether or not you’re cutting with the grain of your meat, gently press on both sides at different points down its length with one hand while pulling against yourself with the other.
If there are any areas where you can easily feel a directionality (either pulling apart or resisting), those are areas where you should begin cutting towards in order to achieve maximum tenderness and flavor without drying out your meat when cooking it!
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Dry the Meat Completely
This is a surprisingly important step. Use a paper towel to pat the steak dry, then set aside. Don’t rub it with a towel, because this can promote tearing of the meat fibers and result in uneven cooking times.
If you’re using a cloth or sponge towel that has been used to clean up oil or other liquids—like vinegar—you should throw it away immediately before using it on your raw steaks.
| # | Step | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat the meat dry | Gently pat the meat with paper towels to remove excess moisture. |
| 2 | Let it air dry | Allow the meat to air dry in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. |
| 3 | Use a meat dryer | Utilize a meat dryer, such as the Excalibur Food Dehydrator, to speed up the drying process. |
| 4 | Enhance browning | Drying the meat helps enhance browning and ensures a crispier crust. |
| 5 | Prevent steaming | Dry meat prevents excessive steam build-up, resulting in better texture. |
Season the Steak Not Just With Salt But With Pepper Too
Salt and pepper are the most common seasonings on steak, but they’re not the only way to go. If you want to add a bit of heat, try sprinkling a bit of cayenne pepper on your steak before cooking it.
Cayenne contains capsaicin, which has been shown to have health benefits like reducing inflammation and improving digestion.
Some people also like adding other herbs and spices to their steaks before cooking them—a little bit of rosemary or thyme can really add something special if you’ve got some extra time (and an appetite for adventure).
Braising is a wonderful cooking method that results in tender meats infused with rich flavors. Learn all about braising techniques and how to master them in our comprehensive guide on braising tender meats and rich flavors.
Crank Up the Heat
Start with a hot grill. The best way to cook steak is over high heat, so crank up the burners on your grill and get it good and hot before you start cooking. If your grill doesn’t have temperature settings, turn the dial as high as it goes.
You can even light a chimney full of charcoal to get things going faster (but make sure you keep an eye on it no one wants to eat burnt steak).
Don’t try to cook steaks on an unheated or cool grill; they’ll take longer than usual to sear, which will result in tough meat without any browning or flavor development. And if you’re using gas instead of charcoal for fuel? Well…that’s cheating!
Sear Both Sides
The first step to cooking a perfect steak is to sear both sides of the meat. This is achieved by heating up a cast iron skillet or frying pan over high heat until it is smoking hot, then placing your steak into it.
It’s important not to move the meat around while it sears, so make sure you have plenty of room on your stovetop and don’t crowd the pan with other things!
I like using tongs for this step because they make it easy to flip pieces while they are still hot without burning myself.
Once each side has been properly cooked, remove from heat and let cool slightly before cutting into thick slices (see below).
For those seeking the perfectly cooked chicken, roasting techniques are key. Discover the secrets to achieving a perfectly roasted chicken in our guide on roasting techniques for the perfectly cooked chicken and impress your family and friends with a deliciously cooked bird.
Flip Only Once, And Don’t Touch The Steak With A Fork While It’s Cooking
In order to get the perfect sear, you should only flip once. If you’re using a grill pan or skillet instead of an outdoor grill, be sure to use tongs and keep your hands away from the heat of the pan.
Flipping more than once will cause the exterior of your steak to cool down and lose some of its delicious crispiness, which is why it’s best not to do so.
Also avoid piercing through the meat with anything sharp (including knives) while cooking this will allow juices to leak out and result in dry meat that may be tough if overcooked.
| # | Technique | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flip only once | Flip the steak only once during cooking to ensure even browning and maintain juiciness. |
| 2 | Avoid using a fork | Avoid using a fork to prevent piercing the steak and causing the juices to escape. |
| 3 | Use spatula or tongs | Use a spatula or tongs to handle the steak without disrupting its cooking process. |
| 4 | Opt for heat-resistant tools | Choose heat-resistant tools like silicone-tipped tongs or stainless steel spatulas to ensure safe and effective flipping. |
| 5 | Maintain a gentle touch | Handle the steak gently to prevent unnecessary pressing or flattening, which can lead to loss of juiciness. |
Let The Meat Rest Before Serving
This is one of the most important steps when it comes to cooking steak, and it’s one that many people forget about. When you first remove your steak from the pan or grill, it will have been cooked at its optimal temperature for juiciness and tenderness.
Once you cut into the meat and let whatever juices come out run out, however, they start escaping instead of staying in to keep your steak moist and tender and over time this can turn a perfectly cooked steak into something dry and tough!
To avoid this happening, let your steak rest for at least 5 minutes on a cutting board before slicing into it or serving it up whole (if you prefer).
This allows time for those juices to redistribute themselves throughout the interior of each slice so that every bite is just as juicy as possible.
Slow cooking is a method that requires patience and precision to achieve melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Unlock the secrets of mastering the art of slow cooking with our valuable tips and tricks found in our guide on mastering the art of slow cooking: tips and tricks.
Some Tips On How To Cook Steak Well
- Don’t overcook it.
- Don’t undercook it.
Avoid using a fork to flip your steak; use tongs instead. This will keep the juices in, which means you won’t have dry meat when it’s done cooking!
Do not touch the steak while it’s cooking—you’ll only lose valuable moisture and cause your steak to become tough and chewy (not delicious).
Stick with one side once you put it on the grill, let that side cook until there is browning on both sides (about five minutes per side), then flip over onto a clean plate before removing from heat source and letting rest for at least ten minutes before serving up hot off of our delicious grilling equipment!
Meal planning is an essential skill for efficient and stress-free home cooking. Discover 10 secrets to meal planning like a pro in our guide on 10 secrets to meal planning like a pro and streamline your cooking process while saving time and effort.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of tips for cooking steak. Now, go try it out! You can find more in-depth information on each step in our full post on how to cook steak well.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that provide valuable insights and tips for cooking the perfect steak:
Heartstone Farm: My Top 10 Tips for Cooking a Perfect Steak: Discover expert advice from Heartstone Farm on cooking a mouthwatering steak, including tips on selecting the right cut and achieving desired doneness.
Forbes: 5 Expert Steak Tips – How You Can Cook a Perfect Steak Every Time: Forbes shares insights from experts on cooking the perfect steak, covering topics such as seasoning, temperature control, and resting techniques.
Eat This, Not That!: Chef Secrets for Cooking the Best Steak: Learn insider secrets from professional chefs to elevate your steak-cooking skills, including recommendations for marinating, grilling, and achieving optimal flavor.
FAQs
How do I choose the right steak cut?
The choice of steak cut depends on personal preference and desired level of tenderness. Popular cuts include ribeye, filet mignon, and New York strip. Each cut has its distinct characteristics in terms of marbling, flavor, and texture.
What is the best method for cooking steak?
There are several methods for cooking steak, including grilling, pan-searing, broiling, and sous vide. The best method for you may depend on factors such as the cut of steak, available cooking equipment, and desired level of doneness.
How can I ensure my steak is cooked to the desired doneness?
To gauge the doneness of steak, you can use either a meat thermometer or the touch test. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak provides an accurate reading, while the touch test involves comparing the firmness of the steak to the firmness of your hand when touching different fingers together.
Should I marinate my steak before cooking it?
Marinating steak can add flavor and help tenderize the meat. Depending on the marinade, it can enhance the taste and texture of your steak. However, marination is optional, and the choice to marinate depends on personal preference and the desired flavor profile.
How long should I let my steak rest after cooking?
Resting steak after cooking is important to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. As a general guideline, let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, loosely covered with foil to keep it warm.
Hi, I’m Hellen James! I’m a professional chef who has been cooking for over 12 years. In my career, I’ve worked at some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and restaurants. My expertise lies in creating recipes that are simple but delicious, and I love to experiment with new ingredients and techniques. I started this blog because I want to share my passion for cooking with everyone who loves food as much as I do.
