Every meat lover should be able to prepare a steak to perfection. Using the proper cooking methods may make a world of difference when preparing a steak, whether you want it rare, medium, or well done. The greatest cooking methods for the ideal steak that will make your mouth wet are discussed in this article.
Image by gurkan erol from Pixabay
Choose the Right Cut
Choosing the appropriate cut is the first step in grilling the ideal steak. If you’re looking for high-quality steaks, there are many places to order steaks online. Ribeye, filet mignon, sirloin, and New York strip are some of the most well-liked steak varieties. Every cut differs in terms of texture, flavor, and marbling. The best flavor and tenderness come from marbling that is equally spread throughout the meat, so check for this when choosing a steak.
Let the Steak Reach Room Temperature
It’s important to allow your steak to remain at room temperature for about at least 30 minutes before cooking it. As a result, the steak cooks more evenly and avoids getting overdone on the exterior and raw on the interior. The outside of the steak can quickly cook, generating a crust, while the interior stays cool when you remove a cold steak straight from the refrigerator and set it on a hot pan or grill. This may cause a steak to be under-cooked while being overcooked outside. The muscle fibers are also constricted when the steak is cold, which can make the flesh tough and chewy.
Preheat Your Grill or Pan
It’s just essential to pre-heat your grill or pan before cooking your steak for the finest flavor and sear. You can be sure that your grill or pan is at the ideal temperature to effectively sear and cook the steak by preheating it. The steak will start to sear and brown as soon as it is placed on a hot surface, helping to seal in the fluids and form a tasty crust. Also, by properly distributing the heat throughout the surface of the grill or pan during preheating, you may help guarantee that the steak cooks through. Set the grill to medium-high heat before using it. If you’re using a pan, preheat it briefly over high heat before lowering the temperature to high.
Season Your Steak
A well-seasoned steak can transform a good steak into a superb steak, and it’s an easy method to give the meat’s flavor more depth and complexity. Even if a steak is grilled to perfection, it may taste dull and unappealing if it is not properly seasoned. Season your steak liberally with salt and pepper to improve its flavor. Moreover, you can add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like rosemary and thyme. Make sure to equally coat both sides of the steak with the spice as you rub it on.
Sear the Steak
The steak is given a tasty crust by searing it, which seals in the liquids and improves the flavor in general. It’s crucial to pre-heat your grill or pan to a high temperature before searing your steak. You should also let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the liquids to redistribute throughout the flesh. To prevent burning the oil and imparting an unpleasant flavor, it’s also crucial to use cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil. Overall, searing is a fantastic method for giving your steak more depth and flavor, and when done correctly, it can produce a delectable dish that is cooked to perfection. Place your steak on the heated grill or pan and cook it for two to three minutes on each side, or until a crust has developed.
Use a Meat Thermometer
You can cook a steak to the desired degree of doneness by using a meat thermometer to get an accurate reading of the interior temperature of the meat. This helps prevent the steak from being overcooked or undercooked, which can lead to a less-than-delicious supper. Use a meat thermometer to check that your steak is cooked to the appropriate level of doneness. Avoid touching the bone or fat while inserting the thermometer into the thickest section of the meat. 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well-done are the recommended interior temperatures.
Rest Your Steak
It’s critical to allow your steak to rest after cooking before slicing. This makes the meat more soft and delicious by redistributing the liquids throughout. Put your steak on a chopping board to rest after removing it from the heat source. Let it rest for at least five minutes, or longer for larger steaks, inside a tent made of aluminum foil to keep it warm. A basic guideline is to let the steak rest for roughly 1 minute every 1/2 inch of thickness, while the precise resting time varies on the steak’s thickness. Slice the steak against the grain and serve it after it has rested. Overall, resting your steak is a straightforward method that significantly enhances its texture and flavor.
