Are you ready to elevate your steak-cooking skills? Look no further! In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a mouthwatering steak in a pan. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, these tips and techniques will help you achieve a perfectly cooked steak every time. So grab your favorite cut of steak and let’s get started!
What Do You Need?
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the necessary ingredients and equipment. For the best results, we recommend using a good quality thick ribeye or sirloin steak with some fat running through it. Don’t be afraid of the fat; it adds flavor and juiciness to the steak. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ribeye or sirloin steak (2-2.5cm thick)
- High smoke point oil (e.g., sunflower oil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Butter
- Optional: garlic, fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
Pro Tips for the Perfect Steak
Now that we have everything we need, let’s explore some pro tips that will take your steak to the next level:
Type of Pan
To ensure even cooking and a beautiful char, use a heavy-based frying pan such as cast iron or a griddle pan. These pans retain heat well, preventing the pan from becoming too cold when you add the steak. Cast iron pans also distribute heat evenly, eliminating the risk of uneven cooking.
Avoid Overcrowding
Cook no more than two steaks at a time to prevent overcrowding the pan. When the pan is overcrowded, the heat is reduced, and the liquid released by the steaks won’t evaporate quickly enough. This can result in boiled rather than fried steaks, which means less flavor and no beautiful char.
Oil the Steak, Not the Pan
Instead of oiling the pan, oil the steak itself for an even coating. Don’t worry about the oil not being hot when it touches the steak; the pan’s high heat will instantly heat up the oil. Use a flavorless oil with a high smoke point like sunflower oil.
Season Generously
Season the steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance its flavor. Some people fear that seasoning with pepper before cooking will make it bitter, but that’s not the case. Just make sure to use freshly ground black pepper that has a coarse texture. Avoid fine pepper powder, as it’s more likely to burn. The pepper’s flavor will infuse into the steak as it cooks, so don’t be afraid to use a bit more than you think.
Consider the Steak’s Thickness
Look for steaks that are approximately 2-2.5cm thick. Thicker steaks require adjustments to the cooking times and may result in overcooking the outside while the inside remains undercooked.
Don’t Cook the Steak Straight from the Fridge
Allow the steak to come to room temperature before cooking. Cooking a cold steak will result in uneven cooking, with a charred outside and a cold middle. Let the steak sit at room temperature for a while to ensure a perfectly cooked steak.
Choose the Right Cut
Ribeye and sirloin steaks are our top recommendations due to their tenderness and flavor. Look for steaks with thin veins of fat running through them. This fat will render down during cooking, resulting in a juicy and tender steak. Avoid steaks with large veins of gristle, as they can affect the steak’s texture. A lovely fat strip on the outside is perfectly fine and adds extra flavor during cooking. You don’t have to eat it, but it’s definitely tasty!
Ensure Even Cooking
Instead of cooking one side until it’s perfectly browned, flip the steak every minute. This technique promotes even cooking and a beautiful char on both sides.
Rest the Steak
After cooking, let the steak rest for at least as long as you cooked it. This allows the fibers to relax, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak. Rest the steak on a slightly warm plate or a wooden board.
Cooking Times
Here are the recommended cooking times for a 2-2.5cm thick ribeye or sirloin steak, with flipping every minute:
- Rare: 3 minutes total
- Medium Rare: 4 minutes total
- Medium Well: 5-6 minutes total
- Well done: 8 minutes total
Don’t forget to rest your steak! Any juices left from resting can be added to your steak sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
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Remember, cooking a steak to perfection takes practice, so don’t be discouraged if it’s not perfect the first time. With these tips and techniques, you’ll soon become a master of steak cooking in a pan!
For more cooking inspiration, visit Ekilove, your go-to source for delicious recipes.
