Are you ready to indulge in a perfectly cooked steak that is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of preparing a mouthwatering steak that will impress even the most discerning palates.
What do you need?
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients and tools you’ll need for the perfect steak:
- Steak: Start with a good quality, thick ribeye or sirloin steak. Look for a cut that has some fat running through it, as it adds flavor and juiciness to the steak.
- High smoke point oil: Use a high smoke point oil like sunflower oil for cooking the steak.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season your steak generously for maximum flavor.
- Butter: A little butter can elevate the taste and richness of the steak.
- Garlic and fresh herbs: For those who enjoy extra flavor, a few cloves of garlic, and some fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs are the perfect addition.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Steak
To ensure that your steak turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
Type of pan:
Use a heavy-based frying pan or a griddle pan, preferably cast iron. These pans distribute heat evenly and retain heat well, resulting in even cooking.
Crowding the pan:
Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking steaks. Cook no more than 2 steaks at a time to prevent the heat from reducing. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing, resulting in a lack of flavor and char.
Oil the steak:
Instead of oiling the pan, oil the steak directly. This ensures an even coating and allows the oil to heat up instantly. Use a flavorless oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil.
Season well:
Generously season your steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The pepper will not become bitter if it is freshly ground and a little coarse. This adds a delightful flavor that cooks into the steak during frying.
Steak thickness:
Look for steaks that are around 2cm-2.5cm thick. Thicker steaks require adjustments to cooking times and may result in overcooked exteriors and undercooked centers.
Room temperature:
Allow your steak to come to room temperature before cooking. Cooking a cold steak can lead to uneven cooking and a less enjoyable eating experience.
Steak selection:
Opt for ribeye or sirloin steak, as they have thin veins of fat running through them. This fat renders down during cooking, resulting in a tender and juicy steak. Avoid steaks with large veins of gristle. Embrace the strip of fat on the outside for extra flavor during cooking.
Even cooking:
Instead of cooking one side until perfectly browned, flip the steak every minute. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful char on both sides.
Rest the steak:
After cooking, let your 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 wooden board.
Cooking times
Now, let’s take a look at the cooking times for a 2cm-2.5cm thick ribeye or sirloin steak:
- Rare: 3 minutes total (turning the steak every minute)
- 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 that are left from resting the steak can be added to your steak sauce for an added burst of flavor.
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Ekilove is your go-to source for delicious recipes and helpful cooking tips. With their expertise, you’ll be able to cook a perfect steak that will leave everyone craving for more.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite steak, follow these tips, and get ready to savor the most mouthwatering steak of your life! Happy cooking!
