Nothing beats a perfectly cooked steak. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy ribeye or a flavorful sirloin, achieving the perfect steak at home is possible. In this blog post, we’ll go over tips and techniques to help you elevate your steak game and impress your family and friends.
Choosing the Right Cut
Here are some popular options:
- Ribeye: Known for its marbling and rich flavor
- Filet Mignon: Tender and lean with a buttery texture
- New York Strip: A balance of tenderness and flavor
- Porterhouse/T-Bone: Combines the best of both worlds with a section of tenderloin and strip steak
When picking out your steak, look for good marbling (the white streaks of fat within the meat) as this will ensure juiciness and flavor.
Preparing Your Steak
Preparation is key to cooking the perfect steak.
- Take your steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking and bring to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
- Season both sides generously with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. For an extra layer of flavor, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite steak seasoning.
Cooking Method
Pan-searing and grilling are two popular methods for cooking steak, each offering unique flavors and textures.
Pan-Searing:
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet, such as cast iron. Heat it over high heat until it’s smoking hot.
- Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable oil or canola oil. Add a tablespoon to the hot pan.
- Place the steak in the pan and don’t move it for at least 2-3 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
- For extra flavor, add a couple of tablespoons of butter, crushed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme or rosemary to the pan. Tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium Rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium Well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well Done: 160°F (71°C)
- Let the steak rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Grilling:
- Turn your grill heat to high. For charcoal grills, you want the coals to be white-hot.
- Use tongs to rub a paper towel dipped in oil over the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the steak on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
- Use the same temperature guidelines as for pan-searing.
- Let the steak rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving Your Steak
After resting, slice your steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For an added touch, top your steak with a pat of compound butter (butter mixed with herbs and garlic).
Cooking the perfect steak is an art that gets better with practice. Follow these guidelines, and you'll be serving restaurant-quality steaks in the comfort of your own home in no time.
Stop by your local Doris to grab USDA Prime and Sterling Silver premium choice beef today.
