Top 5 Tips on How to Cook a Steak
Whenever a topic of red meat arises, a juicy steak is what comes in to mind right away.
Steaks are enjoyed by many people due to its diverse flavors that are offered in many different dishes.
It could be served in a simple outdoor barbeque, in a luxurious high-end diner and anywhere else in between.
But there’s a different flavor to it when you cook your own steak. You may be reluctant at first and not sure of how to cook a steak and that’s why we at Catering Plus are sharing with you one of the top 5 tips on how to cook a delicious steak.
First thing you need to do is let the steak rest on the counter for at least 30 minutes.
Placing a cold steak on a grill or on a pan makes it difficult for the heat to reach the center.
It also prevents it from cooking evenly.
After you’re done cooking it, it’s as important to let it rest for about 5 – 10 minutes as well.
This is to ensure that all the juices redistribute and the fibers relax.
This is what makes the meat more “tender”, which is what most people love about red meat.
2. Season well
Of course, the most important thing a good steak needs is good seasoning.
If you don’t want to go heavy with seasoning or spices, the least you can do is give it a good rub down with salt and cracked black pepper.
The amount of salt is a personal preference but it is important to note that it is the most important ingredient to add to a steak.
Do this before letting the steak rest to ensure that the seasoning is working its way deep into the meat.
If you’re feeling more flavorful, then you can start experimenting with bolder spices to add more flavor to your steak.
Cumin, smoked paprika, sumac, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and cinnamon are just a few of the spices you could add to your steak to add a deep flavor.
3. Sear hot
Whether you are grilling your steaks or searing them, always start with high heat.
A hot cooking surface is extremely important to caramelize the outside of the steak and lock in the juices and flavor.
This is how you get a steak that’s crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.
That’s the texture you would expect from a steak-house quality steak.
4. Use a meat thermometer
The internal temperature or the “doneness” of a steak is crucial to cooking the perfect steak.
People have different methods of measuring that, but the most accurate one, without a doubt is using a meat thermometer.
If you’re concerned about overcooking your steak or not cooking it long enough, a meat thermometer will work wonders in your favor.
Once you think you’ve reached the right temperature, press the probe into the center of your steak.
Keep in mind that the temperature of the steak will continue to rise about 5 – 8°C degrees even after you’ve removed it from the heat.
So it’s a good idea to remove the steaks from the heat before it hits the mark by 5 – 8°C.
Make sure you press the probe into the thickest part of the steak to get the most accurate reading.
Be careful not to overcook your steak though.
Because all of the nutrients and the flavors in a steak dissipate the longer you cook it.
Also, note that cooking times are determined by the thickness of your steak as well as the temperature of the heat source.
Below is a handy internal temperature guide:
- Rare: 50°C
- Medium rare: 55°C
- Medium: 60°C
- Medium well: 65°C
- Well done: 70°C and above
5. Add toppings
Finally, you want to add some toppings to your steak to amplify its flavor.
The simplest and most important topping you can add to a steak is a slab of butter.
The butter melts over the steak and mingles with the meat juices creating its own luxurious sauce.
However, if you feel like you want to mix things up, sautéed mushrooms, fresh pesto, tabbouleh, and various vegetable always create a lovely complement to a steak’s meaty essence.
With these top 5 tips on how to cook the best steak, rest assured you’ll impress your friends, family and yourself as well!