Tips

“The Ultimate Guide to Cooking the Perfect Steak: First Things First”

When cooking steak, it's best to take the meat out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the steak to cook more evenly, resulting in a beautiful, brown crust and a juicy, tender center - the key to a delicious and nutritious steak.

Administrator

10 July, 2024

To cook a juicier and more flavorful steak, there are a few things to keep in mind. Let’s explore some essential tips for cooking the perfect steak!

1The First Important Thing to Do When Cooking Steak

When cooking steak, the first thing to do is to take the meat out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the surface of the meat to soften while keeping the center cold and firm.

Defrost the meat

By doing so, the surface of the meat will develop a beautiful brown color, while the inside remains perfectly cooked and tender.

Additionally, taking the meat out of the fridge 30 minutes in advance gives you enough time to prepare the side dishes and preheat the pan.

The steak will have a nicer brown color

For further reference:

2Some Things to Keep in Mind When Making Steak

Do not leave the meat at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Over time, the meat will lose its freshness and moisture (especially if you’ve marinated it with salt), and when cooked, the surface will not achieve the desired brown color.

It is recommended to pat the surface of the meat dry before cooking. This ensures that the surface is dry, resulting in a tastier steak.

Blot the meat with a paper towel

Generously season the meat with salt and pepper on all sides to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, and give it about 30 minutes to marinate.

Season the meat with salt

After taking the meat out of the fridge, place it on a cooling rack to allow air to circulate around the meat, ensuring even cooling. If you don’t have a rack, simply turn the meat over to expose both sides to the air.

Use this tip to make your steak even more delicious. Have you tried this trick with your steak? Let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment below!

Frequently asked questions

While personal preference always plays a role in choosing the best steak cut, there are a few that are particularly well-suited for grilling. These include Ribeye, Striploin, Tenderloin, and T-Bone steaks. Each offers a unique combination of flavor, tenderness, and marbling that makes it ideal for the grill.

When selecting a steak, look for a cut with a nice, even marbling of fat throughout the meat. This marbling adds flavor and juiciness to the steak. Also, consider the thickness; a thicker steak is often better as it provides a greater range of doneness levels and helps prevent overcooking.

Yes, it is recommended to take your steak out of the fridge about 20 minutes before cooking and let it come up to room temperature. This helps the steak cook more evenly, ensuring a juicy and delicious result.

Keep it simple! A good quality steak needs little more than salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides just before cooking.

There are several methods you can use, each with its own advantages. Grilling is a classic choice, offering a smoky flavor and those distinctive grill marks. Pan-searing is another popular option, especially if you want to create a delicious crust on your steak. Broiling and sous vide are also effective methods for cooking steaks perfectly.

For a 1-inch thick steak, cook it for 4-5 minutes per side for a medium-rare doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.