Steak is a classic dish that is enjoyed by meat lovers all over the world. But, whether you prefer it rare, medium, or well-done, cooking the perfect steak can be a challenge. In this article, we’ll explore five different cooking techniques you can use to create the perfect steak in your home. From pan-searing to broiling, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook a delicious steak that will impress you.
- Pan-Searing: This is the most common technique used to cook steak at home. To pan-sear, the perfect steak, start by taking it out of the refrigerator and letting it sit for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature. Salt and pepper both sides, and then heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until it is smoking hot. Add oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Place the steak into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned. Reduce heat to medium and continue for 3 minutes on each side until a center inserted thermometer reads 130°F for medium-rare. Remove steak from skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Cold Sear: This technique is ideal for those who want to cook their steak evenly from edge to edge. Season it in a skillet to cold sear your steak and place it in a cold oven. Set the range to 225°F (107°C) and cook the steak for 45 minutes. Remove the skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Sear steak for 3 minutes on each side until browned. Let stand for 5 minutes, to retain juices, before slicing and serving.
- Reverse Sear: This technique is perfect for creating a crispy crust on their steak. To reverse sear your steak, season it and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Preheat oven to 225°F (107°C) and bake the steak for 20-25 minutes, until a center inserted thermometer reads 115°F (46°C). Remove the steak from the oven and heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until it is hot but not smoking. Carefully add oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Place the steak into the pan and sear for 3 minutes on each side, until browned.Let stand for 5 minutes, to retain juices, before slicing and serving.
- Grilling: Grilling is a popular technique for cooking steak, especially during the summer months. To grill the perfect steak, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then preheat the grill to high heat. Grill steak for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Move the steak to a part of the grill thst his cooler and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until a center inserted thermometer reads 130°F for medium-rare. Remove steak from the grill and rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Broiling: Broiling is an excellent option for those who don’t have access to a grill. To broil the perfect steak, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then preheat the broiler to high heat. Place steak on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Broil steak for 4-5 minutes on each side, until browned. Remove steak from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Popular Side Dishes for Steak:
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
- Baked potato
- Caesar salad
Italian Sauces to Serve with Steak:
- Béarnaise sauce
- Red wine reduction
- Horseradish cream
- Chimichurri sauce
- Garlic butter
Wine Pairings for Steak:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Syrah/Shiraz
Whether you prefer your steak pan-seared, cold-seared, reverse-seared, grilled, or broiled, there’s a cooking technique that’s perfect for you. Experiment with different methods to find your favorite, and don’t forget to serve with your favorite side dishes, sauces, and wines to complete the perfect steak meal.