The Perfect Guide to Making Delicious Steak on the Stovetop

Steak is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are entertaining guests or just cooking for yourself, there is nothing quite like a perfectly cooked steak. One of the easiest and most reliable ways to cook steak is on the stovetop. With a few simple tricks and tips, you can make a tender, juicy, and flavorful steak right in your own kitchen.

To make steak on the stovetop, you will need a few key tools: a cast-iron skillet, tongs, and an instant-read thermometer. Using a cast-iron skillet is important because it retains heat well, allowing you to cook the steak evenly and achieve that delicious crust on the outside. Tongs will help you maneuver the steak around the pan without piercing it, which can cause the juices to escape. Finally, an instant-read thermometer will ensure that your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. With these tools in hand, you are ready to start cooking your perfect steak on the stovetop.

Ten Steps to Make the Perfect Steak on the Stovetop

Now that you know the essentials of making steak on the stovetop, it’s time to get down to business. In this section, we’ve broken down the ten steps to make the perfect steak on the stovetop so that you can create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress.

1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat

The first step in making the perfect steak is selecting the right cut of meat. When it comes to stovetop cooking, it’s best to choose a steak that is not too thick, as it can be difficult to cook through. Ribeye and sirloin are excellent choices for stovetop cooking.

2. Take the Meat Out of the Fridge

To ensure that your steak cooks evenly, take it out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for at least an hour before cooking.

3. Season the Meat

Before cooking your steak, season it generously with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices that you prefer. This will help to create a flavorful crust on the meat.

4. Preheat Your Skillet

To ensure that your steak cooks evenly and quickly, preheat your skillet over high heat. A cast-iron skillet is the best option, as it will retain heat well.

5. Add Oil to the Skillet

Once your skillet is hot, add a small amount of oil to the pan. This will help to prevent the steak from sticking to the skillet.

6. Add the Meat to the Skillet

Place the seasoned steak in the skillet, making sure that it makes good contact with the skillet. Do not move the steak around once it has been placed on the skillet, as this can prevent the formation of a crust.

7. Flip the Steak

After about 2-3 minutes, flip the steak over using tongs. Cook the steak on the other side for another 2-3 minutes.

8. Add Butter and Garlic to the Skillet

Once the steak has been flipped, add a knob of butter and some garlic to the skillet. Use a spoon to baste the steak with the butter and garlic, which will add flavor and moisture to the meat.

9. Check the Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F.

10. Rest the Meat

Once the steak has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the skillet and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

With these ten steps, you can make a delicious steak on the stovetop that is sure to impress your family and friends. With practice, you’ll be able to master the art of stovetop steak cooking and create gourmet meals in your own kitchen.

10 Steps to Making Perfect Steak on the Stovetop

Cooking steak on the stovetop is a classic way of preparing this timeless dish. When you follow the right steps, you can achieve restaurant-quality steaks right in the comfort of your home. Here are ten key steps to help you prepare the perfect steak on the stovetop:

1. Choose the Right Meat Cut

Choosing the right meat cut is crucial when it comes to preparing steak. You will want to pick a cut that is tender and marbled with fat. Ribeye, T-bone, and sirloin are popular choices for stovetop cooking. Consider purchasing a thicker cut of steak to ensure it cooks evenly.

2. Let the Steak Come to Room Temperature

Before cooking, leave the steak to rest outside the fridge for 30 minutes to one hour. This will ensure that the steak is at room temperature, allowing it to cook properly and evenly.

3. Pat the Steak Dry

Use paper towels to pat the steak dry. This will help with searing and ensure that the steak is not steamed.

4. Season Liberally

Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add your preferred seasoning blend to enhance the steak’s flavor.

5. Preheat Your Pan

Using a cast-iron pan, preheat it until it is very hot. This will ensure that the steak sears properly, forming a crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

6. Add Oil and Butter

Once your pan is heated, add oil and butter. This will help to prevent sticking and provide flavor to the steak.

7. Sear the Steak

Place the seasoned steak into the hot pan, using tongs to avoid burning yourself. Let the steak sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, flip the steak, and repeat the process for the other side.

8. Finish Cooking in the Oven

Once both sides of the steak are seared, transfer the pan to a preheated 400°F (205°C) oven to finish cooking the steak to your desired internal temperature.

9. Rest the Steak

After cooking, let the steak rest for five minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the steak and make it more tender and flavorful.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Once the steak has rested, cut it against the grain and serve. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy your delicious, perfectly cooked stovetop steak!

Choosing the Right Steak and Seasoning

Before you start cooking, it’s important to choose the right cut of steak and season it properly. Here are some tips:

Choose the Right Cut of Steak

The best cuts of steak for stovetop cooking are those that are tender and have a lot of marbling, such as ribeye, filet mignon, and sirloin. Look for steaks that are at least 1 inch thick so they cook evenly. Leaner cuts like flank steak or round will be tough and not as flavorful.

Season the Steak

Seasoning is important to enhance the flavor of the steak. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can use your favorite rub or marinade. Just be sure to season the steak generously on both sides before cooking.

Here’s a simple seasoning blend you can make at home:

Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl and then rub it onto the steak.

Let the Steak Come to Room Temperature

Letting the steak come to room temperature before cooking will help ensure even cooking. Take the steak out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook it.

Preheat Your Pan

Preheat your stovetop pan over medium-high heat for a few minutes before adding the steak. A cast iron skillet is a great choice because it retains heat well and creates a nice sear on the steak.

Get Cooking!

Now that you’ve chosen your steak, seasoned it properly, and preheated your pan, it’s time to start cooking! Check out our next section on how to cook the steak to your desired doneness.

Enjoy your delicious steak!

Now that you know how to make steak on the stovetop, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your friends and family with a mouthwatering meal. Thanks for reading and we hope you come back for more delicious recipes and cooking tips in the future. Happy cooking!