The Secret to Tender and Juicy Steak on the Stove

Steak is one of the most popular and delicious dishes that people around the world love to savor. Whether it’s grilled, baked, or fried, a succulent and juicy steak is a treat that everyone craves. But sometimes, it can be difficult to achieve the perfect texture and tenderness, especially when cooking steak on the stovetop. However, with a few simple techniques and tips, you can make steak tender on the stove every time.

First and foremost, selecting the right cut of steak is crucial to making it tender. Cuts of steak that are high in fat marbling, such as ribeye or porterhouse, are best for stovetop cooking as the fat helps to keep the meat moist and tender. Secondly, seasoning your steak well is essential. A generous sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides of the steak before cooking is a must, but you can also add other herbs and spices to give it extra flavor. With these basics in mind, let’s dive into some easy steps to making steak tender on the stove.

1. Choose the Right Cut of Steak

When it comes to cooking steak, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial. Look for cuts that are naturally tender, such as ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip steak. These cuts are well-marbled, meaning they have fat that runs through the meat, which helps to keep it tender and juicy.

If you’re unsure which cut to choose, ask your butcher for recommendations. They can give you advice based on your preferences and cooking method.

2. Remove the Meat from the Fridge

Before you start cooking, make sure your steak is at room temperature. Removing the meat from the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking allows it to come to room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly.

Cooking a cold steak can cause it to seize up, resulting in a tough, chewy texture.

3. Season Generously

Seasoning your steak makes a big difference in the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Generously season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper, or your favorite seasonings.

You can also add herbs and spices like garlic, rosemary, or cumin for a more flavorful result.

4. Heat the Pan

When cooking steak on the stove, it’s important to get the pan hot before adding the meat. Heat a large skillet over high heat for several minutes until it’s very hot.

You can also add a little oil to the pan to prevent the meat from sticking, but be careful not to use too much.

5. Sear the Steak

Once the pan is hot, add the steak to the pan. Sear it for 2-3 minutes on each side, until a crust forms.

Searing the meat helps to lock in the juices and creates a crispy exterior. Don’t move the steak around too much while cooking, as this can prevent it from getting a good sear.

6. Add Butter and Aromatics

After searing the steak, add a generous pat of butter to the pan, along with some aromatics like garlic or thyme. Baste the steak with the melted butter, using a spoon to help distribute the flavor evenly.

This step adds extra flavor and helps to keep the steak moist and tender.

7. Use a Meat Thermometer

To ensure your steak is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, the temperature should be around 130-135°F.

Don’t cut into the meat to check the doneness, as this can cause the juices to escape and result in a dry steak.

8. Let it Rest

Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender, juicy steak.

Cover the steak with foil to keep it warm while it rests.

9. Slice Against the Grain

When slicing the steak, be sure to cut against the grain. This means cutting across the muscle fibers, which makes the meat easier to chew and more tender.

You can also slice the steak into thinner pieces to make it more tender.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Finally, serve the steak and enjoy! Pair it with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.

Cooking a tender steak on the stove takes practice, but by following these steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and tender steak every time.

Top 10 Tips on How to Make Steak Tender on the Stove

Making the perfect steak can be a challenge, especially if you’re new to cooking or don’t have a lot of experience with it. But fear not, by following these top 10 tips, you’ll be able to make a tender and juicy steak right from your stovetop.

1. Choose the Right Cut of Steak

The first step in making a tender and delicious steak is to choose the right cut of meat. Look for cuts that are well-marbled with fat, such as ribeye, T-bone, or filet mignon, as this fat will help keep the meat moist and tender during cooking.

2. Remove the Steak from the Fridge

Before cooking your steak, take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and doesn’t end up tough and dry.

3. Season the Steak

Season the steak with salt and pepper, or your favorite steak seasoning. Be sure to season both sides of the steak liberally, as this will help create a flavorful crust on the outside of the meat.

4. Preheat the Pan

Preheat your pan over medium-high heat before adding the steak. A hot pan will help sear the outside of the steak and lock in the juices, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.

5. Add Oil or Butter to the Pan

Once the pan is hot, add oil or butter to the pan. This will help prevent the steak from sticking to the pan and will also add flavor to the meat.

6. Sear the Steak

Add the steak to the pan once the oil or butter is hot and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This will help create a brown crust on the outside of the steak and lock in the juices.

7. Don’t Overcook the Steak

Be sure not to overcook the steak, as this will make it tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak, and remove it from the pan once it reaches your desired doneness.

8. Let the Steak Rest

After cooking, let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into it. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat and make it tender and juicy.

9. Cut Against the Grain

When slicing the steak, be sure to cut against the grain. This will make the meat more tender and easier to chew.

10. Serve with Sauce or Butter

To add even more flavor to your steak, serve it with a sauce or compound butter. This can be anything from a classic béarnaise sauce to a simple garlic butter. Drizzle the sauce over the steak or place a dollop of butter on top of the meat while it rests.

By following these top 10 tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious and tender steak right from your stovetop. Now, impress your family and friends with your newfound steak-cooking skills!

5 Tips on How to Make the Steak Tender on Stove

Cooking a tender and succulent steak on the stove is all about the technique. To achieve the perfect tender steak, consider these five tips:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Steak

The first step to making your steak tender and succulent is choosing the right cut of meat. Not all cuts are created equal when it comes to steak. Some of the best cuts for stovetop cooking are ribeye, sirloin, and tenderloin cuts.

Ribeye is a popular choice among steak lovers because of its marbled texture. The fat that is marbled throughout the meat ensures that the steak remains moist and juicy during the cooking process. Sirloin is another popular choice because of its tenderness and rich flavor. Finally, tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of steak and is perfect for stovetop cooking since it requires minimal cooking time.

2. Remove the Steak from the Fridge

Before cooking your steak on the stove, make sure the steak is at room temperature. To do this, remove the steak from the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking. If the steak is cold when it’s placed on the stove, it will take longer to cook and may result in a dry and tough steak.

3. Season the Steak Properly

Seasoning the steak is an essential step that should not be overlooked. If you want to make your steak tender and full of flavor, make sure to season the steak properly with salt and pepper at least 30 minutes before cooking. Salting the steak 30 minutes before cooking will help to tenderize the meat and enhance the flavor.

You can also add other dry seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor of the steak. For a burst of freshness, you can also add some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.

4. Use the Right Cooking Temperature

The key to cooking a perfect steak on the stove is to use the right temperature. For medium-rare steak, cook the steak on medium-high heat. This will allow you to achieve a nice caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

If you prefer your steak cooked well-done, cook the steak on low heat. This will help to avoid overcooking the steak, which can result in a dry and tough steak.

5. Let the Steak Rest After Cooking

Once the steak is cooked to your desired temperature, remove the steak from the stove, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This is because once the steak is removed from the heat, the juices inside the meat will continue to cook and redistribute. By letting the steak rest, you’ll allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy steak that is full of flavor.

Time to Sizzle

Now that you have learned the tricks of the trade, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be disheartened if your first attempt doesn’t come out as you hoped; keep at it, and you’ll eventually achieve that perfect tender steak. Thank you for reading this quick guide on how to make steak tender on the stove. Be sure to visit us again soon for more tips and tricks on cooking delicious meals that will make your taste buds dance. Happy sizzling!