How to Cook Steak

Steak is a savoury cut of meat that may be cooked in a variety of ways. There are several cuts of steak which include: filet mignon, rib eye steak, chuck steak, cube steak, sirilion steak, T-bone steak, strip steak, round steak and many more. The cut of steak will be the deciding factor in establishing the length of time required to cook the steak and the method of preparation used. Steak is a wonderful accompaniment to any meal and can be appreciated in many ways.

Choosing the perfect cut of steak for cooking

When picking the cut of steak that will be used it is best to know how the cut of the steak will affect cooking time and the ideal method you should use to cook it. Choosing a leaner cut is one of the best possible ways to reduce cooking time and improve the likelihood that the steak will be tender once cooked.

To prepare the steak for cooking you should do all of the following

• Thaw the steak if it is frozen. Put it in a pan at room temperature and allow it to thaw for a few hours. Alternatively, you may also defrost the steak in a microwave if you desire to speed up the thawing time.
• You should trim any excess fatty areas from the steak.
• If you need to cut the steak into smaller pieces cut it against the grain to maintain and enhance tenderness.
• When the steak has thawed you can marinate it to increase tenderness. Allow it to stand with marinade for at least a hour or more.
• After it has marinated use your favourite seasonings for example salt, pepper, garlic, onion or any others to add more flavour to your cut of steak.

Cooking the steak

The steak can be cooked in an oven, on a grill or in a frying pan.

Baking the steak

• Preheat the oven to any temperature between 300-320 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Before baking the steak preheat a frying pan and add the steak to the heated pan to sear it on both sides. This will improve tenderness.
• Put the steak that has been seared in a greased baking pan, cover and put it in the oven.
• Use a cooking thermometer to measure how much the steak has cooked or use a fork to test it. It should typically be cooked for at least three hours for optimum results.
• When it is thoroughly cooked remove it from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature.
• When serving the meat cut across the grain to encourage tenderness.

Frying the steak

• Before you begin to fry the steak preheat the pot on a stove.
• Add a bit of oil to the pot and allow the oil to be heated.
• Once the oil has reached the desired temperature. Add the pre-prepared steak to the frying pan.
• Brown it on one side and then use an egg lifter or tongs to turn it over on the other side. Do not use a fork as this will bore the steak while it is being cooked.
• Once it is browned on both sides and cooked to the prefered level (rare, medium rare, and so on) remove it from the fire and allow it to sit for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.

Grilling the Steak

• Preheat the grill and ready it for use.
• Once the grill is adequately heated place the cut of steak on the grill.
• Brown it on one side and then turn it to cook on the other side.
• Once it has been cooked in the desired manner you may take it from the grill and place it in a serving dish and allow it to cool for ten minutes before serving.