There are few things in life more satisfying than cooking the perfect steak. Whether you choose the fillet, sirloin, rib-eye or the rump, there are techniques to making sure that you’re getting the absolute most out of it. We’re going to take you through some of the experts’ top tips on cooking the perfect steak, so you can make sure you don’t waste that beautiful piece of meat.
Watch the Temperature – Even Before You Cook
While the temperature that you’re cooking your steak at is incredibly important, it’s just as important to watch the temperature before you even expose your steak to heat. Allowing your steak to come to room temperature before cooking can make the difference between a good and a great steak.
Jamie Oliver tells us why the process for a good steak starts before you even start cooking on Jamieoliver.com:
Size Matters
It has to be said, it’s difficult to cook a great steak that’s also on the thin side. When it comes to cooking the perfect steak, it’s better to go with a thicker cut of meat. You’ll also definitely notice this feature if you eat steak out at a restaurant – how often do they serve a nice, juicy, thin steak?
Forbes.com gives their advice on what they consider to be the best cut of steak:
“When it comes to cooking red meat, thicker is better. It is no coincidence that the world’s best steakhouses often feature cuts for two like big porterhouse or T-bones. Thickness is a main reason why filet mignon remains such a popular cut despite being one of the least flavorful pieces of meat. The perfect steak is seared outside and rare in the center, and that is just a lot easier to do with thicker steaks. By the time you get a perfect sear on both sides of a thin steak, it is often gray all the way through.”
Keep Your Tools Simple
When it comes to cooking the perfect steak, you truly don’t need more than the basics. There’s no need to shell out on a bunch of fancy, unnecessary tools, because you think it will help you cook a better steak – at the end of the day, it truly is all about the technique.
Top chef Brian Dunsmoor talks about why you should stick to the basics when it comes to your tools on Myrecipes.com:
“The beautiful thing about cooking steak is that you need so little to do it,” says Dunsmoor. “All you need is a grill (preferably wood or charcoal burning) or cast iron skillet, tongs, spoon (if cooking in a skillet) and a sharp knife.” A thick pan like a cast-iron skillet will ensure even heat distribution while you cook. You’ll also need a thermometer nearby throughout the process. “Keep a thermometer on hand,” says Shim. “It is a great practice to use them to check for the temperature of the steak.” Looking to eat that perfectly cooked steak at a restaurant instead? We’ve got you covered. We provide dozens of top restaurant menus and their prices all in one place, making it easy to plan ahead. Take a look at our selection here!
