If you are a red meat lover, learning to cook the perfect steak is challenging. If you wonder how to cook steak that is crusty from the outside and juicy on the inside, you have reached the right place. You can always order a savory steak from the Texas Roadhouse menu and avoid the whole procedure, but knowing how to create one on your own is well worth the effort.
Every amateur cook will make some common mistakes while cooking a steak. If you wish to nail the best steak every time you cook, read on to understand how to avoid some cooking blunders.
Common Ways to Cook Steak
If you are searching “how to cook steak,” here are a few standard methods to cook a delicious beef steak.
- Grilling steak on a charcoal or gas stove with the proper seasoning
- Pan-frying it on a hot cast-iron pan. You can also add butter to make a butter beef steak.
- Reverse sear on a hot grill
- Sous vide steak
- After-burner method
- Steak tartare
- Broiling steaks in a microwave or oven
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Cooking Beef
Here are some simple errors you must avoid while cooking steak;
Underseasoning the Steak
A steak should not be thicker than 1.5 inches in size. As you can add salt, pepper, and spices only on the outer surface, you must add ample seasoning to get the right taste.
Underseasoning the steak may deprive it of the natural flavour, colour, and bold crust on the outside.
Cooking a Cold Steak
Before you start cooking beef, you must bring it to room temperature. Depending on the size and cut of beef, you must defrost the steak for at least one or two hours before you throw it on the grill or pan.
A cold steak will be unevenly cooked, or some parts may also get burnt. Cooking a steak straight out of the icebox can dry up the juices and render it tasteless.
Cooking it on Low Heat
If your pan or your grill is not hot enough, your beef will not be adequately cooked. Hence, it is essential to pre-heat the iron pan or grill for some time before you start cooking or barbequing the steak.
A charcoal grill requires enough fuel and space for airflow. Hence, it would be best to keep the vents open to get the maximum temperature to cook steak.
Using the Wrong Cut to Cook
There are different cuts of steak available in the market. Common types are T-Bone, sirloin, kabobs, strips, porterhouse, and wing rib – you can also find high quality boneless ribeye steaks at a great price both online and at a butchers.
Each cut can be cooked perfectly in a particular cooking style. For example, T-Bone should be cooked on a grill. Hence, it is essential to match the proper cut with the cooking style.
Cutting the Steak Immediately After Cooking
Although a freshly cooked piece of meat can be tempting for your tastebuds, cutting beef right after it is taken off the stove will make it dry. The juices will evaporate, and you will be unable to enjoy a tasty meal.
It is essential to cover the steak in foil and wait for the fibres to absorb the juices.
Conclusion
It is essential to cook steak on a clean grill or an iron pan. Debris or the cooking plate can spoil the taste of a juicy piece of meat.
Once you follow the above steps, you can cook the perfect steak and enjoy the best meal every time.