It also depends on the cut of beef. Top round tends to be tougher. I like to use sirloin or my favorite filet mignon. With the sirloin I like a thicker cut. I season with olive oil and garlic salt, crushed pepper. I use a grill pan with a little bit of olive oil in it. The pan super hot, I grill each side for about 3 minutes, after turning the steak I put a little bit of butter on top of it while the other side is cooking. Personally I enjoy my steak medium rare. You can also use a steak mallet. I almost forgot. It’s good to dry the steak prehand with a paper towel. This helps it brown nicely. If you like it well done, don’t over cook the steak. It will only dry out.