How to Cook Steak
Many people enjoy a fine steak dinner, although it can be a challenge for many people to cook the perfect steak. You don’t have to be a five-star chef or a culinary maverick to cook the perfect steak. Here are some tips for you to choose the right kind of steak, and cook it the right way.
Choosing the Right Steak
The perfect steak begins with the perfect cut of meat. Steaks is a cut of meat that is cut away against the grain. Most people associate steak with cuts of beef, although other meat sources like lamb, mutton, and **** can also be turned into steaks. Whether it’s a rib-eye, a T-bone, or a porterhouse steak, there are some things that you should look for to make your steak more appealing and appetizing:
Marbling, or the fatty sections of the steak, is what gives the meat its flavor when cooked. Look for meats with an even, white-to-yellowish marbling especially if you plan to grill or pan-fry steak.
Tenderness. If the muscle does not bear weight, the more tender it would be. Tender steaks are easier to cut, but less-tender steaks have a more intense flavor because of the load they bear. For steaks served on their own, choice cuts like sirloin and filet mignon are excellent. If you plan to use steak for cooking soups or stews, you can use cube steak or chuck steak.
Grain. Texture is just as important as flavor. Steaks with a visible grain are perfect for just about any cooking method.
Cooking Steak
Steaks can be used for any meat recipe, although many prime cuts can be rather expensive and shouldn’t be wasted on making dishes like soups or stews or casseroles. There are three popular ways to cook steak:
Grilling is the most popular way to cook steaks. The high heat of a grill sears the outside of the meat, sealing in the juices, and imparts a smoky flavor to the meat.
Roasting steaks usually involves using the broiler or roasting function of an oven. Roasting is particularly good for less-tender cuts of meat.
Pan-frying is a popular and quick way to cook steak. Searing a steak seals in the juices in preparation for roasting or grilling, but seared steaks are also terrific on their own.
When you choose to marinate steak, make sure that the flavor of the marinade does not overpower the delicate flavor of the meat. Often it’s better to cook the meat without marinades, but Worcestershire sauce or a dash of light soy sauce can bring out some of the best flavors of the steak.
Testing Steak
Cutting or piercing the steak at its thickest part is still the best way to determine if the meat is thoroughly cooked. Rare steaks still have a good amount of redness in the meat, while well-done steaks are completely cooked through. If you don’t want to cut through the meat, you can use your hand to compare the toughness of the meat. Here’s how to do it:
Rare: with your open palm, feel the flesh between your thumb and your index finger.
Medium rare: put your index finger and thumb together, and feel the same bit of flesh.
Medium: put your middle finger and thumb together, and feel the fleshy part of your palm.
Medium to well-done: put your ring finger and thumb together, and feel the flesh near your thumb.
Well-done: put your pinkie and thumb together and feel the fleshy part of your palm. Any tougher than that, and you’ll end up with an overcooked steak.
Steak may intimidate inexperienced cooks, but with these tips, you can have a magnificent, succulent, delicious steak without having to pay big money for one made by professional chefs at restaurants.