There is nothing like a good steak! The thought itself can make your mouth water. Preparing a perfect one is not as difficult as it might seem but it does require your full attention. In this cooking process, where a couple of minutes make a huge difference when it comes to the end product, timing is the key.
So, if you’re ready to master the skill of cooking a perfect streak, these are the most important things you need to take into consideration.
Choosing the Right Type of Meat
The type of meat you use for steak will be determined by your own personal taste and budget. Some of them are more tender than the others and there is also a significant difference in flavor as well. Also, depending on the chosen piece, preparation techniques will vary. When faced with this decision, these are some of the things you need to be aware of.
The most expensive and also the most tender of them all is the fillet. It has very little fat and you can serve it as rare as you like. Sirloin is in the same category in terms of quality, but it’s richer in flavor and perfect for those who prefer medium-rare steaks.
On the cheaper side are bavette and flank steaks, that are great for barbecuing, but make sure you don’t serve them overdone. The least expensive is rump and just like with the previous two, if you cook it beyond medium, it will be tough and dry. T-bone is a large piece and as such, great for sharing. Given the fact that it has to be evenly cooked on all sides, it would be best to finish it in the oven. Those who prefer their beef rare might enjoy onglet or hanger steak.
What’s The Right Pan for Steak?
Although grilling a steak can be very rewarding, frying is still the best option. To achieve the prime results, you need the appropriate pan. The best option would be a heavy-duty, thick-based pan, but you would not make a mistake if you go for a cast iron skillet as well. They are good for this type of cooking because they get really hot and retain the heat, making it possible for meat to have that smoky flavor.
Also, steaks need a room. Make sure you don’t squeeze too many of them in one pan. If you don’t have the kitchen equipment big enough for all the meat you want to prepare, you will have to cook them one at a time.
Another possible option is using Instant Pot. This piece of kitchen equipment has become really popular in recent years due to the fact that it’s extremely practical and time-efficient. Preparing steak with an electric pressure cooker will make things much easier, that’s for sure. As experts from CorrieCooks.com say, you will get the meat that melts in your mouth. You simply have to adjust the temperature and time based on its size. For a well-done dish, you will probably need 15 minutes at the most. On the other hand, for rare meat, all you have to do is choose the sauté function.
What About the Seasoning?
Those who prefer the true taste of beef will tell you that a pinch of salt and a bit of pepper is everything you need. Although there is a belief that salting the meat before frying will make it dry, the truth is completely different. If you season the beef 1 hour before cooking, you will allow it to absorb the salt and distribute the flavor evenly.
On the other hand, some people like to marinate their steaks. By doing this, you can make it more tender and enhance its flavor. Balsamic vinegar and coating made of mustard and honey can do wonders. If you’d like to add an oriental note to your food, teriyaki or miso marinade would be a good choice. Adding whole garlic cloves and herbs like rosemary to the pan will make your dish taste exquisite.
Cooking Time
The time you spend preparing the stake depends on how you like it as well as on the type of meat chosen. There are 5 stages of steak – blue, rare, medium-rare, medium, and well-done. Based on your own personal preferences, you will have to fry it between 1 minute for blue and 4-5 minutes for well-done on each side.
Preparing a perfect steak is not a time-consuming task, but it requires a certain amount of knowledge and technique. Also, it’s important for meat to reabsorb the running juices after cooking, so don’t forget to let it rest for 5 minutes at least.
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