Name: Cook Delicious Beef Steak Like a Pro
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 1 inch thick beef steaks; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 2 sprigs fresh thyme

If you’re a fan of beef steak and want to learn how to cook it like a professional, you’ve come to the right place! Cooking a mouth-watering, juicy steak may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow a few key tips and tricks. From selecting the right cut of meat to seasoning and cooking to perfection, we’ve got all the insider information you need to make the perfect beef steak. So, put on your apron, fire up the grill, and let’s get started!

Cook Delicious Beef Steak Like a Pro | Eat Urban Garden — Cook Delicious Beef Steak Like a Pro

What Type of Steak Should You Use?

Choosing the right type of steak is crucial when it comes to cooking delicious beef steak like a pro. The texture and taste of the beef steak depends on the quality and cut of meat used in the recipe. Here are some factors to consider while choosing the right steak for making delicious beef steak:

The cut of meat: Choose a cut that is the best for your recipe. For example, if you prefer tender steak, go for cuts like filet mignon or ribeye.
The grade of meat: Grades ranging from prime, choice, and select are given to steak by the USDA. Always choose a steak grade that offers good marbling and high fat content, this would give a rich, juicy and well-textured steak.
The color and texture: Always go for a bright red color, and look for steak that has marbling which adds extra flavor and tenderness to the meat. Additionally, you want to make sure the meat is firm to the touch, and that it has a tight texture that is slightly tacky to the touch.

Popular steak cuts to use

Some popular steak cuts to use for making delicious beef steak are:

Ribeye: This steak is known for its rich fat marbling which gives it a buttery flavor and tender texture.
Sirloin: This cut is leaner than other cuts but still adds a tremendous amount of flavor making it an excellent choice for steak.
T-Bone: This cut comes with a t-shaped bone with meat on each side, it is great for a larger appetite and has two different textures. The larger side is open-grain and flavor-rich, while the smaller side is a leaner filet mignon.

What Seasonings Should You Use?

While beef steak is delicious on its own, adding the right seasonings can take it to the next level. Below are some options to consider:

Salt and Pepper

A classic combination that always works well with beef steak. Use freshly ground black pepper and sea salt to add depth of flavor.

Herbs

Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano can give your steak a fragrant aroma and add extra flavor without overpowering the meat.

Rosemary: An intense flavor that pairs well with beef.
Thyme: A lighter flavor that complements the steak’s natural juices.
Oregano: Perfect for Mediterranean-style dishes. It adds a hint of bitterness that balances well with the beef’s richness.

Garlic

The strong and distinctive flavor of garlic can make a significant difference in the taste of your steak. Use crushed garlic cloves or garlic powder to infuse the meat with flavor.

Spices

If you want to add a punch of flavor to your steak, consider using spices such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder.

Cumin: A savory and smoky spice that adds an earthy flavor to the steak.
Paprika: A sweet and mild spice that enhances the steak’s natural flavor without being overpowering.
Chili Powder: A bold and spicy flavor that gives your steak a kick.

How Should You Prepare the Steak?

To achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful beef steak, it is crucial to prepare it correctly. There are several methods that you can use to prepare your steak, depending on what type of steak you are cooking and your personal preference.

Marinade

A marinade is a liquid that you soak your steak in before cooking it. This allows the steak to absorb the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. To make a marinade, you can use various ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, citrus juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. You should let the steak marinate in the mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.

Dry Rub

A dry rub is a mixture of spices and herbs that you apply to the steak’s surface before cooking it. It adds flavor and forms a crust around the steak, which helps to seal in the juices and keep the meat tender. You can use a store-bought dry rub or make your own by mixing salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and other seasonings. You should apply the mixture generously and massage it into the steak to ensure that it coats all sides evenly.

Tenderize

If you have a tough cut of steak, you can use a tenderizing method to break down the muscle fibers and make it more tender. One of the most common methods is to use a meat mallet or a tenderizing tool to pound the steak. You should also use a marinade that contains acidic ingredients such as vinegar or lemon juice, which can help to break down the fibers. Another method is to use a natural tenderizer such as papaya or pineapple juice, which contains enzymes that can soften the meat.

What is the Best Cooking Method?

Beef steak is a versatile and delicious dish that can be cooked in various ways. The cooking method used can vary based on personal preference and the desired doneness of the steak. Let’s explore the different cooking methods:

Grilling

Grilling is one of the most popular cooking methods for beef steak. Preheat the grill to high and brush the steak with oil. Put the steak on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Be sure to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it to retain the juices.

Broiling

Broiling is another great option for cooking steak. Preheat the broiler and place the steak on the broiler pan. Broil for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remember to keep an eye on the steak to prevent burning.

Pan-Searing

Pan-searing is a great cooking method if you don’t have access to a grill or broiler. Heat a cast-iron skillet on high heat and add oil to the pan. Put the steak in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Make sure to allow the steak to rest before slicing.

Sous Vide

Sous Vide is a relatively new cooking method that is gaining popularity among food enthusiasts. Place the seasoned steak in a vacuum-sealed packet and cook it in a water bath at the desired temperature. Finish by searing in a pan for added flavor and texture.

How Can You Ensure the Steak is Cooked Perfectly?

Beef steak is a popular dish for meat lovers around the world. A juicy and perfectly cooked steak can be a treat to your taste buds. The key to a perfectly cooked steak is in determining the right temperature and cook time. There are many different methods you can use to determine when your steak is cooked perfectly, including the use of a meat thermometer or the touch test method.

Using a Meat Thermometer

One of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure that your steak is cooked perfectly is by using a meat thermometer. A meat thermometer allows you to measure the internal temperature of the steak, ensuring that it is cooked to the desired level of doneness.

To use a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the steak, making sure that the tip of the thermometer is in the center of the steak. Be sure to avoid touching any bones or the pan, as this can give you an inaccurate reading. Once you have inserted the thermometer, wait a few seconds for the temperature to stabilize, and then read the temperature on the thermometer’s display.

The Touch Test Method

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also use the touch test method to determine when your steak is cooked perfectly. This method involves feeling the steak with your fingertips to judge the level of doneness.

To use the touch test method, first, make a loose fist with one of your hands. With the other hand, press down on the fleshy part of your palm beneath your thumb. This is what a rare steak should feel like when you press on it.

Now, touch the steak with your finger and compare the feel of the steak to the fleshy part of your palm. If the steak feels similar to the fleshy part of your palm, it is rare. If it feels more like the area between your thumb and forefinger, it is medium-rare. If it feels more like the area between your forefinger and middle finger, it is medium. If it feels more like the area between your middle finger and ring finger, it is medium-well. Finally, if it feels more like the area between your ring finger and little finger, it is well-done.

Keep in mind that the touch test method is not as accurate as using a meat thermometer, so practice is necessary to get it right.

What Are Some Tips for Serving the Perfect Steak?

Serving a perfect steak is not an easy task, it involves taking care of every detail to ensure it is mouthwatering, juicy, and tender. Here are some tips on how to serve the perfect steak:

Resting Time

Resting time is critical to make a perfect steak, allowing it to cool down after cooking distributes the juices evenly throughout the meat, giving it a more tender taste. As a rule of thumb, leave the steak for five minutes after cooking before you start serving it.

Understand The Types of Steak Cuts

Understanding the different cuts of steak can help you know how to cook the meat the right way, and the best way to approach seasoning it. The common cuts of steak include sirloin, ribeye, filet mignon, T-bone, and New York strip, among others.

Slicing Technique

A technique that can make a difference in serving a perfect steak is the slicing technique. Make sure you slice the steak before you serve it; it ensures that the steak is cut against the grain, which helps in breaking down the muscle fibers to create a more chewable taste.

Choosing The Right Plate

Choosing the right plate can influence the overall presentation of the steak. A large plate can make a small steak look unattractive, while a small plate can feel tight and overcrowded. Choose a plate that matches the size of the steak, and use one with slightly raised edges to hold any juices that may spill out of the steak.

Serve Hot

Hot food tastes better and so does steak. Serve the steak as soon as possible to maintain the temperature, and avoid topping it with cold garnishes, which can lower its temperature. A good way to ensure it’s hot is by warming plates under hot water before serving.

Use A Thermometer

A thermometer can help you determine the doneness of the steak. A rare steak should have an internal temperature of 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, while a medium steak should be between 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and well-done steaks should have an internal temperature between 160 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thanks for reading!

We hope this article has been helpful in assisting you with cooking the perfect beef steak. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep on trying until you get it just right. If you have any further questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We appreciate your support and hope to see you again soon!