What To Know
- Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice at the stove, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the essential techniques and tips to grill an exceptional steak on your stovetop.
- To do this, place the steak in the pan and cook it for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is browned and has a nice crust.
- How do I cook a steak in a cast iron skillet.
Stove top cooking is an art form, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of steak. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice at the stove, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the essential techniques and tips to grill an exceptional steak on your stovetop.
Choosing the Right Steak
The first step to stove top steak success is selecting the perfect cut of meat. Look for steaks that are at least 1 inch thick and have a good amount of marbling (fat). This will ensure a juicy and flavorful steak. Some of the best cuts for stove top cooking include:
- Ribeye
- Strip steak
- Tenderloin
- Porterhouse
- T-bone
Seasoning Your Steak
Once you have your steak, it’s time to season it. The key to perfect seasoning is to use a combination of salt and pepper. For a 1-inch thick steak, use about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the steak.
Bringing it to Room Temperature
Before you cook your steak, it’s important to bring it to room temperature. This will help the steak cook evenly and prevent it from becoming tough. To do this, remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking.
Choosing the Right Pan
The type of pan you use can make a big difference in the outcome of your steak. For stove top cooking, a cast iron skillet is the best choice. Cast iron skillets retain heat well and can sear the steak perfectly.
Searing the Steak
Once your pan is hot, it’s time to sear the steak. To do this, place the steak in the pan and cook it for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is browned and has a nice crust.
Cooking the Steak to Your Desired Doneness
After you have seared the steak, it’s time to cook it to your desired doneness. The internal temperature of the steak will determine its doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Here are the recommended internal temperatures for different levels of doneness:
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium-rare: 130°F
- Medium: 135°F
- Medium-well: 140°F
- Well-done: 145°F
Resting the Steak
Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, it’s important to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak.
The Final Sizzle: Finishing Touches
To finish off your stove top steak, you can add a variety of toppings, such as:
- Butter
- Garlic
- Herbs
- Cheese
- Sauce
Information You Need to Know
How do I know when my steak is cooked to perfection?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. See the recommended temperatures above for different levels of doneness.
What is the best way to season a steak?
Use a combination of salt and pepper. For a 1-inch thick steak, use about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
How do I prevent my steak from sticking to the pan?
Make sure your pan is hot before adding the steak. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan.
What is the best way to rest a steak?
Place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak.
How do I cook a steak on a glass top stove?
Use a cast iron skillet or a grill pan. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the steak.
How do I cook a steak on an electric stove?
Use a cast iron skillet or a grill pan. Set the heat to medium-high and make sure the pan is hot before adding the steak.
How do I cook a steak in a stainless steel pan?
Make sure the pan is hot before adding the steak. Use a little bit of oil to prevent the steak from sticking.
How do I cook a steak in a non-stick pan?
Make sure the pan is hot before adding the steak. Use a little bit of oil to prevent the steak from sticking.
How do I cook a steak in a cast iron skillet?
Cast iron skillets are the best choice for stove top cooking. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the steak. Use a little bit of oil to prevent the steak from sticking.
How do I cook a steak on a grill pan?
Grill pans are a great way to get grill marks on your steak. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the steak. Use a little bit of oil to prevent the steak from sticking.
