Steak Tips - How to Cook a Tender Steak, Regardless of Cut

There is a certain brand of steak that is my absolute favorite in the world. I could quite honestly eat it every night of my life. But, it is expensive! Way too expensive to be purchased and eaten every night of my life. My husband and I have come up with a few cooking methods that improve the tenderness and flavor of a steak that is on the cheaper end of the spectrum. We cannot afford to be buying expensive steak all the time.

The first thing we make sure to do when buying less-than-ideal cuts of steak is to ensure the size of the steak is at least one inch thick. It is also a good idea to note the color of the steak when purchasing it. The more pale and colorless a cut of meat is, the less flavor and tenderness you are going to be able to pull from it.

Cook Steak

Another good trick is to season the steak well before marinating and cooking it. We generously season our completely defrosted steaks with salt, pepper and maybe an herb or two. On both sides. Then we put the steaks in the fridge and allow them to sit for at least one hour. It is good to allow the meat to have that one-on-one time with the components that will be aiding in tenderness and flavor.

Mix up a marinade of your choice and, after the meat has had suitable time with its seasonings, place the steak into a container that will allow all of the meat to be completely covered by it. One of our marinade staples includes Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil. No matter the marinade you use, be sure the marinating process takes at least six hours.

I should note that I am not a fan of meat tenderizers. I have found that when tenderizing is overly used, the meat will take on a different texture. A texture that I don't necessarily want swimming in my mouth. So I stay away from this method.

No matter what method is used to cook steaks, be sure that the cooking surface is hot before placing your meat onto it. Our general rule to achieve a medium-cooked steak that is tender and perfectly done is this: Cook on one side for four minutes on medium to medium-high heat. Turn steak over and cook for another four to five minutes.

And like magic, your less-than-desirable cut of meat has become flavorful and tender!

Steak Tips - How to Cook a Tender Steak, Regardless of Cut

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