Let's Know How To Cook Steak

There are several methods to cooking steak but there is usually an optimal method for each steak cut, which include pan-fried, braised, broiled, baked, grilled etc. The tenderness of the steak influences the proper cooking method; cooking methods are generally classified as dry heat or moist; dry heat methods are usually applied for more tender steaks like filet mignon and sirloin, while moist heat methods are more appropriate for tougher cuts of beef. The water helps in softening the steak.

Steak can be cooked to different degrees which are classified as raw, very rare, rare, medium rare, medium, medium well-done and well-done. The tenderness of cooked steak is influenced by how much it is cooked, the closer it is to well-done, the less tender the meat is. Rare steaks are cooked for a very short time. They still preserve their rawness and are very pink in color. Rarely done steaks preserve their original beefy flavors, but they are not very healthy as they still contain microorganisms. As the cooking time intensifies, the pinkness of steak is changed to brownness and its juiciness also minimizes. Well-done steaks are brown all through and also tough to chew. Each steak cut has different traits. The unfailing attribute to steak cut is the marbling. The marbling of the steak should be evenly spread throughout the steak. The amount of marbling will differ per steak.

Before cooking steak, bring to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. If the steak was frozen first thaw it in the refrigerator as cooking the steak while still cold will cause a longer time to reach its optimal internal temperature. Marinate the steak if required. The better the steak cut the less marinating it will require. Marinating is particularly recommended for lean steak cuts with no fat. Meat tenderizer should be used in moderation or not at all if you are not sure of its correct use. A good marinade of red wine, lemon juice and olive oil will tenderize the meat, and create flavor and moisture.

Use steak seasoning to supplement the steak cut's natural taste, salt and pepper are generally the only seasoning needed. When using other components ensure they improve the steak's flavor and not overpower it. When cooking steaks, refrain from needlessly poking the meat as this may destroy its flavor and texture. When browning steak let it to sit still for a good amount of time for the browning. Use a pair of tongs or a spatula to handle the steak.

The most common way of cooking steak is to grill it. When grilling a steak - the tenderness of steak, the marinade, the quality of the coal and lighter fluid - should all be taken into consideration. Most steaks require about 8-10 minutes grill time. Tender cuts can be broiled. Broiling is done in the oven without the use of liquids. Thin and tender cuts of steak such as the sirloin, T-bone and rib-eye are best pan-fried. Steaks are fried in an open pan placed over flame with no oil. The steaks cook in their own fats.

Bigger cuts of beef are good for roasting which is also a dry heat cooking method that uses no liquid and no cover. Braising, a moist-heat cooking method done with a little amount of liquid in an oven with a closed lid, is good tougher cuts of beef such as chuck, round, briskets and blade. Stewing is an another method for tough cuts.
Feeling the middle of the steak with your finger can tell if it's cooked.

If there is no bounce back, then the steak is still not cooked. A small bounce back, suggests the steak is medium raw. The more bounce received, the more well cooked the steak is.Before serving, place the steak to rest for at least 10 minutes to redistribute the juices back into the meat. This will stop the steak from losing some of its internal juices when cut.