Steak is one of those rare foods that is both a delicacy and a hearty meal all at once because it’s also it’s one of those foods that if you don’t cook it just right, you might as well throw it away. If you want to cook that perfect, juicy and tender steak that head chefs at fancy restaurants have mastered, we’ve got you covered.
It’s All About the Cut
No matter how many rubs you use or how many hours you marinade a piece of steak, if you did not purchase a good cut, your steak is not going to be of 5-star quality. Invest some time and money into searching for and buying a great steak. Visit your local butcher and ask if he has anything local. If he doesn’t, go to your local grocery market and ask if they sell any sustainably and humanely raised meat. While this may seem over the top, trust me when I say: ethically raised meat is of higher quality and tastes significantly better than its inhumanely raised counterparts.
If you’re going to cook steak, buy the best meat your money can get you. If you’re hesitant to splurge on a single meal, be reassured by the fact that the best steak you buy will still be cheaper than going out to eat. Additionally, 1 pound of steak can easily feed 2 to 4 people, another consideration to make when thinking about price.
So, What’s a Good Cut?
Personally, I enjoy a good filet mignon, but a T-bone, rib-eye or strip steak will also yield a delicious result. Avoid steaks that are any thinner than an inch, as they’ll end up being tough to chew and even tougher to swallow. If you cannot find a good cut that is at least an inch thick, lessen the cooking time and check it frequently to avoid overcooking it.
Finally, when eating a steak is not the time to be health conscious–choose a steak with a good amount of fat in the center, as fat provides plenty of flavor.
Cook it in the Oven
I bet you thought it was time to light the grill. Not with this steak. When dressing your steak, turn the oven on to broil, place an oven rack 6 to 8 inches below the broiler element and place a skillet on the rack. Heat the skillet for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, turn on an oven burner to high heat. Remove the skillet (very carefully and with oven mitts) and place it on the burner. Place the steak in the center of the skillet and sear for 30 seconds. Flip it over and sear it for another 30 seconds. Once both sides are seared, place the skillet and steak into the oven.
Broil for 2 minutes, then remove the skillet (very carefully and with oven mitts), flip the steak, and broil for another 2 minutes. At this point, your steak will be medium rare. If you prefer a little more medium and a little less rare, cook for another two minutes.
Remove the steak from the oven and place on a cutting board. Prop a piece of aluminum foil over it in a tent-like formation and let rest for five minutes. This step will complete its cooking.
Slice, serve and enjoy! Pair with wine, a spinach salad and red potatoes for an ultimate flavor experience.
For sauces to dress up your steak with, check out these recipes.
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