How to Cook the Perfect Steak

Everyone loves a good piece of steak, but not everyone knows how to cook the perfect steak. Steak is somewhat tricky to cook, but with practice and by following a few suggestions you can make a perfectly cooked, delicious piece of steak that will blow away your guests.

Choose your preferred cut of meat

It is essential that you choose a high grade cut of beef. Prime is the best grade of steak because it contains lots of marbling (fat).  Prime is somewhat difficult to find in most grocery stores, but if you do find it you've got yourself a great head start to cooking the perfect steak. Choice is the cut of meat that follows prime and is also high quality. Make sure you choose the fattiest cut of steak because this is what maintains the steak tender when cooking and gives it a great flavor. To prepare a perfect pan-seared steak, a thick piece (1-1/2 inches) of rib-eye or sirloin is recommended. Avoid using “select” or “standard” meats which are lower grades of meat not suitable for cooking the perfect steak.

Before cooking

Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking it. This will make the cooking process faster and the steak will come out juicier. Take the steak out of the fridge 30 to 45 minutes before cooking. Pat dry the steak to remove any excess moisture and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Coat the steak with oil that has a high smoke point, such as coconut or vegetable oil.

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Cooking the steak             

Make sure your cast iron skillet is smoking hot before placing the steak on it. Once it is smoking hot, carefully place the steak on the skillet and let it cook for 2 minutes before turning it over. Once you turn it over, cook for another two minutes. You can cut a clove of garlic in half and rub the cut piece all over the steak. Rosemary also makes a good accompaniment for steak, so patting a sprig or two of rosemary will add a great distinctive flavor to your steak. For a rare finish, the internal temperature should be 120°F.  For a well done steak, each side should be cooked about 4-5 minutes.

Be patient

Once done cooking, you should let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is important because it allows the juices to settle into the steak instead of flowing out of it.

Important safety food tips to keep in mind:

• Never use the same knife to cut raw meat and cooked meat. Always wash the knife between uses.
• Use a food thermometer to ensure that the steak has reached an internal temperature of at least 120°F
• Always wash your hands immediately after handling raw meat
• Don’t leave raw meat out on the counter for more than two hours

 By following these simple suggestions, you are guaranteed to cook the perfect steak. Remember to follow the above-mentioned safety tips in order to prevent foodborne illnesses. With over 35 years of experience with training, managing, and teaching food safety, Ken Kuscher is an expert in the food industry. Ken Kuscher is the leading provider for services in Florida Food Handler Certificates and Food Safety Certification Florida.