How to Cook the Perfect Steak

Selecting the right steak cut is the key to perfect cooking

Depending on personal preference, the perfect steak can be whatever you make of it – each cut is different and holds its own unique texture and flavor, and then the way you cook it (from blue to medium to well done) can also have a major effect on the taste. Some people like to marinade their steaks prior to cooking or some might like to have it plain and truly savour the meaty flavors. Whatever your preference, and whether you grill, fry or barbeque your steak, here is your ultimate guide to selecting the right cut of meat and knowing the best way to cook it.

Each cut is vastly different in both flavor and tenderness so choosing the right cut can vastly affect how your overall meal will taste. Prime cuts are the best quality, choice meats are second and then select is the third most favorable. The perfect cut should be a light red color, not dark and definitely not grey! Choose a meat that is suitably aged, not too fresh, but not past its sell-by date either.

Ever heard the phrase “Fat Equals Flavor”? Well, it’s true – if you keep this in mind, you need a slightly fatty cut to give you plenty of flavor when cooking. Look for marbled effect steak cuts which have thin pieces of fat running through them – they will taste the best. Remember that steaks can be expensive so saving the pennies and buying a great quality steak on rare occasions is better than eating poor quality steak regularly. With the right amount of seasoning and a simple side dish (chips or salad will do) you will have a great, hearty meal.

Easy Steps to Cooking the Perfect Steak

Storing your steak in the fridge keeps it fresh, but the steak needs to be kept at room temperature at least one hour before cooking. As previously mentioned, the way you cook your steak and the desired method can be down to personal preference, however we recommend grilling on a high heat.

1. Begin by seasoning your steak with salt, pepper, extra virgin olive oil and other herbs if desired.
2. Place the steak on the grill for 3 minutes then turn the steak to get a diamond shaped grill pattern. Grill for a further 3 minutes, flip the steak and repeat on the other side.
3. For rare steaks, grill for an extra minute on each side; medium rare can be done for an extra 2-3 minutes on each side, and well done can be grilled for an additional 4-5 minutes.
4. Let the meat rest for one quarter of its cooking time (e.g. if you cooked the steak for 12 minutes, let it rest for 3). This will allow the meat to relax after being under an intense heat, meaning that it will be tender and juicy to the taste!

Serve with your choice of  garlic butter, bacon mushroom sauce or salsa verde and onion rings – keep the steak nice and juicy and you’ll want to cook it again and again!

Find more steak recipes on Recipebridge.