Cooking Steak
Tips on Cooking Steak
There are fewer aromas in the world that can beat the smell of cooking steak; whether on the grill or pan-fried, the fragrance will make your mouth water; not to mention your neighbors! While the smell is incredible, the proof is in the taste, and there are a few tricks to cooking steak that will ensure you will get the best results.
Choosing the type of steak can be a confusing matter for some. There are certain cuts of steak that need nothing more than a sprinkling of seasonings and a good, hot fire to make a delicious and delectable meal. Other cuts need to be marinated, pounded, cubed or braised in order to get a good result. The first tip, before cooking steak, is to buy the very best cut of beef you can afford. The more marbling that is seen in the meat, the higher grade and the better flavor you will experience. Marbling will be the little white flecks that are visible throughout the beef, which will virtually melt into the meat as it cooks imparting flavor and tenderness. The grades of beef are prime, choice and select, with prime being the best cut.
Depending on the grade of beef chosen, preparation will be minimal. Cooking steak is actually a simple and uncomplicated art. If the beef is of select grade, some tenderizing or marinating may be needed, as this cut tends to be leaner and therefore less tender. Otherwise, your favorite seasonings rubbed on each side will suffice.
Cooking steak can be done in a variety of methods: grilling, broiling, pan broiling and pan frying are the most common means. The question many people have when it comes to cooking steak is how long to cook it. This will largely depend on the cut of beef chosen, how it will be cooked and the eating preference of the diner. One of the best ways to check the meat for doneness is simply by pressing on the center of the meat with your finger. A soft and spongy feeling indicates a rare steak, slightly firm with a little spring back means the steak is medium, and very firm with no give is well done. For complete accuracy, a meat thermometer can be used.
The final tip on cooking steak is to allow the meat to rest for at least 5 minutes after removing it from the heat and before cutting into it. This will allow the meat juices to redistribute into the still cooking steak; yielding a juicy, delectable steak.
As can be seen, cooking steak does not have to be a daunting task. Remembering to follow a few simple steps will be all that is needed for the most flavorful and tender results.