What constitutes a good steak dinner is different for different people, but everyone still wants to know how to make a perfect steak. That is a little different for everyone, of course, but there are a few tips that can really be a help for anyone who wants to improve the quality of their beef. Here is a quick look at some of the basic methods for making a quality meal.
Step one is thinking about the cut of meat you will be using. Good beef that is produced in a humane way is getting more popular for its greater tenderness and flavor. Even traditionally tough cuts of meat from quality producers may be better than the better cuts from a large commercial producer.
Fortunately, it is a lot easier to find a good quality steak than it has been in decades. Do not be afraid to ask about your beef. Many people prefer beef that has fed and finished on grass for its more pronounced flavor. Just remember that producers of this kind cannot produce a quality that is quite as consistent as the larger producers can. There is a certain amount of risk.
Next, you will need to make sure you have the right heat source. Grilling over charcoal is one of the most popular options, but you could also just as easily use a grill pan over a gas or electric stove, a broiler, or even discover how to cook steak in the oven. The most important thing is that the heat is high.
Now, you will need to prepare your steak. Do not brush your grate or pan with oil, lightly oil the steak. That keeps smoke down. Next, season your steak lightly. Just salt and pepper will do it, though there are lots of marinade options out there for those who would like to get a little fancier with their beef.
When the steak goes on the grill or in the pan, the surface needs to be hot enough for the meat to sizzle. The steak should never be turned more than once, since it is important for the meat to cook most of the way on just one side. Do not turn too early, but do not wait too long, either. Turn a rare steak three to four minutes into the process, before you see red juices forming on the upper surface. A medium rare steak should be turned when you first see those juices, and medium well steaks ought to be turned when the juices begin to run together.
How long should you cook the other side of the steak? Two minutes less than the first side is a good standard rule that will prevent overcooking. Test the steak with an instant read thermometer, not a fork or knife, to keep the juices in.
After cooking, it is time to rest your steak. Place it fat side down, at 90 degrees to the pan you cooked it in. Do that by taking the pan away from the heat source and propping the steak up to keep it from sweating. Do not be tempted not to rest the steak, or you will lose the juices. Wait half the time you took cooking and you will have a great piece of meat. - 30289
Step one is thinking about the cut of meat you will be using. Good beef that is produced in a humane way is getting more popular for its greater tenderness and flavor. Even traditionally tough cuts of meat from quality producers may be better than the better cuts from a large commercial producer.
Fortunately, it is a lot easier to find a good quality steak than it has been in decades. Do not be afraid to ask about your beef. Many people prefer beef that has fed and finished on grass for its more pronounced flavor. Just remember that producers of this kind cannot produce a quality that is quite as consistent as the larger producers can. There is a certain amount of risk.
Next, you will need to make sure you have the right heat source. Grilling over charcoal is one of the most popular options, but you could also just as easily use a grill pan over a gas or electric stove, a broiler, or even discover how to cook steak in the oven. The most important thing is that the heat is high.
Now, you will need to prepare your steak. Do not brush your grate or pan with oil, lightly oil the steak. That keeps smoke down. Next, season your steak lightly. Just salt and pepper will do it, though there are lots of marinade options out there for those who would like to get a little fancier with their beef.
When the steak goes on the grill or in the pan, the surface needs to be hot enough for the meat to sizzle. The steak should never be turned more than once, since it is important for the meat to cook most of the way on just one side. Do not turn too early, but do not wait too long, either. Turn a rare steak three to four minutes into the process, before you see red juices forming on the upper surface. A medium rare steak should be turned when you first see those juices, and medium well steaks ought to be turned when the juices begin to run together.
How long should you cook the other side of the steak? Two minutes less than the first side is a good standard rule that will prevent overcooking. Test the steak with an instant read thermometer, not a fork or knife, to keep the juices in.
After cooking, it is time to rest your steak. Place it fat side down, at 90 degrees to the pan you cooked it in. Do that by taking the pan away from the heat source and propping the steak up to keep it from sweating. Do not be tempted not to rest the steak, or you will lose the juices. Wait half the time you took cooking and you will have a great piece of meat. - 30289
About the Author:
There are many sirloin steak cooking methods to choose from, and almost all of them could benefit from the use of a marinade. Marinades help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. For the best in sirloin marinades, check out EasySteakMarinades.net for recipes and cooking tips to help you make the most of your meal.
