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Steak is one of the most popular and delicious dishes that you can enjoy at home or at a restaurant. However, To cook a perfect steak can also be intimidating and challenging, especially if you want to achieve that perfect doneness, juiciness, and flavor. How do you know which cut of steak to choose, how to season it, how to cook it, and how to serve it? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more, and provide you with a simple and easy guide on how to cook a perfect steak every time.

Choose the Right Cut of Steak

The first step to cooking a perfect steak is choosing the right cut of steak for your preference and budget. There are many different cuts of steak available in the market, each with its own characteristics, such as tenderness, flavor, fat content, and price. Some of the most common cuts of steak are:

Fillet: This is the most tender and expensive cut of steak, as it comes from the least used part of the cow. It has very little fat and is best cooked rare or medium-rare.
Sirloin: This is a prime cut of steak that has a good balance of tenderness and flavor. It has some fat around the edge and is best cooked medium-rare or medium.
Rib-eye: This is a flavorful and juicy cut of steak that has a lot of fat marbling throughout. It is best cooked medium-rare or medium to render the fat and enhance the taste.
Rump: This is a lean and firm cut of steak that has a lot of flavor but can be tough if overcooked. It is best cooked medium-rare or medium and sliced thinly against the grain.
Flank: This is a cheap and thin cut of steak that comes from the belly of the cow. It has a lot of flavor but can be chewy if not cooked properly. It is best cooked rare or medium-rare and sliced thinly across the grain.

Season Your Steak

The next step to cooking a perfect steak is seasoning your steak. Seasoning your steak will enhance its natural flavor and make it more delicious. The simplest way to season your steak is to use salt and pepper, but you can also use other spices, herbs, marinades, or sauces to add more variety and complexity.

To season your steak with salt and pepper:

Take your steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This will help it cook more evenly and faster.
Pat your steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help it sear better and form a nice crust.
Sprinkle your steak generously with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. You can also rub some olive oil or butter on your steak for extra flavor and moisture.
Let your steak rest for about 15 minutes before cooking. This will allow the salt to penetrate the meat and draw out some juices.

To season your steak with other spices, herbs, marinades, or sauces:

Follow the same steps as above, but add your desired spices or herbs along with salt and pepper. Some examples are garlic, rosemary, thyme, cumin, paprika, chili, etc.
Alternatively, you can marinate your steak in a liquid mixture of your choice for up to 24 hours in the fridge. Some examples are soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, mustard, etc.

Cook Your Steak

The next step to cooking a perfect steak is cooking your steak. Cooking your steak will determine its doneness, juiciness, and flavor. The best way to cook your steak is to use a combination of stovetop and oven methods. This will allow you to sear your steak on high heat on the stovetop for a crispy crust, then finish it in the oven on low heat for an even doneness.

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To cook your steak using stovetop and oven methods:

Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 (350°F/320°F fan) and place a baking tray inside.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick frying pan over high heat until smoking hot. You can also add some oil or butter to the pan for extra flavor and moisture.
Carefully place your steak in the pan and sear for about 2 minutes per side, or until browned and charred. You can also add some garlic, herbs, or butter to the pan and baste your steak with the melted butter for more flavor.
Transfer your steak to the baking tray in the oven and cook for about 10 minutes, or until your desired doneness. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. The general guidelines are: rare (50°C/120°F), medium-rare (55°C/130°F), medium (60°C/140°F), medium-well (65°C/150°F), well-done (70°C/160°F).
Remove your steak from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board or a plate for about 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the fibers to relax, making your steak more tender and juicy.

Serve Your Steak

The final step to cooking a perfect steak is serving your steak. Serving your steak will complete your dish and make it more enjoyable. The best way to serve your steak is to slice it thinly against the grain and drizzle some of the resting juices or sauce over it. You can also garnish your steak with some fresh herbs or lemon wedges for extra freshness and acidity.

To serve your steak:

Use a sharp knife and cut your steak across the grain into thin slices. This will make your steak easier to chew and more tender.
Arrange your steak slices on a large platter or individual plates and spoon some of the resting juices or sauce over them. You can also season your steak with some more salt and pepper if needed.
Sprinkle some fresh herbs or squeeze some lemon juice over your steak for extra flavor and freshness.
Enjoy your steak with your favorite sides, such as fries, salad, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, etc.

Conclusion

Cooking a perfect steak is not as hard as it may seem. By following these simple steps, you can easily prepare a delicious and satisfying steak at home. All you need is a good cut of steak, some salt and pepper, a hot pan, an oven, and a meat thermometer. You can also experiment with different seasonings, marinades, sauces, and sides to suit your taste and mood. Remember to let your steak rest before and after cooking, and slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness and juiciness. Enjoy!