How to Cook Steak on Your Stove

Cooking steak on the stove is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious cut of meat. Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done, you can achieve the perfect cook by following a few simple steps. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on how to cook steak on your stove, including tips for choosing the right steak, seasoning it properly, and cooking it to your desired doneness.

There are a few things you’ll need before you can start cooking your steak. First, you’ll need a good quality steak. Look for a steak that is at least 1 inch thick and has good marbling. This will help ensure that your steak is tender and juicy. You’ll also need some olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite steak seasoning. Finally, you’ll need a skillet or griddle that is large enough to fit your steak.

Now that you have gathered all of your ingredients and equipment, you are ready to start cooking your steak. The next step is to preheat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add a little olive oil and swirl it around to coat the pan. Then, season your steak with salt, pepper, and your favorite steak seasoning. Once your steak is seasoned, carefully place it in the hot skillet.

How to Cook Steak on Stove

Follow these simple steps to cook a perfect steak on your stove:

Choose thick, well-marbled steak.
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Sear steak in hot oil.
Cook to desired doneness.
Let steak rest before serving.
Serve with your favorite sides.
Enjoy your delicious steak!

Cooking a steak on the stove is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious cut of meat. By following these simple steps, you can achieve the perfect cook for your steak, whether you prefer it rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done.

Choose thick, well-marbled steak.

When choosing a steak to cook on the stove, it is important to select a thick, well-marbled steak. This will help ensure that your steak is tender and juicy.

Thick steak: A thick steak will cook more evenly and will be less likely to overcook. Aim for a steak that is at least 1 inch thick.
Well-marbled steak: Marbling is the fat that runs through the steak. This fat will help keep the steak moist and flavorful during cooking.
Good quality steak: Look for a steak that is a deep red color and has a firm texture. Avoid steaks that are pale or have a slimy texture.
Grass-fed or organic steak: If possible, choose a steak that is grass-fed or organic. These steaks tend to be more flavorful and have a better nutritional profile than grain-fed steaks.

By following these tips, you can choose a steak that is sure to cook up perfectly on your stove.

Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.

Once you have chosen a good quality steak, it is time to season it. Seasoning your steak will help to enhance the flavor of the meat and create a delicious crust.

Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning steak. It helps to draw out the natural flavors of the meat and creates a savory crust. Season your steak with salt at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the salt to penetrate the meat and evenly distribute the flavor.
Pepper: Pepper is another classic steak seasoning. It adds a bit of spice and heat to the meat. Season your steak with pepper just before cooking.
Herbs: Herbs can be used to add additional flavor to your steak. Some popular herbs to use include thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil. You can use fresh or dried herbs, but fresh herbs will provide a more intense flavor. Add the herbs to your steak just before cooking.
Other seasonings: In addition to salt, pepper, and herbs, you can also use other seasonings to flavor your steak. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder. Experiment with different seasonings to find the ones that you like best.

Once you have seasoned your steak, you are ready to cook it. Be sure to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. This will help ensure that the steak cooks evenly.

Sear steak in hot oil.

Searing your steak in hot oil is an important step in cooking a perfect steak on the stove. Searing helps to create a delicious crust on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the steak from sticking.
Heat the oil until it is shimmering: The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the steak is added.
Pat the steak dry: This will help the steak to sear evenly.
Season the steak with salt and pepper: Season the steak just before searing.

Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the skillet. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a nice crust has formed. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, or the steak will not sear properly.

Cook to desired doneness.

Once the steak has been seared, it is time to cook it to your desired doneness. The best way to do this is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure not to touch any bone. Cook the steak until it reaches the desired internal temperature:

Rare: 125°F (52°C)
Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
Medium: 145°F (63°C)
Medium-well: 155°F (68°C)
Well-done: 165°F (74°C)

If you do not have a meat thermometer, you can also cook the steak by time. However, this is less precise and there is a greater risk of overcooking the steak. As a general rule, cook the steak for 2-3 minutes per side for rare, 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, 4-5 minutes per side for medium, and 5-6 minutes per side for medium-well. For well-done steak, cook for 6-7 minutes per side.

Once the steak has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

By following these tips, you can cook a steak to your desired doneness on the stove. Experiment with different cooking times and temperatures to find the perfect steak for your taste.

Let steak rest before serving.

One of the most important steps in cooking a perfect steak is to let it rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

To let the steak rest, simply remove it from the heat and place it on a cutting board. Tent the steak with foil to keep it warm, but do not wrap it tightly. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

There are a few reasons why it is important to let the steak rest before serving:

It allows the juices to redistribute: When the steak is cooking, the juices are pushed to the center of the steak. When the steak is allowed to rest, the juices redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more evenly cooked steak.
It makes the steak more tender: The resting period allows the muscles in the steak to relax, which makes the steak more tender.
It prevents the steak from overcooking: If you slice the steak immediately after cooking, the juices will run out and the steak will become dry. Letting the steak rest allows the juices to settle, preventing the steak from overcooking.

So, next time you cook a steak, be sure to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will make a big difference in the quality of the steak.

By following these tips, you can cook a perfect steak on the stove every time. Experiment with different cooking methods and seasonings to find the steak that you enjoy the most.

Serve with your favorite sides.

Once your steak is cooked to perfection and has rested, it is time to serve it with your favorite sides. There are many different side dishes that go well with steak, so you can choose the ones that you enjoy the most.

Here are a few popular side dishes for steak:

Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for steak. They are creamy and flavorful, and they help to soak up the juices from the steak.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables are another healthy and delicious side dish for steak. They are easy to make, and they add a pop of color and flavor to the plate.
Grilled asparagus: Grilled asparagus is a light and flavorful side dish that is perfect for summer. It is simple to make, and it pairs well with the rich flavor of steak.
Sautéed mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms are a rich and savory side dish that is perfect for special occasions. They are easy to make, and they add a touch of elegance to the meal.
Onion rings: Onion rings are a fun and delicious side dish that is perfect for parties. They are easy to make, and they are always a crowd-pleaser.

No matter what side dishes you choose, be sure to serve your steak with a good steak sauce. There are many different steak sauces available, so you can choose one that you enjoy the most. You can also make your own steak sauce at home using a few simple ingredients.

With so many delicious side dishes to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect accompaniment for your steak. So, fire up the stove and cook yourself a delicious steak dinner tonight!

Enjoy your delicious steak!

Now that you have cooked your steak to perfection and served it with your favorite sides, it is time to enjoy your delicious meal. Here are a few tips for enjoying your steak:

Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Slice the steak against the grain. This will make the steak more tender and easier to chew.
Season the steak with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
Serve the steak with your favorite sides. Some popular side dishes for steak include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, grilled asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, and onion rings.
Enjoy your steak! Steak is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Experiment with different cooking methods and seasonings to find the steak that you enjoy the most.

Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done, there is a perfect steak out there for everyone. So, fire up the stove and cook yourself a delicious steak dinner tonight!

Cooking a steak on the stove is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious cut of meat. By following these simple steps, you can cook a perfect steak every time. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to cook steak on the stove:

Question 1: What is the best type of steak to cook on the stove?

Answer: The best type of steak to cook on the stove is a thick, well-marbled steak. This will help ensure that the steak is tender and juicy.

Question 2: How do I season my steak?

Answer: Season your steak with salt and pepper at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.

Question 3: How do I sear my steak?

Answer: To sear your steak, heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steak to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a nice crust has formed.

Question 4: How do I cook my steak to the desired doneness?

Answer: The best way to cook your steak to the desired doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure not to touch any bone. Cook the steak until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

Question 5: How long should I let my steak rest before serving?

Answer: Let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Question 6: What are some good side dishes to serve with steak?

Answer: Some popular side dishes to serve with steak include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, grilled asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, and onion rings.

Question 7: How can I make a simple steak sauce?

Answer: To make a simple steak sauce, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Question 8: What are some tips for cooking a perfect steak on the stove?

Answer: Here are a few tips for cooking a perfect steak on the stove:

Use a thick, well-marbled steak.
Season the steak with salt and pepper at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Sear the steak in a hot skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the steak to the desired doneness using a meat thermometer.
Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve the steak with your favorite sides and a simple steak sauce.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about how to cook steak on the stove. With a little practice, you can cook a perfect steak every time.

Now that you know how to cook steak on the stove, here are a few tips to help you take your steak-cooking skills to the next level.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you take your steak-cooking skills to the next level:

Tip 1: Use a quality steak. The quality of the steak will have a big impact on the final dish. Look for a steak that is thick, well-marbled, and has a deep red color.

Tip 2: Season the steak properly. Seasoning the steak properly is essential for bringing out the flavor of the meat. Season the steak with salt and pepper at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.

Tip 3: Cook the steak to the desired doneness. The best way to cook a steak to the desired doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure not to touch any bone. Cook the steak until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

Tip 4: Let the steak rest before serving. Letting the steak rest before serving allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tip 5: Experiment with different cooking methods. There are many different ways to cook a steak on the stove. You can sear the steak in a hot skillet, grill it, or pan-fry it. Experiment with different cooking methods to find the one that you like the best.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

With a little practice, you can cook a perfect steak on the stove every time. So, fire up the stove and start experimenting with different cooking methods and seasonings. You’re sure to find a steak that you’ll love.

Now that you know how to cook steak on the stove and have some tips to help you take your steak-cooking skills to the next level, it’s time to get cooking!

Conclusion

Cooking a steak on the stove is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious cut of meat. By following a few simple steps, you can cook a steak to perfection, no matter how you like it done.

Here is a summary of the main points:

Choose a thick, well-marbled steak.
Season the steak with salt and pepper at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Sear the steak in a hot skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the steak to the desired doneness using a meat thermometer.
Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Closing Message:

I hope this article has helped you learn how to cook steak on the stove. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Happy cooking!