Cooking steak to medium rare is an art form that can be mastered with practice. But let’s face it, who has time for that? With a few simple steps and tips, you can have a perfectly cooked steak ready for dinner in no time.
Contents
Picking the Right Cut of Steak
The cut of steak you choose is the foundation of a perfect steak dinner. Choose a cut that is at least one-inch thick for even cooking. The most popular cuts are ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon. All of these cuts are good for cooking to medium rare. Choose the cut that best fits your taste and budget.
Seasoning the Steak
Once you have the cut of steak you want, it’s time to season. Start with a generous amount of salt and pepper. If you want to get fancy, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a flavorful kick. Make sure to season both sides of the steak. Let the steak sit for 30 minutes to let the seasoning sink in.
Preparing the Grill or Pan
To cook steak to medium rare, you’ll need a hot surface. For a gas grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. For a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are hot and ready to go. If you’re using a pan, heat the pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot.
Cooking the Steak
Once the grill or pan is hot, it’s time to cook the steak. Place the steak on the hot surface and let it cook for four minutes. Flip the steak and cook for another four minutes. Now, turn the heat down to medium and cook the steak for another four minutes. Finally, turn the heat off and let the steak rest for five minutes.
Checking the Temperature of the Steak
Now that the steak is cooked, it is time to check its temperature. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. The steak is medium rare when the thermometer reads 130°F. If the steak is not medium rare, let it cook a little longer.
Table of Temperature and Doneness
| Doneness | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 120-125°F |
| Medium Rare | 130°F |
| Medium | 140°F |
| Medium Well | 145-150°F |
| Well Done | 155-160°F |
Letting the Steak Rest
Once the steak has reached the desired temperature, it is time to let it rest. Let the steak sit for five to seven minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute and will make for a juicier and more flavorful steak.
Enjoying Your Perfectly Cooked Steak
Now that you’ve cooked the perfect medium rare steak, it’s time to enjoy it. Slice the steak against the grain and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy your steak dinner with the satisfaction that comes from a perfectly cooked steak.
Cooking steak to medium rare can be a daunting task. But with these simple steps and tips, you can have a perfectly cooked steak dinner in no time. So, as the song goes, “don’t worry, be happy” and get cooking!
