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How to Cook a Steak and What Tools You Need

How to Cook a Steak and What Tools You Need

It's official - barbecue season is here! There's no better way to make the most of the warmer months in Australia than to engage in the favourite national pastime with good food and cheer. Whether you're up for a laid-back sausage sizzle or ready to tackle top-quality cuts, we've got your back. In this guide, we'll walk you through simple and effective ways to cook the perfect steak on the barbecue, on the stovetop, and in the oven.



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Techniques For Cooking Steak

Basic

A good marinade and the right piece of meat are key. Some meats will be fine with a simple oil and salt rub, others you might want to marinate a little longer - chicken thighs marinated overnight in white wine, herbs and garlic go great on the barbie. Sausages are also a great starting point due to their multitude of flavours and straightforward cooking process. Wondering how to cook a steak? Flavour and mouthfeel will depend on the cut, how you like it cooked, and what type of barbecue you're using. The charcoal will impart smokiness to any meat, so consider this when you're getting set up - many barbecues will have the option of a charcoal or wood chip section, which will allow you more control over temperature and smokiness. Next up you'll need to make sure your grill is preheated and cleaned, use your scraper to scrape off any build-up. Basically, once your barbie is clean and hot and your meat or veg is seasoned and oiled, you're ready to start grilling!


Advanced

There are countless theories on how to cook a steak, however, most will generally include some, if not, all of the following: Pat your steak dry with a paper towel to help form a better crust, then season with olive oil. Allow it to sit outside the fridge for 5 to 10 minutes, this allows the meat to cook more evenly. To get a good sear, a general rule of thumb would be at least a minute on each side on a hot grill, then set it to rest for five to ten minutes, depending on how you like it done. On thicker pieces, leave longer and turn more regularly to ensure the meat doesn't catch or stick to the grill. If you want to get technical, you can always use a meat thermometer to gauge where you're at, but generally speaking, the firmer your meat is to the touch, the more cooked it is. For naturally tougher cuts, you may want to partially cover the BBQ allowing the air through a small vent in the hood and it will work in a fashion more akin to a traditional oven. All of this takes some practice and getting used to, but you'll have fun doing it.



First things first: Choose your steak cut

These popular steak cuts available in Australia each bring a unique flavour profile to the table, and choosing the right cooking method enhances their inherent qualities.

1. Ribeye

Renowned for its rich marbling, the ribeye is a favourite among steak connoisseurs. Its high-fat content brings unparalleled flavour and tenderness. Best cooked on the BBQ or in a cast-iron pan to enhance its succulence.


2. Sirloin

The sirloin, known for its balanced marbling and robust flavour, is a versatile choice. Whether grilled on the BBQ or seared in a pan, its natural tenderness makes it a go-to option for various cooking methods.


3. Eye Fillet

Loved for its leanness and melt-in-the-mouth texture, the fillet is a premium cut that demands a careful touch. Ideal for pan-searing or oven cooking to achieve the perfect internal temperature without compromising its tenderness.


4. T-bone

Offering the best of both worlds, the T-bone combines the tenderness of the fillet and the rich flavour of the sirloin, separated by the iconic T-shaped bone. Suited for grilling on the BBQ, ensuring both sides of this dual-cut masterpiece are perfectly cooked.



How To Cook a Steak on the BBQ

What is the best BBQ for cooking steak?

Let's start with basics - maybe you've never owned a BBQ before, maybe the one you inherited from your share house days isn't quite the grilling powerhouse you once thought it to be, or maybe you're just in the market for a new set-up. Choosing the right BBQ is a fine art. Fortunately, there is a whole range of BBQs to suit every space and budget, and they can be roughly broken down into three categories - gas, charcoal/specialty and electric. You'll also need to consider the space and the type of cooking you're looking to do - specialty or charcoal set up for all those smoky styles, a portable electric BBQ you can easily move around, or the classic high-heat gas barbecue, fixed or portable depending on your space and budget.


Tools You'll Need:

You'll need some kitchen utensils and tools to make the perfect steak:


How To Cook A Steak on the BBQ: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Preheat the BBQ: Ensure your barbecue is preheated to the desired temperature - around 200°C for a medium-high heat.
  2. Prepare the Steak: Season your steak with salt and pepper or your favourite rub. Allow it to come to room temperature for even cooking.
  3. Oil the Grill Grates: Use a paper towel dipped in oil to grease the grates, preventing the steak from sticking.
  4. Sear the Steak: Place the steak on the preheated grill and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes to lock in the juices.
  5. Adjust the Heat: Reduce the heat to medium and continue grilling until the desired doneness is reached. Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.
  6. Rest the Steak: Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes under aluminium foil before serving.


How To Cook a Steak On The Stove

What is the best frying pan for cooking steak?

For stovetop cooking, a heavy-duty cast-iron pan is ideal due to its excellent heat retention and even distribution. Stainless steel cooking pans are also a popular choice, known for their quick heating capabilities, durability and resistance to corrosion. While non-stick fry pans can provide convenience, they may not achieve the same level of searing as cast iron or stainless steel.


Tools You'll Need


How To Cook A Steak in a Pan: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Preheat the Pan: Heat the cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat until it's smoking hot.
  2. Prepare the Steak: Season the steak and allow it to reach room temperature.
  3. Add Oil to the Pan: Coat the hot pan with a high-smoke-point oil like vegetable or grapeseed oil.
  4. Sear the Steak: Place the steak in the pan, ensuring it makes good contact. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Rest the Steak: Allow the steak to rest before slicing and serving.


How To Cook a Steak in the Oven

What is the best pan for cooking steak in the oven?

A heavy-duty oven-safe pan like a skillet or a baking sheet is suitable for oven cooking.


Tools You'll Need


How To Cook A Steak in the Oven: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C.
  2. Prepare the Steak: Season the steak and let it come to room temperature.
  3. Heat the Pan: Heat an oven-safe pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear the Steak: Sear the steak on each side for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a flavourful crust.
  5. Transfer to the Oven: If the pan is oven-safe, transfer it directly to the preheated oven. Otherwise, transfer the steak to a baking sheet.
  6. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, removing the steak from the oven when it reaches your desired level of doneness.
  7. Rest the Steak: Allow the steak to rest under foil before slicing.


BONUS: 5 Tips for How To Cook the Perfect Steak

Bergner 2 Piece Stainless Steel BBQ Carving Knife & Fork Set

Achieving the perfect steak goes beyond the cooking method and the choice of the right pan. Here are some bonus tips to elevate your steak-cooking game:

1. Choose the right cut

Opting for a quality cut is the foundation of a remarkable steak. Cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or fillet bring the perfect balance of flavour and tenderness to your plate. Consider the marbling and thickness of the steak to tailor your selection to your taste preferences.


2. Seasoning matters

While the classic combination of salt and pepper works wonders, don't be afraid to explore beyond. Experiment with your favourite rubs or marinades to impart unique flavours to your steak. Whether it's a savoury herb blend or a zesty marinade, seasoning adds an extra layer of complexity to the taste.


3. Be precise with temperature

Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to ensure precision in your cooking. The perfect steak is all about achieving the right internal temperature. Aim for around 54°C for medium-rare, 63°C for medium, and 71°C for well-done. This ensures your steak is cooked to perfection, preserving its juiciness and tenderness.


4. Embrace the resting period

Patience is key to a juicy and flavourful steak. Allow your cooked steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing into it with your steak knife. This crucial step lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every bite is moist and bursting with flavour.


5. Experiment with wood chips

If you're grilling your steak on a barbecue, consider taking it a step further by experimenting with wood chips. Adding soaked wood chips to the coals can infuse your steak with a delightful smoky flavour. Whether it's hickory, mesquite, or applewood, the choice of wood chips can impart a unique character to your grilled steak.



Experience the Joy of Cooking Succulent Steak At Home With Everything You Need From Harris Scarfe

At Harris Scarfe, we are here to help you become an amazing chef at home and inspire you to try new recipes. Make the perfect steak for a weekday dinner or treat your family and friends to a delicious meal. Shop everything you need for your kitchen online and in-store today at Harris Scarfe, and explore the Hub for more inspiration. More articles you'll love include 4 Family-Friendly Air Fryer Recipes and 7 Tips To Master The Art Of Slow Cooking.

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