Ingredients You Need For The Perfect Pan
To make perfect pan-fried steak, you don’t need many ingredients. You can create the perfect meal using only the basics. Here are all of the ingredients that you need to prepare the steak:
- 1-2 tbsp. of extra-virgin olive oil
- Your steak cut of choice
- Garlic
Finally, to achieve the perfect, crisp crust, you’ll want to cook a steak using cast iron. Non-stick Teflon or copper pans won’t hold the flavor from the fat or deliver the same crispy sensation.
Ingredients For Garlic Butter Steak
It really doesnt get any easier than this and you dont need much to make a lip-smacking good steak. We used 2 New York Strip Steaks , each weighing 1 pound and 1 1/4 thick. Keep in mind a thicker steak will take longer to cook through and a thinner steak will cook faster.
Well-marbled steaks will give you the juiciest results. Our favorite steaks to cook on a skillet are:
- New York Steak
- Ribeye Steak
What To Look For
Grill Pan or Skillet or Griddle
First, some clarification on terminology, as there seem to be interchangeable terms for the actual pan used. A grill pan is one with a ridged surface and is much favored by cooks who like to sear the steak and achieve those darkened lines in the cooked steak which most replicate the experience of cooking on a barbecue. It is also healthier, as the steak will not cook in its juices/fat. The ridged surface allows the juices/fat to pool below the steak, creating the smoky taste typical of a properly cooked steak. On the downside, they are trickier to clean. A skillet is the traditional frying pan with a flat surface. A more versatile vessel than a grill pan, it can be used to cook omelets, pancakes, and more delicate joints of meat or fish. Skillets tend to be lighter and will reach the requisite heat level faster than a grill pan but more on that later. Skillets are favored by cooks who want a steak cooked evenly across its entirety. A griddle is a flat tray-like utensil that can be used for cooking steak, but we prefer either a grill or skillet. As mentioned earlier, the words can be used interchangeably. Throughout this article, we will adhere to the definitions above and, where speaking generically about pans, use the term grill pan. Ok, lets get to the meat of the matter.
Composition
Dimensions
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Searing For The Perfect Crust
There’s not all that much new ground to cover herewe all know that searing absolutely positively does not “seal in juice,” right? It serves as a means of adding color and flavor and enhancing texture. That’s all. We also know that the absolute best way to sear is to flip your meat frequently as it cooks so that it cooks evenly from both sides, cooks faster, and develops less of the gray, overcooked zone that you get from a traditional one-side-then-the-other-side sear, right?*
*See the links at the top if you don’t believe me.
But what’s the best medium to sear in? Butter, or oil? Some claim that a mixture of both is best, often using the excuse that butter alone has too low a smoke pointit begins to burn and turn black at temperature too low to properly sear meat in. Somehow, cutting the butter with a bit of oil is supposed to raise this smoke point. Unfortunately, that’s not true. It’s because when we say that “butter is burnt,” we’re not really talking about the butter as a wholewe’re talking specifically about the milk proteins in butter. The little white specks you see when you melt it. It’s these milk proteins that burn when you get them too hot, and believe methey couldn’t care less whether they’re being cooked in butterfat or in oil. Either way, they burn.
Follow that summary, and what you’ve got is a steak that’s nearly perfect. What’s missing, you ask?
Here’s what you do:
Got it? Good.
Lavo Home 5 Section Divided Pan: Best Multi
Now heres something different! The Lavo 5 Section Pan aims at being all-things-to-everybody by dividing itself into five sections to facilitate simultaneously a combination of foodstuffs and cooking styles. Made from aluminum and square-shaped, the outer part has two long slightly ridged sections of 4.5 x 12 inches with the middle section divided into three small compartments measuring about 6 x 4 inches each. For our purposes, this could allow two steaks and three accompanying vegetables to be cooked in one go.The pan works on all cookers and has a distinctive blue marble finish. It is very large and also heavy, with a bakelite handle as a safety precaution. While it falls into the category of skillet more than grill pan, it can cook steaks to a high standard with that unique advantage of preparing an entire meal from one space.
Pros
- Requires organizational skills to prepare a meal and get the timings correct
- Very large
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Buy The Best Steak For Pan
The best steaks for cooking on the stovetop are boneless steaks that are between one and one-and-a-half inches thick. Thicker cuts like a New York strip steak or a boneless rib-eye work best for this method. Look for a steak with plentiful marbling and dont be afraid to ask your butcher to cut a thicker steak if needed. When a steak has enough fat, it tends to remain juicy during the cooking process and has the meaty flavor and texture you want from a steak.
Buy the best steak you can afford. It will cost you more than stew meat or burgers, but cooking steak at home even with a decent bottle of wine, appetizers, and sides will still cost less than the cheapest steakhouse steak.
Calphalon Contemporary: Perennially Popular Grill Pan
Another pan from the Calphalon range , the Calphalon Contemporary is a bit of an anomaly in the ever-changing world of cookware. This particular pan has been on the market since 2003 which is a reflection of its longevity and popularity. Made from anodized aluminum, it is essentially a square-shaped version of the Classic which we listed above.With similar dimensions albeit slightly heavier, it offers a slightly different experience to its companion because it is more aligned to the usual shape of a steak. As a result, it can accommodate more than one steak with greater ease than a round-shaped pan. Durability can be expected from the 2.75 lb pan, and the manufacturers have given the pan an ergonomic handle for ease of use.
Pros
- Not compatible with induction cookers
- Users have reported incidences of warping with this model
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The 4 Best Pans To Cook Steak
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When it comes to cooking steak, science confirms that the cut of meat is only one factor. Your cookware of choice also plays a massive role in helping the meat to retain its juices and result in your preferred level of doneness. In short, the best pans to cook steak will reach high temps and stay there throughout the cooking process â and that’s largely dependent on the material.
Cast iron is typically considered the gold standard for steak because it’s durable and extremely effective at holding and distributing heat. It can also go from the stovetop to the oven without issue, and thanks to its recent surge in popularity, you can find a great option for an incredible price. That said, cast iron is also much heavier than your average pan and needs to be seasoned regularly to retain its nonstick properties, so it’s gotten a reputation for being a bit high maintenance.
Carbon steel has a lot of the same benefits like versatility, durability, and impressive heat retention â but when compared to cast iron, it’s lighter and smoother, so it’s easier to cook with and care for. On the other hand, it’s also often more expensive.
According to both design and buyer reviewers, here are the four best steak pans in each of the aforementioned materials.
Best Steak Cuts For Pan
Often in restaurants, we use these cuts of meat for pan-frying. Grilling these cuts of meat is also fantastic however, its more time-consuming. Most home cooks love pan frying since its not difficult, and you can cook a juicy steak in a matter of minutes.
All you need is a few ingredients and a frying pan for steak with a thick base. You can use a cast-iron skillet or a high-quality multi-ply construction non-stick pan. A pan with a thick bottom will distribute and retain heat well. Its essential when pan-frying steak. I highly recommend HexClad 12 Inch Hybrid Stainless Steel Frying Pan for the steak lover. Its versatile, easy to use, and maintain. However, if youre on a budget, Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is another great steak option.
In this article, Ill explain why these fantastic cuts of beef are so great for pan-searing. Ill also give you some tips on how to cook them.
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How To Choose Beef Steak For Frying
When it comes to frying beef steak, it doesnt mean that the meat will be deep-fried in hot oil like how you often cook the chicken.
Beef steak, when being fried, means that the meat will be quickly cooked in a hot skillet with little oil.
Therefore, it is essential to know what steak cut of beef is perfect for this cooking method.
Below are some tips that can help you choose the best beef for frying:
How To Pan Fry A Steak Perfectly
Most people understand the joy of eating a well-prepared steak. But what many people don’t know? It’s easy to cook a steak that tastes like a chef at an upscale restaurant prepared it.
Using only a few ingredients and some extra cooking time, you can create an incredible steak on your stovetop.
This straight-forward, easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the process of making a pan-fried steak step by step. You’ll learn how to prepare tender and buttery steak so that you can satisfy your cravings at home.
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What Oil Is Best For Pan Frying Steak
What oil is best for pan frying steak? What Type of Oil Should I use for Cooking My Steak? When cooking steak in cast iron skillets, you want to use a type of oil that has a high smoke point. For example, peanut oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, and avocado oil are ideal options for cooking steak due to their high smoke points.
Do you put oil in the pan when frying steak? You put oil in the pan
Dont go putting your vegetable oil or sunflower oil straight into your frying pan. When cooking steak you need to oil the steak itself to ensure that perfect outer texture once cooked, and of course so it doesnt stick. Also, do allow your pan to get hot before frying up that piece of meat!
Is it better to cook steak in butter or oil? You should sear your steak in cooking oil, not butter. Butter has a low smoke point and will burn at the high heat you need to make steak thats neatly crisp and golden brown on the outside, but tender and juicy on the inside.
Is extra virgin olive oil good for steak? Theres no point using extra-virgin olive oil for cooking steak, or cooking anything, really. Heating extra-virgin olive oil spoils the taste of both the oil and whatever youre cooking in it, so just use ordinary olive oil.
How To Know If Your Steak Is Done
Because stoves from different manufacturers vary in heat output, having a thermometer is essential to cook a steak properly and achieve the desired doneness.
Eventually, you’ll have the ability to know how cooked a steak is just by pressing your finger into it.
If the meat doesn’t push back when you press into it, it’s still rare. If it feels firm, it’s well-cooked.
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Do You Cook Steak In Butter
Put the pan over high heat, and leave it until it is extremely hot. Add 1T butter and 2T olive or canola oil to the pan and watch for the butter starting to brown. Place the steak into the pan and reduce the heat to medium, cooking the first side for 4-6 minutes. Picking the steak up with tongs, quickly sear the edges.
Masterpan Grill Pan: Best For Storage
Grill pans are, in the main, a pretty homogenous bunch, so any feature which immediately catches ones attention marks them out as individuals. The MasterPan Grill Pans identifying characteristic, besides being a perfectly serviceable vessel, is the neat folding wooden handle that can be hooked back into the pan itself as an ingenious device that reduces storage space.As for the pan itself, it is made from cast aluminum, square-shaped, and conforms to the 11-inch dimension that is so popular for this item of cookware. It is a sturdy pan that boasts an energy-efficient induction base to facilitate even distribution of heat. This product is one of the leading sellers in the range and represents remarkable good value.
Pros
- The pan is low-sided which may increase escaping spatters around the cooker
- Not suitable for oven use over 350°
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Tips For Cooking Steak
Here are some of the tips you should consider to achieve that tasty steak
1. Always flip the steak after every 30 seconds to achieve a more even cooking and browning of the steak. Flipping the steak consistently will ensure the band around the steak becomes more gradual instead of uneven cooking where one side is pink.
2. If you’re hoping to achieve a nice crust, but for some reason you are not able to do that, a great way is to achieve it is to move the steak around the best frying pan for steak. As you move the steak around the pan, you will be making use of the unused heat in the pan, which makes the stake crust out or browns a lot faster.
3. Ensure the steaks are evenly cut. Oftentimes, a cause of uneven cooking meat is a steak that is uneven. Cutting it evenly ensures that every part of the steak is in contact with the pan for even cooking.
Can I Cook Steak In A Regular Frying Pan
It is easy to cook your steak in a frying pan. You should cut one piece of steak over 2% thickness. Apply the thick end first of the product, and heat it up for 3-4 minutes each side. Serving your steak with side salads like broccoli and mashed potatoes is a great way to enjoy some extra flavor added by butter and spices.
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How To Season Steak
Beef purists may prefer to take in the unadulterated, rich flavour of a quality steak by adding nothing more than a sprinkling of salt and a generous twist of pepper. Contrary to popular belief, seasoning your steak with salt ahead of time doesn’t draw out the moisture but actually gives the steak time to absorb the salt and become more evenly seasoned throughout. Salt your steak in advance 2 hrs for every 1cm of thickness. For a classic steak au poivre , sprinkle lots of cracked black pepper and sea salt on to a plate, then press the meat into the seasoning moments before putting it in the pan.
Some people like to enhance flavour and tenderise meat with a . Balsamic vinegar will reduce down to a sweet glaze, as will a coating of honey & mustard.
See our easy steak marinade to use on a variety of cuts.
Lots of chefs add whole garlic cloves and robust herbs like thyme and rosemary to the hot fat while the steak is cooking, which adds background flavour to the steak subtly, without overpowering it.
How To Make Pan Seared Steak
Prep the ingredients.
Pull the meat out of the refrigerator about 30-45 minutes before you would like to start cooking. Allowing beef to come to room temperature first is a necessary step to avoid tough, dry meat.
Pull the butter out of the refrigerator at the same time as meat too. Once the butter has softened, mix it with the garlic, herbs, and salt until everything is well incorporated.
Season the steaks.
Preheat the skillet first over medium-high heat, for 3-5 minutes.
Just before cooking, pat both sides of the beef with a paper towel and season generously with the salt and pepper all around. Removing the moisture from the surface of the steaks allows it to get a much better sear.
Pat steaks dry with a paper towel and season right before placing them into the hot skillet.
Sear on both sides.
For best results, use cast iron skillet to cook your steaks. Cast iron skillets are the best at holding even temperature and distributing it evenly through the pan.
Once the skillet is hot, swirl oil all along the bottom before adding the meat. Choose a neutral-flavored variety with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable, to prevent any burning along the surface.
Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until a nice crust forms and only touch them when its time to flip them halfway through.
Render the fat.
If the cut of beef you are preparing has a thick layer of fat along the side, use a pair of tongs to hold that side against the hot skillet to render it.
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