- Preparation:
- Let your steaks come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures an even cook.
- Rub both sides of the steaks with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cooking Options:Grilling:
- Preheat your grill to high heat. For a nice crust, ensure the grill is very hot.
- Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the time based on your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness:
- Rare: 120°F (49°C)
- Medium-Rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Heat a skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side. Add butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan, basting the steaks with the melted butter for the final minute of cooking. Use the temperature guide above to achieve the perfect doneness.
- Resting:
- After cooking, let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy bite.
- Serving:
- Serve the steak with your favorite sides like roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a hearty salad.
Flaky and Moist Salmon
Salmon is rich, buttery, and packed with omega-3s, making it a healthy and delicious choice. It’s important to cook salmon just until done, as overcooking can dry it out.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and rub with olive oil.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the top, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cooking Options:Grilling:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Grill the salmon, skin-side down, for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sear the salmon, skin-side down, for about 3-4 minutes until crispy, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the salmon in a baking dish and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until fully cooked through.
- Serving:
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for a bright finish. Pair with steamed asparagus, wild rice, or a fresh salad for a light, healthy meal.
Conclusion:
Mastering the art of cooking Chicken Breast, Pork Chops, Steaks, and Salmon ensures you can create a mouthwatering meal with any protein. Whether you’re grilling, searing, or baking, these recipes will help you achieve perfectly cooked, flavorful dishes every time.
Let me know if you’d like tips on how to pair any of these proteins with specific sides or sauces!