- Preparation:
- Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps with achieving a good sear.
- Seasoning:
- Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and black pepper. Optionally, you can rub minced garlic or fresh herbs onto the steaks for added flavor.
- Preheat the Pan or Grill:
- If using a skillet or grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat. If grilling outdoors, preheat the grill to high heat. You want the cooking surface to be hot to achieve a good sear on the steak.
- Cooking:
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the steaks or add a pat of butter to the hot skillet. Place the steaks onto the hot cooking surface.
- Cook the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your preferred level of doneness:
- Rare: 2-3 minutes per side
- Medium: 4-5 minutes per side
- Well-done: 6-7 minutes per side
- Avoid moving the steaks around too much while cooking to ensure a good sear.
- If grilling, only flip the steaks once, using tongs to prevent piercing the meat and losing juices.
- Resting:
- Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the steaks from the heat and transfer them to a plate. Tent the plate loosely with foil and let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier steak.
- Serve:
- After resting, slice the steaks against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly cooked steak with your favorite side dishes!
Remember, the key to a great steak is high-quality meat, proper seasoning, and achieving the desired level of doneness. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steak and your personal preferences.