How to Cook the Perfect Steak (From Rare to Well-Done)

There's nothing quite like a perfectly cooked juicy steak. Whether you prefer yours rare, medium, or well-done, knowing how to cook a steak to your desired level of doneness is an essential skill for any home cook. In this article, we'll explore the different types of steak cuts, cooking methods, and provide tips for achieving a perfectly cooked steak all the time.

Before we dive into the specifics of cooking a steak, let's talk about why it's important to know how to cook a steak to your liking. When you order a steak at a fine restaurant, you have the luxury of leaving the cooking to the professionals. But when cooking at home, it's up to you to get the perfect level of doneness. Overcooked steak can be tough and dry, while undercooked steak can be unpleasantly chewy and potentially unsafe to eat.

So, let’s discuss the basics of selecting the right cut of steak, different cooking methods, and how to cook steak to different levels of doneness.

Choosing the Right Cut of Steak

Before you start cooking your steak, it's important to choose the right cut of meat. Different cuts have different levels of tenderness, fat content, and flavour. There are five main options to consider, each with a unique texture and tenderness. 

Porterhouse and T-Bone steaks are two similar cuts of beef that come from the short loin, featuring a T-shaped bone in the middle and two different meat pieces: tenderloin and strip steak. Porterhouse steaks contain a larger portion of tenderloin, while T-Bone steaks have a smaller portion. 

Ribeye is a flavourful, marbled beef steak that yields a tender result when cooked hot and fast, and its bone-in variety ensures even cooking. 

Lean and boneless, New York Strip steak is perfect for mass appeal, while Top Sirloin is an affordable and tender cut best suited for marinating. 

For a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, Filet Mignon is the most tender and lean beef steak option, but it comes at a higher price point.

Here are some tips for selecting a quality cut of steak:

• Look for marbling

Marbling refers to the white streaks of fat that run throughout the steak. More marbling generally means a juicier and more flavourful steak.

• Consider the thickness

 Thicker steaks take longer to cook and require different cooking methods than thinner steaks.

• Choose the right grade

Beef is graded based on its quality, with the highest grade being Prime, followed by Choice and then Select. Look for steaks that are at least Choice grade.

• Consider the cut

Different cuts of steak have different characteristics, so choose the cut that fits your preferences. For example, a ribeye is marbled and flavourful, while a filet mignon is lean and tender.

• Check the colour

The colour of the meat can tell you a lot about its freshness. Look for meat that is bright red, not brown or grey.

• Check for firmness

The meat should feel firm to the touch, not mushy or soft.

• Check the date (expiry or sell-by)

Look for the sell-by date or expiry date on the packaging, and choose the freshest steak you can find.

• Buy from a reputable source

Whether you're shopping at a grocery store or a butcher, choose a reputable source with a good reputation for quality meat.

How Long to Cook Steak for Different Levels of Doneness

To help you achieve the perfect level of doneness for your steak, here is a chart with the recommended cooking times and temperatures:            

It's important to note that cooking times may differ depending on the thickness of your steak and the cooking method used. To ensure your steak is cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Steak

Here are some additional tips for achieving a perfectly cooked steak:

(i) Choose the right cut of steak: Different cuts of steak have different levels of tenderness and flavour. Some of the best cuts for grilling include ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon.

(ii) Let the steak come to room temperature: Take your steak out of the refrigerator and stand it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the steak cook more evenly.

(iii) Season the steak properly: Season the steak with salt and pepper or your favorite seasonings before cooking. Be sure to rub the seasonings into the steak for even coverage.

(iv) If you’re pan-frying your steak, preheat your grill or pan: Make sure your grill or pan is preheated to a high temperature before adding the steak. This will ensure that the steak cooks quickly and evenly.

(v) Let the steak rest after cooking: This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more flavourful.

Cooking Methods for the Perfect Steak

A steak can be prepared in a variety of methods, such as pan-frying, baking in the oven, and air-frying. The best way for you will rely on your own preferences and the equipment that is available. Each method has advantages and disadvantages.

Pan-Frying

Pan-frying is a popular method for cooking steak on the stovetop. If you have a pan griddle in your home, try this simple Scotch fillet steak with chimichurri sauce. It’s the perfect steak fry recipe you’ll ever come across!

Here's how to cook steak in a pan:

• Preheat a cast-iron or stainless steel pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
• Place the steak in the pan (skillet) and cook for 3-4 mins per side, or until a crust forms.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, 155°F for medium-well, and 165°F for well-done.
• Let your steak rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.

Once your steak is ready, serve it with a nice salad or a creamy potato bake. You can also cut up your steak and enjoy it in this steak and bacon salad instead. 

Oven-Baking

Oven-baking is another popular method for cooking steak, especially if you don't have a stovetop grill. It is the best way to cook steak we reckon. 

Here's how to cook steak in the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F.
• Season your steak with salt and pepper.
• Place the steak on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
• Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until a crust forms and the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness.
• Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.

Once your juicy steak is done, enjoy it with some mashed potatoes or rice, if you want some starch. 

Air-Frying

Air-frying is a newer method for cooking steak that uses hot air to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Airfrying is a great way to cook your steak as it basically cooks to perfection on its own, while you do other things. You can make this Chinese sauteed zucchini as a side, and make sure to pour a glass of your favourite wine or party drink to accompany the meal. 

Here's how to cook steak in airfryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Season your steak with salt and pepper.
• Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for about 8-12 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 120-130°F, for medium-rare, 130-135°F, for medium, 135-145°F, for medium-well, 145-155°F, and for well-done, 155°F or higher.

More ways to serve your perfectly cooked steak

Any juicy steak needs a side that’ll complement it. Start with a marinade that’ll add flavour to your steak. If not the marinade, mushroom sauce does well to add flavour to your steak. For more side options, here is the perfect list:

Sautéed spinach with garlic and pine nuts recipe

This recipe features fresh spinach leaves sautéed with garlic and pine nuts for a flavourful and healthy side dish. 

Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Try some sweet potatoes mashed with butter, cream, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a creamy and indulgent side dish.

Easy Chinese broccoli stir fry with garlic sauce

The tender broccoli is cooked until just crisp-tender and coated in the savoury garlic sauce that's perfect for serving over your juicy steak. On a meatless day, also try it over rice or noodles.

Grain-Free Cauliflower Fried Rice

This is a healthy twist to the classic fried rice dish, using cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains. The cauliflower is pulsed into a rice-like texture and then stir-fried with veggies, eggs, and seasonings for a flavourful and nutritious low-carb meal. 

Healthy Coleslaw

This recipe features a healthy twist on traditional coleslaw, using a lighter dressing and lots of colorful veggies. The result is a crunchy side dish that's perfect for a grilled fillet steak.