Last Updated on February 6, 2023
Cooking a steak in a frying pan is the perfect way to get that restaurant-quality meal without leaving your home. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or want to impress friends and family, learning how to cook a steak in a frying pan can take your culinary skills up another notch. But before diving into this delicious endeavour, there are some important things you need to know about choosing the right cut of meat, preparing it correctly and then cooking it just right. We’ll show you everything from selecting the best type of steak all the way through serving suggestions – so buckle up and let’s start cooking.
Table of Contents:
- Choosing the Right Steak
- Preparing the Steak
- Cooking the Steak
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs in Relation to How to Cook a Steak in a Frying Pan
- Conclusion
Choosing the Right Steak
When it comes to steak, there are many different cuts available. The most popular cut is the ribeye, which is known for its marbling and tenderness. Other popular cuts include sirloin, strip loin, flank steak and skirt steak.
Ribeye
Ribeye steaks are well-marbled with fat that melts during cooking, making them incredibly juicy and flavorful. They can be cooked in a variety of ways including grilling or pan-frying.
Sirloin
Sirloin steaks have less fat than ribeyes but still have plenty of flavours when cooked properly. They’re best grilled or pan-fried over high heat to get a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Strip Loin
Strip loins are leaner than ribeyes but still offer great flavour when cooked correctly. These steaks should be seared quickly over high heat before finishing off in an oven or on a grill for medium-rare doneness (or longer if desired).
Flank Steak
Flank steaks are tougher than other cuts due to their lack of fat content so they need to be cooked slowly at low temperatures in order to keep them from becoming tough and chewy. Marinating this cut prior to cooking will help add some extra flavour as well as make it more tender once cooked through properly.
Skirt steaks come from the diaphragm muscle near the cow’s stomach area so they tend to be very flavorful but also quite tough unless cooked correctly – usually by grilling or broiling over high heat until just done (medium rare). This cut should always be sliced against the grain after cooking for maximum tenderness and juiciness.
When selecting the right steak, consider its size, cut and fat content. Once you have chosen your steak, it is time to move on to preparing it for cooking.
Preparing the Steak
Preparing the steak is an important step to ensure that your steak is cooked perfectly. Before you start cooking, there are a few things you should do to get the best results.
Trimming Fat
The first step in preparing your steak is trimming off any excess fat. This will help reduce the amount of grease and make sure that your steak cooks evenly. Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to carefully remove any large pieces of fat from around the edges of the meat.
Seasoning
Once you’ve trimmed away all visible fat, it’s time to season your steak with salt and pepper (or whatever other spices you prefer). Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper, then rub them into the surface of the meat using your hands or a spoon. You can also add herbs such as rosemary or thyme for extra flavour if desired.
Allowing your steak to come up to room temperature before cooking helps ensure even cooking throughout – this means taking it out of its packaging at least 30 minutes before you plan on starting dinner. This gives time for heat from outside sources like stovetops and grills to penetrate more deeply into each piece of meat, resulting in juicier steaks overall when they reach those high temperatures during cooking.
Once the steak is properly seasoned and ready to cook, it’s time to heat up your frying pan and get cooking.
Cooking the Steak
Cooking the perfect steak can be a daunting task, but with these tips and tricks you’ll have it mastered in no time.
Start by selecting your steak. Choose a cut that is at least one inch thick for optimal results. If possible, buy steaks that are already marinated or seasoned as this will add extra flavour to your dish.
Next, heat up your pan over medium-high heat and add some oil or butter to the pan (butter adds more flavour). Once the oil/butter has melted and is hot enough to sizzle when you drop water on it, place the steak in the pan. Let it cook for about 3 minutes before flipping it over so both sides get cooked evenly. When flipping make sure not to press down too hard as this will cause all of those delicious juices to escape from inside of the meat.
Once both sides are browned nicely reduce heat slightly and continue cooking until desired doneness is reached – use an instant-read thermometer if needed: rare should be 125°F; medium-rare 130°F; medium 140°F; well-done 160°F+. Keep in mind that once removed from heat, steaks will continue cooking so take them out just shy of desired temperature – they should rise another 5 degrees while resting off heat.
When finished, let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows all those yummy juices to redistribute throughout, making each bite juicy and flavorful. Serve with your favourite side dishes such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Cooking the steak in a frying pan is a great way to get juicy, flavorful results. With just a few simple steps and some patience, you can have your perfect steak ready to serve. Now let’s look at some delicious serving suggestions for your perfectly cooked steak.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving steak, the possibilities are endless. From classic sides like mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables to more creative options such as macaroni and cheese or a fresh salad, there’s something for everyone. When plating your steak dish, make sure you don’t overcrowd the plate; instead, focus on highlighting the star of the show – your perfectly cooked steak.
For a traditional accompaniment to pan-fried steak, try creamy mashed potatoes with buttery green beans or roasted carrots. If you want something lighter but still flavorful, why not serve up some garlic roasted mushrooms alongside a side salad? The earthy flavours will pair nicely with the richness of your steak.
If you’re looking for something unique that will really wow your guests, consider making homemade macaroni and cheese or adding some grilled corn on the cob to your plate. Both dishes add an unexpected twist while still complementing all of those delicious flavours from cooking in a frying pan.
Don’t forget about presentation either. Try arranging each component separately around one large piece of meat in order to create an eye-catching display that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite out of it. You can also use herbs like rosemary or thyme as garnish if desired – just be careful not to overpower any other ingredients already present on the plate.
Finally, remember that when it comes down to choosing sides for your perfect pan-fried steak dinner – go big or go home. Have fun experimenting with different flavour combinations until you find one that works best for you and enjoy every last bite.
FAQs in Relation to How to Cook a Steak in a Frying Pan
How long does it take to cook a steak in a frying pan?
The time it takes to cook a steak in a frying pan depends on the thickness of the steak and the desired doneness. Generally, for medium-rare, an 8 oz (225 g) steak should be cooked for 3 minutes per side over high heat. For medium, cook 4 minutes per side; for well done, 5 minutes per side. Always use tongs or a spatula to turn your steak so as not to pierce it and let out all its juices. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat to check that it has reached your desired temperature before serving.
Can I cook steak in a regular frying pan?
Yes, you can cook steak in a regular frying pan. All you need is some oil or butter to help the steak cook evenly and prevent it from sticking. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the steak so that it sears quickly and locks in all of its flavour. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, depending on how thick your steak is, then let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make delicious steaks at home with just a regular frying pan.
What’s the best way to fry a steak in a frying pan?
Frying a steak in a pan is an easy and delicious way to cook your favourite cut of beef. To get the best results, start by heating the pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot. Add some oil or butter to the pan and wait for it to melt before adding your steak. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes depending on how well done you want it. For medium rare, aim for 4 minutes per side. Once cooked, let rest for 5 minutes before serving so that all of the juices can settle back into the meat. Enjoy.
Conclusion
With the right cut of steak, some simple preparation steps, and careful cooking techniques you can have a perfectly cooked steak that will be sure to impress your family or guests. Whether you are looking for something quick and easy or want to try out something new, learning how to cook a steak in a frying pan is an excellent option. So why not give it a go? You won’t regret it.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.