Cooking for someone for the first time can be stressful, but I’ve found that the perfect answer is always steak. In just 15 minutes and with four ingredients, you can make a meal that will impress anyone. Steak is incredibly easy to cook to perfection if you follow the right steps, but it's also easy to screw up if you're not careful. Here's how you can make an amazing steak every time.
Choosing the Right Steak
First, you need to pick the right steak. Thickness is crucial. Aim for a steak that's 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Any thinner, and you risk overcooking it before achieving the perfect crust. My top picks for cuts are Ribeye, Ny Strip Steak. My personal favorite is the ribeye because of its rich flavor and the fun fact that two ribeyes together make a heart shape—perfect for a romantic dinner.
Preparing the Steak
Before you cook, let your steak come to room temperature. This step is vital for an even, crispy crust. Take the steak out of the fridge, give it a little rest, and let it acclimate. Trust me, this makes a huge difference.
Cooking the Steak
Now, let's get cooking. Here's what you'll need:
- Medium to large-sized skillet
- High smoke point oil (e.g., canola or grapeseed oil)
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, lightly crushed
- A bunch of fresh thyme
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat with about two tablespoons of oil. While the oil heats up, pat your steak dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper.
Once the oil is shimmering and just about to smoke, place your steak in the pan. You should hear a satisfying sizzle. For a medium-rare steak, sear it for 2-3 minutes on each side until you get a nice brown crust. When you flip the steak, sear for an additional 30 seconds to a minute, then add the butter, garlic, and thyme. Baste the steak continuously with the melted butter for about a minute.
Finishing Touches
Keep a close eye on the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F. Once done, take the steak out of the pan, pour the butter and juices over it, and let it rest for 5-8 minutes before cutting.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a perfectly cooked steak. Follow these steps, and you too can become a steak master. I'm also working on some exciting bread recipes that you might find interesting, so stay tuned for those. If you enjoyed this guide, please like, subscribe, and follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes.
Happy cooking!
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