Cooking a steak to the perfect consistency is no easy feat. Even experienced chefs can make common mistakes, like not cooking it long enough or overcooking and drying out the meat. Fortunately, avoiding these mistakes is achievable with some know-how and patience when prepping your meal. In this article, we’ll explore top mistakes made when making steak so that you can become an expert in creating palatable meals your guests will love every time!
- Not Preheating the Pan
One of the most common mistakes people make when cooking steak is not preheating the pan. If you don’t preheat the pan, your steak will not cook evenly and will likely end up being overcooked on the outside and raw on the inside. To avoid this, simply preheat your pan over medium-high heat for a few minutes before adding your steak.
- Using too Much Oil
Another mistake people make when cooking steak is using too much oil. If you use too much oil, your steak will end up being greasy and will not brown properly. To avoid this, simply add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan and then wipe away any excess with a paper towel.
- Not Seasoning the Steak
Another common mistake is not seasoning the steak properly before cooking it. If you don’t season your steak, it will likely be bland and tasteless. To avoid this, simply season your steak with salt and pepper on both sides before cooking it.
- Cooking the Steak for too Long
One of the most common mistakes people make when cooking steak is cooking it for too long. If you cook your steak for too long, it will become tough and dry. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak and remove it from the pan when it reaches the desired level of doneness.
- Not Letting the Steak Rest
After you’ve cooked your steak, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. If you don’t let your steak rest, all of the juices will run out and it will be dry and tough. To avoid this, simply let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it.
- Cutting into the Steak Too Soon
Another mistake people make when cooking steak is cutting into it too soon after cooking it. If you cut into your steak too soon, all of the juices will run out and it will be dry and tough. To avoid this, wait 5-10 minutes after cooking your steak before cutting into it.
- Not Slicing Against the Grain
An important step to consider when cutting up your cooked steak is to ensure that you slice against the grain. This method of slicing helps to ensure that your steak slices are tender and not tough or chewy. Slice in a way that cuts around the natural seams of the meat; it should be easily recognisable if you take the time to examine it closely before you begin cutting. Cutting against the grain will result in much more enjoyable bites; after all, tenderness is served best when slicing steak against the grain.
