How to Cook Steak – The Ultimate Guide
- by Omaha Steaks
- Last updated Nov 7, 2024
Whether you’re cooking a steak for the first time or the hundredth time, you’ve come to the right place for the ultimate steak cooking tutorial. This guide will give you the confidence to cook a perfect steak indoors or outdoors every time. Learn how to cook a juicy, delicious steak, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your restaurant-worthy, steak cooking skills.
How to Cook a Perfect Steak
The basic steps for preparing and cooking a delicious steak are the same regardless of the cooking method you choose.
- Start with a great steak
- Thaw steak completely
- Lightly oil and season steak
- Cook until 5°F below the desired doneness
- Rest 5 minutes
- Enjoy!
Step 1: Start With a Great Steak
A great steak experience starts with a hand-selected, perfectly aged, and well-marbled steak. It may seem difficult to choose the perfect cut of steak, but it doesn’t have to be. Check out the ultimate steak cut guide to learn what makes a steak a steak and the unique flavor and texture profiles of each cut.
All Omaha Steaks are extra-aged for at least 28 days to maximize tenderness and flash-frozen at their peak flavor, which delivers better quality, consistency, and flavor. To see for yourself, read Omaha Steaks reviews.to see what our customers have experienced.
Now that you’ve selected a premium cut, it’s time to have your steak delivered and get cooking.
Step 2: Thaw Steak Completely
Thawing frozen steak is easy using one of two methods: refrigerator thawing overnight or quick thawing in cold water. To quick thaw, simply fill a large bowl with cold water and drop your vacuum-sealed steaks into the bowl. Make sure the packaging is not punctured or compromised. Depending on the size of your steak, it’ll be ready to cook in anywhere from 15-40 minutes.
Step 3: Season Steak
Properly seasoning a steak is simple. The most important step before seasoning is to pat the steak dry with a paper towel and lightly oil. Then, liberally season your steak with coarse sea salt and fresh ground black pepper or Omaha Steaks Salt & Pepper Seasoning with a hint of smoke flavor for amazing results.
For additional flavors with a perfect blend of herbs and spices, season your steak with our ready-to-use Omaha Steaks Seasoning, or try Executive Chef David Rose’s All-Purpose Dry Rub. Learn more about how to season steak in our steak seasoning guide.
Step 4: Cook to 5° Below Desired Doneness
Whether you cook your steak in the great outdoors or in the comfort of your kitchen, we’ve got you covered. Our team of expert chefs created comprehensive steak cooking guides, cooking charts, and even an easy-to-use cooking timer on the Omaha Steaks mobile app.
Steak Cooking Guides:
For best results, remove your steak from the heat at 5° below the desired doneness as measured by a meat thermometer.
How do you know when steak is done?
How long you cook a steak depends on the cooking method, thickness of the steak, and your preferred doneness. The doneness of the steak is determined by the internal temperature of the meat. Every cook and every eater has a preference, but if you ask the butcher… medium-rare is best. For accurate results, use a high-quality meat thermometer and follow our steak doneness guide and temperature chart.
- Rare: 115°-130°F
- Medium-rare: 130°-140°F
- Medium: 140°-150°F
- Medium-well: 150°-160°F
- Well-done: 160°F+
Step 5: Rest Steak 5 Minutes
The last step of the steak cooking process is the most difficult, waiting. Tent your steak with foil and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes after removing it from heat. This will allow the steak to reach to your desired temperature and the juices to redistribute to ensure every bit is juicy and tender.
Step 6: Create a Steakhouse Experience at Home
Add rich flavors to your steak and top with a flavorful garlic herb butcher’s butter, a simple compound butter, or a bold chimichurri sauce. Pair your perfectly cooked steak with a potato side dish and cooked vegetable for a complete steakhouse-style meal. Finish with a decadent dessert for an unforgettable experience.
Hungry for more? Try these steakhouse-style recipes:
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