MASTERING THE PERFECT STEAK: A Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Success

This ATB article reviews tips for cooking steak on a stove-top, in an oven or on a BBQ.

Savor the rich flavor of Canadian beef, expertly cooked to perfection, with fresh herbs and pepper seasoning.

• Take the steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for a short while.

Season with coarse salt and pepper , or your favourite rub or spices. ATB has many seasonings available.

COOKING TIMES

Cooking times vary depending on the heat source used, and the size and thickness of the meat. You will need to experiment.

COOKING PREFERENCES "Rare," "medium," and "well-done" are terms used to describe the level of cook on meat, with "rare" meaning minimally cooked and still very pink inside, "medium" indicating a pink center, and "well-done" signifying fully cooked with no pink remaining; essentially representing increasing levels of cook time on the meat. 

Key points about each level:

• Rare:

  A very lightly cooked steak with a cool, red center, considered the most tender option. 

• Medium:

  A steak with a pink center, cooked longer than rare but still relatively juicy. 

• Well-done:

  A fully cooked steak with no pink remaining, usually considered the least tender option. 
  

TIP: Good chefs do not stick a fork or cut into the meat with a knife to see if it is ready. This lets the juices drain out. Instead, you can tell how ready the steak is by carefully pressing the center with a clean finger while it is still on the grill. Be careful not to get burnt!

• Soft - not done yet

• Gives a bit and springs right back - medium rare

• Doesn't give to finger pressure - medium or well done
  

COOKING STEAK ON A STOVE-TOP

Cooking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of the steak and your preferences.

• Pre-heat stainless steel or cast-iron pan on medium-high

• Add avocado, canola or other high-heat suitable oil to coat the bottom of pan

• Place steaks in your pan in a manner so that, as you lay them down, they face away from you to avoid splatter on you

• Cook 2 to 3 minutes until edges of steak are visibly brown – flip – repeat as required

• If desired, add 2 smashed garlic gloves, sprigs of thyme, rosemary and 3 tablespoons of butter

• Tilt your pan slightly and spoon frothing butter over steaks for 30 seconds to 1 minute

• Let rest 5 to 7 minutes before serving
  

TIP: Remember, the meat will still cook a bit even after you take it off the heat

COOKING STEAK IN AN OVEN

Note: Cooking times vary depending on how hot your oven runs

• Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F

• Place steaks in oven-safe pan

• Place in oven for 2 to 5 minutes to start until edges of steaks are visibly brown – flip steaks for minimum of 3 minutes

• Repeat as often as desired depending on desired “doneness”

• Let rest 5 to 7 minutes before serving

  
  

TIP: Remember, the meat will still cook a bit even after you take it off the heat

GRILLING STEAK ON A BBQ

Hot is better. Every grill is a litte different.

• Hot is better. Have the grill at a high temperature.

• Grill for a few minutes. Every grill is a little different.

• Without turning it over, rotate the steak 90 degrees so you get the nice pattern of cross hatching marks from the grill on the surface.

• Flip the steak over for another few minutes.

• Let rest 5 to 7 minutes before serving

  
  

TIP: Remember, the meat will still cook a bit even after you take it off the heat

Tell us what you are planning and let ATB help you make the right choices and custom cut to your preferences.