How To Cook Steak In A Nonstick Pan
Cooking steak can be a daunting task for a lot of people. The fear of overcooking or undercooking and ruining a perfectly good piece of meat can be overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right tools and knowledge, cooking steak can be an enjoyable and easy task. One tool that you may already have in your kitchen that can be used to cook steak is a nonstick pan. In this article, we will discuss how to cook steak in a nonstick pan.
Step 1: Choose The Right Cut
The first step in cooking a great steak is to choose the right cut. Some of the most popular cuts of steak include:
- Ribeye
- Sirloin
- New York Strip
- T-Bone
- Fillet
When choosing a cut of steak, you should consider the marbling (the fat content within the meat), the thickness, and the tenderness. The more marbling, the more flavor and juiciness the steak will have. Thicker steaks are easier to cook to your desired temperature and tenderness. Tenderness is determined by the cut of meat itself.
Step 2: Season The Steak
Seasoning your steak is key to enhancing the flavor. You can season with just salt and pepper or use a steak rub that you can purchase from the store or make yourself. If you are using a rub, be sure to not over-season the meat. A general rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon of seasoning per pound of meat.
Step 3: Preheat The Nonstick Pan
Place the nonstick pan on the stove, turn the heat to high and let it preheat for a few minutes. You want the pan to be hot but not smoking.
Step 4: Add The Steak To The Pan
When the pan has preheated, add the steak to the pan. You should hear a sizzle, indicating that the pan is the right temperature. Depending on the thickness of your steak, you may want to cook it for 2-3 minutes on each side for a medium-rare cook.
Step 5: Monitor The Temperature
The best way to monitor the temperature of your steak is to use a meat thermometer. A meat thermometer will help you ensure that your steak is cooked to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 135°F.
Step 6: Let The Steak Rest
When the steak is done, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This will help the juices redistribute and prevent them from running out when you cut into the steak.
FAQs
What kind of nonstick pan should I use?
When cooking steak in a nonstick pan, you want to use a pan that is oven-safe and made with a high-quality nonstick coating. A pan with a nonstick coating makes it easier to cook the steak without it sticking to the pan.
What oil should I use?
When cooking steak in a nonstick pan, you don’t need to use any oil. The natural fat from the steak will help it to not stick to the pan.
Can I cook thicker cuts of steak?
Yes, you can cook thicker cuts of steak in a nonstick pan. However, you may want to finish cooking the steak in the oven to ensure that it is cooked to your desired temperature.
What temperature should I cook the steak?
For medium-rare steak, you should cook the steak to an internal temperature of 135°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak is cooked to the desired temperature.
Can I season the steak beforehand?
Yes, you should season the steak before cooking it. You can use just salt and pepper or a steak rub to enhance the flavor of the meat.
Conclusion
Cooking steak in a nonstick pan is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious meal. Be sure to choose the right cut of meat, season it well, preheat the pan, add the steak, monitor the temperature, and let the steak rest before cutting into it. With these tips, you can cook the perfect steak every time.