Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Perfect Pan Seared Steak...


Steak.  I think I could just stop right there.  I mean, who doesn't love a great, mouthwatering, juicy, steak?  We love them so much that we will pay anywhere from $10-$50 at a restaurant for a perfectly cooked one.  Yet, we rarely make them at home.  Why is that?  For me it was because I always felt a little intimidated by them.  I mean, steak isn't cheap and to think that I wasted good money on something I ruined breaks my heart.  That was until the year I decided to make my husband's favorite meal for his birthday, at home. 
I didn't know where to start with this.  If you get online there are a million and one suggestions on how to make the perfect steak.  So, I did what any, desperately rational, wife would do...I called his favorite steakhouse and asked how they did it!  Surprisingly enough, the head chef willingly shared his secret with me and there has been no turning back since!  And now, I can't wait to share this secret with you!  It is so simple and turns out perfect every time!


PERFECT PAN SEARED STEAK:
*Pre-Time:  30-45 minutes  *Cook Time:  6 minutes  *Difficulty: Easy  *Servings:  1 steak
Here is what you will need:
  • Your favorite cut of steak
  • Perfect Steak Seasoning
  • 2 tbsp. Butter
  • 2 tbsp. Oil
Tools You Will Need:
  • Cast Iron (or oven proof) skillet
  • Tongs
  • Plate
  • Aluminum Foil
Now, before we even think about our steak, you have to have the perfect seasoning.  I know that there are salt and pepper purists out there and that is fine, but I encourage you to try this seasoning.  It will change your steak world, and you probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry.

For The Perfect Steak Seasoning you will need...
4 tbsp. Seasoning Salt
1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
1 tbsp. Onion Powder
1 tsp. Kosher Salt
1 tsp. Black Pepper
Mix together in an airtight container.
SEE!  So simple and it adds soooo much great flavor to your meat!

Speaking of meat...


About 30-45 minutes before you are going to cook your steak, you are going to want to get it out of the refrigerator and pat it dry.


Liberally season your steaks on both sides. 


Rub the seasoning into your meat and..


Cover with plastic Wrap and set aside to marinate and come to room temperature.
The first tip to a perfect steak is NEVER PUT A COLD STEAK IN A HOT PAN!
Why?  Because if you do, you will simply steam your steak, not sear it.  You will not get that great flavor your are looking for and, well, your meat will be kind of grey looking.  Nobody wants to eat grey meat...right?



Once your meat has had the chance to come to room temperature, you are going to prepare your pan.
You will want to get this pan SMOKING hot!  Literally!  Your pan will smoke!
Once your pan is hot, add the butter and oil.


When your butter is melted, add your steaks.  Sear the steaks for two minutes on each side then...


Place in a 400 degree oven for 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness, for a perfect medium steak.  If you want well done, cook 3-4 minutes.  If you want less done, 1-2 minutes.  I think you get how this works.  If you want rare, just bypass baking all together.  :)


When your steaks have finished cooking, remove them from the oven to a plate.



Cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 10 minutes.  This is so important.  By allowing your meat to rest, you are allowing all those delightful juices to work their way throughout your meat.  That way you will not have a dry steak, but something magical instead!



After your steak has rested, plate it up with your favorite sides and ENJOY!

I have to be honest with you, once I learned how to make the perfect steak, we rarely drop all that money at the steakhouse anymore.  Why would I? This is so easy and I definitely get more for my money. I hope this has helped to ease your steak anxiety and I would love to see your pictures on my Facebook page.  Until then...

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,
~The Kitchen Wife~



Perfect Steak Seasoning:


Ingredients:
  • 4 tbsp. Seasoning Salt
  • 1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1 tbsp. Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp. Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp. Black Pepper
Directions:
  1. Combine all ingredients in an airtight container.
  2. Use to season meat liberally.


 Perfect Pan Seared Steak:


Ingredients:
  • Steak of your choice
  • Perfect Steak Seasoning
  • 2 tbsp. Butter
  • 2 tbsp. Oil
Tools You Will Need:
  • Cast Iron (or oven proof) Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Plate
  • Aluminum Foil
Directions:
  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. About 45 minutes before you are going to cook your steak, remove from fridge to allow to come to room temperature.
  3. Pat your steaks dry on both side.
  4. Season, liberally, with steak seasoning.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to come to room temperature, approx. 45 minutes.
  6. After steak has come to room temperature, get your skillet very hot. 
  7. When pan is hot, add butter and oil. 
  8. When butter is melted add the steak.
  9. Let sear on each side for 2 minutes.
  10. Place in hot oven for 2-3 minutes for a medium steak.
  11. Serve and enjoy!


3 comments:

  1. so, what kind of steak do you recommend to buy? there are so many choices............thanks!!

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    Replies
    1. I personally prefer a nice strip steak or sirloin. This is a good choice especially for beginners. However, this method will work for any cut. For example, I used T-bones in this post.

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