Ordering a perfectly cooked steak at a restaurant? Easy. But learning how to cook steak at home is another matter altogether. Fortunately, learning how to cook a homemade steak dinner doesn’t take a culinary genius. You can keep things simple and still make a delicious steak at home, whether you prefer the oven, stovetop, or grill, with these simple tips and pointers.
After you have your cut of choice, you only need a few ingredients to cook steak. While you can always add steak sauces, rubs, and wet or dry brine, this is your guide for a basic steak. (And if you’re ready to take things up a notch, you can always use a cast-iron skillet to make a pan-seared steak at home.) Made too much? Not possible! Use up the leftover steak in these delicious recipes.
How to Cook Steak
Start With a Thawed Steak
Here’s how to defrost steak if needed.
Take the steak out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. It will brown better and cook faster and more evenly. Plus, a rare steak won’t end up cold in the center.
Fully Preheat the Grill, Skillet, or Broiler
This will help you get a better sear, which locks in juices.
Pat the Steak Dry With a Paper Towel Before Cooking
This removes excess moisture, which can cause the steak to steam and prevent browning. It also helps the seasoning to stick better. Be sure to pat all sides of the steak, including the edges.
Wait to Season the Steak Until Just Before You Cook It
If you season ahead of time, the salt will draw out some juices. Use generous amounts of kosher salt and cracked (or butcher’s grind) black pepper to get the most flavorful crust.
Cook Your Steak on Both Sides
Flip the steak only once and cook until you reach your desired level of doneness. Rare steaks should be at least 120 F; medium steaks should be around 140 F, and well-done steaks should be close to 160 F. (For more details, check our steak temperature guide.) Note that the USDA recommends cooking whole cuts of beef to a minimum of 145 F for optimal safety.
Figuring out how long to cook steak depends on your cooking temperature, desired level of doneness, and the thickness of the cut. A good rule of thumb: Cook steak for a minimum of five minutes (flipping halfway through) for a rare steak; add cook time to each side for larger steaks or steaks that are more fully cooked through. The safest method is to use an instant-read thermometer, so you don’t have to rely entirely on cook time.
Let the Cooked Steak Rest
Steak that rests before being cut is able to retain its juices better. The USDA has also added a three-minute rest time for all meats as part of its food safety cooking recommendations, so once your steak is removed from the pan, grill, or oven, let it rest for at least three minutes.
Garnish and Serve
Finish your steak with fresh thyme and sea salt—and enjoy!
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