How to Cook Steak in a Frying Pan?

Steak is a classic favorite for many people, and there is nothing better than grilled steak. However, cooking steak in a frying pan is a great alternative and can give you a great steak in a fraction of the time. With the right tips, tricks, and techniques, you can master the art of cooking steak in a frying pan and enjoy a delicious and juicy steak every time.

This guide will provide you with all the information and advice you need to cook a perfect steak in a frying pan every time. We'll cover the right kinds of steak to use, the best temperature to cook your steak, how to sear your steak correctly, and how to create a perfect sear on the steak. Keep reading to learn how to cook a steak in a frying pan that will have your guests begging for more.

Step 1: Preparing the Steak for Cooking

Before you even think about cooking your steak, you should know a few things about it and the preparation required to cook it properly. Depending on the cut and method of cooking, steaks can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Before cooking, ensure your steak is adequately rested and at room temperature. This will allow the steak to cook evenly, which is key to cooking a perfect steak in all cuts.

As for the type of steak you should choose, we have outlined here the best types of steak −

T-Bone Steak

A T-bone steak is perfect for cooking in a frying pan. It is a large cut of steak with beautiful marbling and a great flavor. Cooking a T-bone steak in a frying pan is very easy, and you can do it in just a few minutes because of its thickness.

Ribeye Steak

The ribeye is a very juicy and flavorful steak that is perfect for different types of cooking. It is a large cut of steak and is excellent for cooking in a frying pan because it has an abundance of marbling, which gives it a lot of flavors and makes it a very juicy steak.

New York Strip Steak

The New York strip is an excellent steak for pan frying because it has a lot of marbling and a strong flavor. Pan-frying New York strip steaks are a great way to cook the steak because it is a quick method and keeps the steak very moist and tender.

Step 2: Preheating the Frying Pan

The first and most important step to cooking a great steak in a frying pan is preheating the pan before adding the steak. The pan must be boiling before adding the steak and cooking it. When preheating the pan, please don't use any oil; it will burn and create smoke, making its way into your steak.

The best way to preheat the pan is to place it over very high heat and let it heat up for several minutes until it is scorching hot. When the pan's surface is hot enough, the oil starts to jump and sizzle. Once the pan is hot enough, add a little bit of oil to the pan and let it heat up.

Step 3: Cooking the Steak

When it comes time to cook the steak, make sure you don't overcrowd the pan. You will only end up steaming the steak instead of searing it and getting an inferior finish.

When it’s time to flip the steak over, you should use a large pair of tongs. Using a fork or a pair of scissors will only push the steak around in the pan, making crumb-like areas on the steak. Using a large frying pan, you can cook multiple steaks. Just make sure you give each steak plenty of room to cook.

Step 4: Checking for Doneness

You should check for doneness when the steak is about two-thirds of the way done. The best way to do this is to use a meat thermometer. You can use the meat thermometer to check the steak's internal temperature.

The recommended temperature for rare steak is between 55 and 60 degrees Celsius. Medium steak is between 60 and 65 degrees Celsius, and well-done steak is between 75 and 80 degrees Celsius.

When checking the temperature of the steak with a thermometer, ensure it is inserted vertically into the steak, not horizontally. This will ensure that the meat is cooked correctly and the temperature is even throughout the steak's interior.

Step 5: Resting the Steak

After you've taken the steak off the heat and it has been sitting for about 5 minutes, take it out of the pan and put it on a plate. Could you not put it back in the pan? Please don't throw the steak on a plate; try to eat it immediately.

It needs to rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to settle and be reabsorbed by the steak. This will prevent the liquids from running out onto the plate and dry your steak. It will also prevent the juices from spilling onto your guests' plates and making a mess.

Step 6: Searing the Steak

After you've cooked the steak to the recommended temperature and it has been resting, you need to finish it with a quick sear in the pan to give it a rich and flavorful crust. You can also do this in a frying pan if you don't have a cast iron skillet.

Searing your steak is easy and can be done by placing your pan back over high heat. When the pan is hot, add a little oil to the pan to prevent the steak from sticking to the surface. When the oil is hot, place the steak in the pan and put it in the same direction it was cooked. Let the steak sear for about 1 minute.

Step 7: Serving the Steak

Once the steak has been seared, transfer it back to a plate and rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to settle again and soak back into the steak. After the steak has rested, cut it into thin slices and serve it to your guests. You can also do it with a sauce, vegetables, or side dishes.

Conclusion

Make yourself a steak when you want to celebrate something or pamper yourself. You can cook steaks quickly and easily in a frying pan and experiment with a wide variety of cuts that would be prohibitively expensive if purchased from a steakhouse.

Ensure you have all the ingredients before cooking the steak in the frying pan. Always use a meat thermometer, make sure your pan is hot, and cook your steaks properly by selecting the perfect cuts without crowding the pan. Knowing how to fry a steak means having a satisfying meal whenever you like.