The Oily Mistake You're Making With Steak
A sizzling, perfectly cooked steak is the ultimate indulgence for meat lovers. There are many ways to cook a steak — grilling, pan-frying, and even in the air fryer. Different cuts require different grilling methods and depend on your preferences. While there is a wide swath of opinions on how to cook it, there are also strong opinions on how well-done a steak should be. Chef Michael Lomonaco of Porter House Bar and Grill recommends ordering steak rare to medium rare. He says the best and "beefiest" flavor is achieved when steak is served medium rare. The longer and more well-done a steak gets, the chewier and tougher it gets (per Insider).
When you're in the mood for a good steak but don't want to travel to a steakhouse, there are some tried and true rules to follow to achieve the perfect meaty dinner at home. Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck knows what it takes to make a great steak. His top tip includes using room temperature meat and seasoning thoroughly on both sides. But if you're a novice or it seems impossible to achieve a well-cooked piece of meat, there is one major mistake that you may not realize you're making.
Oil the steak, not the pan
People often mistake pouring oil directly into the skillet instead of oiling the steak first. According to Delish, you should first lay the steak on a plate, coat it with oil, and massage the oil into the meat. You don't want to add too much extra oil to the pan or the meat because it can get greasy, making it difficult for the steak to cook evenly and thoroughly. Too much grease hinders the steak from getting a brown and charred crust. Also, a light coat of oil on the meat instead of the pan will leave you splatter-free (via Joe).
It's also crucial that the pan you cook in is scorching hot. According to Steak School, it should be so hot that you can hear an audible sizzle when the meat hits the inside surface. The heat helps the steak achieve a nice, crisp outer layer. Another reminder is that steak will continue to cook even when it's removed from the heat, so make sure you let it rest to ensure the juices are absorbed and maintained (per Seven Sons).