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10 Mistakes To Avoid When Making Steak

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Jun 15, 2021
07:00 P.M.

Do you want to learn how to cook a crusty steak on the outside and juicy on the inside? You came to the right place.

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If you find it hard to cook a steak in a restaurant-like perfection, do not worry. You're probably making one, two, or more of the mistakes below.

So no more cooking dry meat and get ready to cook juicy and tender steak every time. Here are the ten mistakes to avoid:

Cooking It Straight From The Fridge

Photo by Nanxi wei on Unsplash

Photo by Nanxi wei on Unsplash

Do you normally take your steak from the fridge and toss it on the pan? Don't do that! Before cooking your piece of steak, take it out of the refrigerator and let it out at room temperature for 10 minutes. This allows the meat to cook evenly.

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You Forget To Season The Steak

Photo by Edson Saldaña on Unsplash

Photo by Edson Saldaña on Unsplash

To have a flavorful and juicy steak, you shouldn't skip the seasoning. Seasoning here can be something simple as salt and pepper for 30 to 40 minutes before cooking, but be generous, and don't forget to season the sides of the steak as well!

Getting The Wrong Cut

Photo by Kyle Mackie on Unsplash

Photo by Kyle Mackie on Unsplash

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There are plenty of meat cuts, and to get a tasteful steak, you should learn the different variations. For instance, some steaks are better on the barbecue and others on the frying pan. Treating all steaks the same can deprive you of the best possible flavor.

Using Olive Oil

Photo by Alexis Antoine on Unsplash

Photo by Alexis Antoine on Unsplash

Olive oil is excellent for seasoning and cooking food on low heat. When it passes its smoke point, it releases toxins and unpleasant flavor. Make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as grape seed, canola, sunflower, and vegetable.

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Turning the Steak Several Times

Photo by Paul Hermann on Unsplash

Photo by Paul Hermann on Unsplash

If you keep moving the steak in the pan and turning it more than once, you risk drying it out. So, once you put the steak in the pan, please don't move it. If it's sticking to the pan, it means it's not ready yet, so wait a bit longer.

The Pan Isn't Hot Enough

Photo by Krzysztof Hepner on Unsplash

Photo by Krzysztof Hepner on Unsplash

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It's recommended to pre-heat the pan for few minutes before you put the steak in it. A way to know if the pan is hot enough is to hover your hand over it, and if you feel the heat coming off the pan, that means it's time to fry your steak.

You're Overcooking the Steak

Photo by iman zaker on Unsplash

Photo by iman zaker on Unsplash

Knowing when your meat is ready to be removed from the heat is the key to a perfectly cooked steak. There is three steak doneness: rare, medium, and well done. You can use the back of your tongue to check it.

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You Don't Allow Your Steak To Rest After Cooking It

Photo by Chad Montano on Unsplash

Photo by Chad Montano on Unsplash

If you're used to serving your steak right after cooking it, you might be preventing it from getting the tenderness you wish. Rest your steak at room temperature for about 10 minutes once it's cooked, and don't slice it right away.

Using the Wrong Pan

Photo by Rayia Soderberg on Unsplash

Photo by Rayia Soderberg on Unsplash

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You should opt for a pan that can take higher temperatures, so choose stainless steel or a cast iron pan. They both achieve high temperatures, and they can be transferred to the oven. If you're frying more than one steak, make sure to leave enough room between them.

Not Cleaning the Grill

Photo by Katerina Jerabkova on Unsplash

Photo by Katerina Jerabkova on Unsplash

It's tedious and boring to clean the grill, but a dirty grill makes the steak stick to the grate, adhere to, and tear it. To get the perfect steak, you'll need a clean grill too. To make your life easier, clean the grill each time you use it.

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