Steak is the king of meats, so it's only natural that you should want to be able to cook it at home. With a few simple tricks, you will be able to cook the perfect steak every time.
First, make sure you start with a good quality steak. If you are buying your steak from the grocery store, get a choice cut of steak. If you can, buy your steak from a butcher. They'll be able to recommend the best cut and help you select a steak with an even thickness - something that's important for cooking up a perfectly cooked steak.
For the best results, use a cast iron skillet or griddle. A gas grill will also do the trick. If you don't have any of these, then a frying pan will do. Make sure to preheat the skillet or grill for at least 10 minutes before you put the steak on it. You want the surface to be screaming hot before you put the steak on it.
When you put the steak onto the hot skillet or grill, let it sit there without moving it. Cook it for 4 minutes and then flip it. Cook for another 4 minutes and take it off the heat. The temperature guide below will tell you how done the steak should be, but remember that this timing is for a 1.5-inch thick steak. If your steak is thicker or thinner, you'll need to adjust the timing accordingly.
Once you take your steak off the heat, let it rest for 10 minutes. This will allow the steak to finish cooking and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak.
Serve your steak with a garnish of your choice and a nice glass of red wine. Enjoy!
