Back to Basics – Steak Hacks

All you need to cook restaurant quality steak at home.   

If ordering a steak is your ‘go to’ when you’re eating out, but you lack the confidence to cook it at home, here are our top tips to cooking the perfect steak.  

More information about how to cook the perfect steak, can be found on our 'Make it Steak' page too.

10 Top Tips to cook the perfect steak  

1.  Bring to room temperature - remove steaks from the fridge at least 20 minutes before cooking for an even cooked steak.

2. Choose the right frying/griddle pan - if in doubt bigger is better. If too small, the temperature will fall when you add the steaks and you won’t achieve a lovely caramelised steak.

3.  Preheat your pan - ensure the frying or griddle pan is very hot before cooking. This helps you get a delicious crust on your steak.

4. Oil the steaks and not the pan - this helps any seasonings stick to your steak and avoids a smoky kitchen. Use an oil with a high-smoke-point such as vegetable or blended olive oils - never extra virgin!

5. Season your steak - After oiling, season your steak on both sides with salt and pepper, to develop a beautifully browned and tasty steak crust.

6. Avoid over-crowding the pan - cooking too many steaks at once can lower the temperature and the steaks will stew in their own juices!

7. Use tongs to check your steak - never turn by sticking a fork in, as it releases the tasty meat juices into your pan, which reduces the succulence of your steak. Similarly, never cut into your steak with a knife to see if it’s ready to eat either, as you will lose the steak meat juices. 

8. Grab your timer - to make sure you cook your steak for the desired times to achieve the right amount of cooking for your taste; 

Rare 2-3 mins on each side

Medium-rare 3-4 mins on each side

Medium 4-5 mins on each side

Well-done 6-7 mins on each side

9.  Let it rest - Once cooked, transfer your steak to a plate/chopping board and allow it to relax before serving to lock in its mouth-watering taste and texture. 

10. Make a sauce with pan juices - Use the juices from your rested steak to make an accompanying sauce such as peppercorn sauce, diane sauce or a red wine sauce to name a few.