Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to cook a perfect medium-rare steak in a pan. Achieving that juicy, tender, and flavorful steak can seem daunting, but with the right techniques and understanding, you can master this culinary art at home. By following these step-by-step instructions and tips, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with restaurant-quality steak right from your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start with the basics

1. Choose the right steak: Begin by selecting a high-quality steak like ribeye, striploin, or tenderloin with good marbling for flavor. Make sure the steak is at room temperature before cooking.

2. Season generously: Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides liberally with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, paprika, or herbs for extra flavor.

3. Preheat your pan: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan and heat it over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add a small amount of oil with a high smoke point like canola or grapeseed oil.

4. Sear the steak: Carefully place the steak in the hot pan. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes without moving it to develop a nice crust. Use tongs to flip the steak and sear the other side.

Consider the next steps

5. Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a perfect medium-rare steak, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C).

6. Rest the steak: Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy steak.

7. Slice and serve: After resting, slice the steak against the grain into even pieces. Serve it on a warm plate and garnish with a pat of butter or fresh herbs for added richness.

Advanced techniques

8. Basting: For extra flavor, consider basting the steak with butter, garlic, and herbs during the cooking process. This adds richness and depth to the steak.

9. Reverse sear: If you prefer a more controlled cooking method, try the reverse sear technique. Start by baking the steak in a low oven until it reaches 10-15°F below