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October 27, 2024
When it comes to cooking steak, achieving the perfect medium rare is a true art. This cooking method allows the steak to develop a flavorful crust while retaining its juicy and tender interior. If you have a thin steak and desire a medium rare doneness, follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering result.
Step 1: Season the steak
Before cooking your thin steak, it’s essential to season it generously. Sprinkle both sides of the steak with salt and pepper, or you can get creative with your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to enhance its tenderness.
Step 2: Preheat the skillet
A hot skillet is crucial for achieving a perfectly cooked medium rare steak. Place a skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. You can add a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet to prevent the steak from sticking.
Step 3: Cook the steak
Carefully place the seasoned steak in the preheated skillet. Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on each side. For a medium rare doneness, the internal temperature of the steak should read around 135-140°F (57-60°C). To ensure accurate temperature, use a meat thermometer.
Step 4: Let it rest, then serve
Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time allows the meat to reabsorb its juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. Slice the steak against the grain and serve it immediately.
Conclusion
Cooking a thin steak to medium rare perfection doesn’t have to be a challenge. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a steak that is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Remember to season the steak, preheat the skillet, cook it to the desired doneness, and let it rest before serving. With practice, you’ll become a master at cooking the perfect medium rare steak every time.
Step-by-step Guide: How to Cook a Perfect Medium Rare Thin Steak
If you prefer your steak cooked medium rare, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve that juicy and perfectly cooked thin steak.
Ingredients:
- Thin steak (such as sirloin or skirt steak)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Take the thin steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure more even cooking.
- Preheat a griddle or a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Season both sides of the steak with salt and black pepper. Use your fingers to gently press the seasoning into the meat.
- Add a drizzle of vegetable oil to the hot griddle or frying pan and let it heat up.
- Place the seasoned thin steak onto the hot griddle or frying pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side for medium rare doneness. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the steak.
- Use a pair of tongs to flip the steak, ensuring an even cook on both sides.
- Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the steak from the griddle or frying pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more tender steak.
- Slice the thin steak against the grain and serve immediately.
There you have it! Follow these simple steps to cook a delicious medium rare thin steak that will impress your family and friends.
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to cooking a thin steak to medium rare perfection, choosing the right cut of meat is key. While many steak cuts are suitable for this cooking method, some cuts work better than others.
1. Ribeye: Ribeye steaks are known for their rich flavor and marbling. The marbling helps keep the steak juicy and tender during cooking, making it an excellent choice for cooking a thin steak.
2. Striploin: Striploin steaks, also known as New York strip steaks, are another great choice for cooking a thin steak. They have a good amount of marbling and are flavorful without being overly fatty.
3. Filet Mignon: Filet mignon is a tender and lean cut of steak that is perfect for cooking a thin steak to medium rare. It’s a popular choice for steak lovers who prefer a leaner option.
When choosing a cut of steak, look for one that is about 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks will cook faster and are easier to achieve a medium rare doneness with. Additionally, look for steaks that have even thickness throughout to ensure even cooking.
Note: While these cuts are recommended for cooking a thin steak, feel free to experiment with other cuts as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid over or undercooking the meat.
Preparing the Steak
Before cooking the thin steak, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it turns out perfectly medium rare.
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the steak cook more evenly.
- Pat the steak dry using paper towels. This will remove any excess moisture on the surface, allowing for better browning.
- Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any other desired spices or herbs at this point.
- Preheat a skillet or grill pan over high heat for a few minutes. You want the pan to be hot so that the steak sears quickly.
- Brush the pan with a small amount of oil or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the steak from sticking.
Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to start cooking your thin steak to medium rare perfection!
Seasoning the Meat
Before cooking your thin steak, it’s important to season it properly to enhance its flavor. Here are some steps to follow:
Gather the Ingredients
To season the meat, you will need:
- A thin steak
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
Make sure you have all these ingredients readily available before you start the seasoning process.
Season the Steak
To begin, generously sprinkle salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides of the steak. Rub the seasoning into the meat using your hands, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
Next, drizzle olive oil over the steak and gently rub it into the surface. This will help the seasoning adhere to the meat and prevent it from sticking to the cooking surface.
Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This will also ensure that the steak cooks more evenly.
Remember, the amount of seasoning is subjective and depends on your personal preference. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste.
Preheating the Grill or Pan
Before cooking your steak, it is important to preheat your grill or pan to ensure even cooking and a delicious sear. Here’s how to preheat your cooking surface:
Using a Grill:
- Start by cleaning the grill grates with a brush to remove any leftover debris.
- Next, turn on the grill to high heat and close the lid.
- Allow the grill to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure it is hot enough.
- Once the grill is preheated, reduce the heat to medium-high for cooking your thin steak.
Using a Pan:
- Select a heavy-bottomed pan, such as cast iron, for best results.
- Place the pan on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium-high.
- Allow the pan to preheat for a few minutes until it is hot.
- You can check if the pan is hot enough by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates immediately, the pan is ready.
Remember, preheating your cooking surface is essential to achieving a perfectly cooked medium rare steak. Make sure to follow these steps for a delicious and tender result.
Cooking the Steak
1. Preheat your grill or stovetop pan on medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Place the steak on the grill or pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium rare.
4. If using a grill, make sure to sear the steak on high heat for about 1 minute on each side to get those beautiful grill marks.
5. For a stovetop pan, use a tablespoon of vegetable oil and cook the steak until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. If you prefer a more well-done steak, cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side.
7. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium rare steak, it should read around 135°F/57°C.
8. Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the grill or pan and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
9. Slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately.
| Steak Doneness | Internal Temperature (°F) | Internal Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F – 130°F | 52°C – 54°C |
| Medium Rare | 135°F | 57°C |
| Medium | 140°F – 145°F | 60°C – 63°C |
| Medium Well | 150°F – 155°F | 66°C – 68°C |
| Well Done | 160°F+ | 71°C+ |
Resting and Serving the Steak
Once the steak is cooked to the desired level of doneness, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
To rest the steak, remove it from the heat source and place it on a cutting board. Loosely tent the steak with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
The recommended resting time is about 5 minutes for a thin steak cooked to medium rare. This short resting period allows the steak to relax and retain its juices.
While the steak is resting, take the opportunity to gather any additional ingredients or sides you plan to serve with it, such as a side salad or steamed vegetables. This will ensure that everything is ready to be served at the same time.
After the resting period, it is time to slice and serve the steak. Using a sharp knife, cut the steak against the grain into thin slices. This will help ensure that each bite is tender and easy to chew.
Place the sliced steak on a serving platter or individual plates, and garnish as desired. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a drizzle of sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
Serve the steak immediately while it is still warm. Thin steaks cook quickly, so it is essential to serve them as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming tough or overcooked.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked medium rare thin steak!
Q&A
What is the ideal temperature to cook a thin steak medium rare?
The ideal temperature to cook a thin steak medium rare is around 54-57°C (130-135°F).
How long should I cook a thin steak to achieve medium rare doneness?
To achieve medium rare doneness, you should cook a thin steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Should I marinate a thin steak before cooking?
Marinating a thin steak before cooking is not necessary, as thin steaks tend to cook quickly and can absorb flavors quickly during the cooking process.
What is the best method to cook a thin steak?
The best method to cook a thin steak is to quickly sear it on high heat for a couple of minutes on each side. This will help to lock in the juices and cook it to a perfect medium rare.