Cooking a cut up steak on the stove is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced chef, this method allows you to achieve perfectly cooked and tender steak every time.
Step 1: Choose the Right Cut of Steak
When cooking steak on the stove, it’s important to choose a cut of meat that is suitable for this cooking method. Look for cuts of steak that are tender and well-marbled, such as ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon. These cuts will result in a juicy and flavorful steak.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak
Before you start cooking, it’s important to properly prepare the steak. Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature, which will ensure even cooking. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or use your favorite steak seasoning blend for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
To cook the steak on the stove, you’ll need a heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan. Heat the pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot. You can test the temperature by sprinkling a few drops of water onto the surface – if it sizzles and evaporates immediately, the pan is ready.
Step 4: Cook the Steak
Place the seasoned steak in the hot pan and let it sear for a few minutes on each side. Avoid overcrowding the pan – cook the steak in batches if necessary. Searing the steak will create a delicious crust and lock in the juices. Use tongs to flip the steak and cook it to your desired level of doneness.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Serve the cut up steak on a plate and enjoy it with your favorite side dishes or sauces.
Tip: For added flavor, you can melt a pat of butter on top of the steak during the resting period.
By following these simple steps, you can cook a delicious cut up steak on the stove and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills. So go ahead, get in the kitchen, and start cooking!
Preparing the Steak
Before cooking the cut up steak on the stove, it’s important to properly prepare it. Follow these steps to ensure your steak turns out delicious:
1. Season the Steak
Start by seasoning the steak with your choice of spices and herbs. Common options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the seasonings on both sides of the steak, pressing lightly to ensure they adhere to the meat.
2. Let the Steak Come to Room Temperature
Allow the seasoned steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a juicy and tender result.
3. Heat the Cooking Oil
Place a tablespoon of cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, in a large skillet or frying pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers and appears slightly wavy.
4. Pat the Steak Dry
Remove any excess moisture from the steak by patting it dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents the steak from steaming in the pan.
5. Prepare a Plate or Tray
Have a clean plate or tray ready to transfer the cooked steak onto. This allows the steak to rest before serving, which helps the juices redistribute and the meat to become more tender.
6. Cut the Steak into Pieces
If your steak is not already cut up, use a sharp knife to slice it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to cook and serve.
7. Optional: Tenderize the Steak
If desired, tenderize the steak by using a meat tenderizer or by marinating it in a tenderizing mixture. This step can help break down the muscle fibers and result in a more tender steak.
Once you have prepared the steak, you are ready to move on to the next steps of cooking it on the stove.
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to cooking cut-up steak on the stove, choosing the right cut of steak is crucial for a delicious and tender result. Different cuts of steak have varying levels of tenderness, marbling, and flavor. Here are some popular cuts to consider:
Ribeye
The ribeye is a flavorful and tender cut that comes from the rib area of the cow. It has a generous amount of marbling, which gives it a rich and juicy taste. This cut is suitable for stove cooking as it cooks quickly and has a good balance of tenderness and flavor.
Sirloin
The sirloin is a leaner cut of steak that comes from the rear back portion of the cow. It has less marbling compared to ribeye, but it is still flavorful and tender. Sirloin steaks are versatile and can be cooked on the stove to your desired level of doneness.
Tenderloin
The tenderloin, also known as filet mignon, is the most tender cut of steak. It comes from the smaller area of the cow and has very little marbling. This cut is ideal for stove cooking as it cooks quickly and requires minimal seasoning to enhance its natural flavor.
When choosing a cut of steak for stove cooking, consider your preferences for tenderness, flavor, and marbling. It’s also important to consider the thickness of the steak and adjust cooking times accordingly. Enjoy experimenting with different cuts and cooking techniques to find your favorite way to cook cut-up steak on the stove!
Seasoning the Meat
Seasoning the meat is an essential step to enhance its flavor. Here are some options for seasoning your cut up steak:
1. Salt and Pepper
Start by generously sprinkling salt and pepper on both sides of the steak pieces. This simple combination of seasonings brings out the natural flavors of the meat.
2. Marinade
If you prefer a more flavorful and tender steak, you can marinate the meat before cooking. Prepare a marinade of your choice using ingredients like soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices. Place the steak pieces in a container and coat them with the marinade. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Note: Make sure to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.
3. Dry Rub
An alternative to marinades is a dry rub. Create a mixture of your favorite herbs and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and brown sugar. Rub the mixture onto both sides of the steak pieces, pressing it into the meat to ensure it adheres well. Let the meat sit with the dry rub for about 15-30 minutes before cooking. This method adds a delicious crust and flavor to the steak.
Remember: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and ratios to create your own unique flavor profile.
After seasoning the meat, you’re ready to move on to the next step of cooking the cut-up steak on the stove.
Cooking on the Stove
When it comes to cooking cut-up steak on the stove, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure a delicious and perfectly cooked meal. Whether you prefer a tender and juicy steak or a well-done piece of meat, the stove provides a convenient and efficient way to cook your steak to perfection.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Besides the cut-up steak, you will need salt and pepper to season the meat, and oil or butter to cook with. Additionally, you may want to have some herbs and spices on hand to add extra flavor to your steak.
Prepare the Steak
Prior to cooking, it’s important to properly prepare the steak. Pat the meat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure a nice sear when cooking. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides, or any other desired seasonings.
Cooking the Steak
To cook the cut-up steak on the stove, start by heating a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan and let it heat up. Once the oil or butter is hot, carefully add the seasoned steak to the pan.
Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use tongs or a spatula to flip the steak, being careful not to pierce the meat and release its juices. If you prefer a well-done steak, you can cook it for a few minutes longer on each side.
Resting and Serving
After cooking, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Slice the steak against the grain and serve it hot with your favorite sides and garnishes.
Cooking cut-up steak on the stove is a simple and versatile cooking method that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking times to achieve your desired level of doneness and flavor profile. With a little practice, you’ll be able to cook a delicious steak that rivals those from your favorite steakhouse!
Preheating the Pan
When cooking cut up steak on the stove, it’s important to start with a preheated pan. This will help ensure that your steak cooks evenly and gets a nice sear.
Follow these steps to preheat your pan:
- Place your pan on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Allow the pan to heat up for a few minutes until it is hot. You can test the temperature by sprinkling a few drops of water onto the pan – if they sizzle and evaporate almost immediately, the pan is ready.
- You can also use the “hand test” to check the temperature of the pan. Hold your hand about 6 inches above the pan – if you can feel the heat radiating off the surface, the pan is ready.
- Once the pan is preheated, you can add some oil or butter to the pan. This will help prevent the steak from sticking to the pan and add flavor.
By preheating your pan properly, you’ll be on your way to cooking a delicious cut up steak on the stove.
FAQ
What is the best way to cook cut up steak on the stove?
The best way to cook cut up steak on the stove is to start by seasoning the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Then, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the steak pieces to the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side, until browned and cooked to the desired level of doneness.
How long should I cook cut up steak on the stove?
The cooking time for cut up steak on the stove will depend on the thickness of the steak pieces and the desired level of doneness. Generally, for medium-rare, you should cook the steak pieces for about 3-4 minutes per side. If you prefer your steak more well-done, you can cook it for a few minutes longer on each side. It’s important not to overcook the steak to ensure that it remains tender and juicy.
Do I need to marinate cut up steak before cooking it on the stove?
Marinating the cut-up steak before cooking it on the stove is not necessary, but it can enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat. If you have time, you can marinate the steak pieces for about 30 minutes to a few hours in a mixture of your choice, such as a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. However, if you don’t have time to marinate, simply seasoning the steak with salt, pepper, and spices will still result in a tasty meal.
Can I use any type of steak for cooking on the stove?
You can use various types of steak for cooking on the stove, depending on your preference. Some popular choices include sirloin, ribeye, striploin, and tenderloin. These cuts are generally tender and flavorful. You can choose a cut that suits your taste and budget. Keep in mind that different cuts may require slightly different cooking times and techniques, so it’s important to adjust accordingly.
What should I serve with cut up steak cooked on the stove?
There are many delicious sides that go well with cut up steak cooked on the stove. Some popular options include roasted or mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, salad, sautéed mushrooms, or a side of garlic bread. You can also pair it with a sauce or gravy of your choice, such as peppercorn sauce, mushroom sauce, or chimichurri. The choice of side dishes will depend on your personal preferences and the overall meal you want to create.
What is the best way to cook cut up steak on the stove?
The best way to cook cut up steak on the stove is to first season the meat with salt and pepper. Then, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add some cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the steak pieces to the skillet and cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness. Remember to let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.