The New York strip steak is a classic cut of beef that is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. Cooking it to a perfect medium-rare can be a challenge, but with the right technique, you can achieve a juicy and delicious steak every time.
To start, make sure to choose a high-quality New York strip steak. Look for one that is well-marbled with fat, as this will help keep the meat moist and tender. Allow the steak to come to room temperature before cooking, as this will help it cook more evenly.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. While the skillet is heating, season the steak generously with salt and pepper. Using tongs, carefully place the steak in the hot skillet and let it cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. This will create a crust on the outside of the steak.
After the first side is seared, flip the steak over and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes. This will result in a medium-rare steak, which will be pink and juicy in the center. If you prefer a more well-done steak, cook it for a few minutes longer on each side.
Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a knob of butter and some minced garlic to the skillet during the last minute of cooking. This will create a delicious pan sauce that can be drizzled over the steak.
Now that you know how to cook a New York strip steak to medium rare perfection, you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Serve it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
Preparation Steps for Cooking New York Strip Steak Medium Rare
Before you start cooking your New York strip steak, it’s important to properly prepare the meat to ensure a delicious medium rare result. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Choose a quality cut of meat
When it comes to cooking a perfect New York strip steak, the quality of the meat is crucial. Look for well-marbled steaks with a bright red color. This indicates that the meat will be tender and flavorful.
2. Bring the steak to room temperature
Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the meat to cook more evenly and ensures a tender result.
3. Season the steak
Generously season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. Optionally, you can add other seasonings like garlic powder or rosemary to enhance the flavor.
4. Preheat the grill or skillet
If you’re using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’re using a skillet, heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Make sure the cooking surface is hot before you start cooking to achieve a nice sear on the steak.
5. Cook the steak
Place the steak on the grill or in the hot skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium rare, or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (55-57°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
6. Let the steak rest
Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and juicy steak.
7. Slice and serve
After the resting period, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. This will help ensure tenderness. Serve the steak with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to cooking a New York strip steak, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. The New York strip steak comes from the same section of the cow as the T-bone steak and the porterhouse steak, but it is cut from the larger end of the loin. This means that the New York strip steak is leaner and more tender than other cuts.
If you prefer a steak with a bit more marbling and flavor, you can opt for a USDA Prime grade New York strip steak. This grade of beef has the highest level of marbling, which adds juiciness and flavor to the meat. However, if you’re looking for a leaner option, you can choose USDA Choice or Select grade New York strip steaks.
When selecting a New York strip steak, look for a cut that has a bright red color with white marbling throughout. The marbling should be evenly distributed, as this indicates a well-aged and well-marbled steak. Additionally, the steak should feel firm to the touch and have a slight sheen of moisture on the surface.
Overall, choosing the right cut of New York strip steak is essential to achieving the perfect medium rare cook. By selecting a cut with the right balance of marbling and tenderness, you can ensure a delicious and flavorful steak every time.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you can start cooking your New York strip steak to medium rare perfection, you’ll need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
New York strip steak: | 1 piece, about 1 inch thick |
Salt: | 1 teaspoon |
Black pepper: | 1/2 teaspoon |
Garlic powder: | 1/2 teaspoon |
Butter: | 1 tablespoon |
Olive oil: | 1 tablespoon |
Make sure to buy a good quality New York strip steak, preferably USDA Prime or Choice grade, as it will have more marbling and flavor. Also, have the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder ready for seasoning the steak. The butter and olive oil will be used for cooking the steak in the pan.
Preparing the Steak
Before cooking your New York strip steak, it is important to properly prepare it. Here are some steps to follow:
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help ensure even cooking.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the steak sear properly.
- Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any additional seasonings or herbs that you prefer.
- Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat. It is important to cook the steak at a high temperature to achieve a nice sear.
- If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the steak from sticking. If using a stovetop pan, add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan.
Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to cook your New York strip steak to medium rare perfection! But before doing so, make sure you have a meat thermometer on hand to check the internal temperature of the steak.
Cooking the Steak
1. Preheat your grill or frying pan to high heat. If you’re using a frying pan, make sure it’s oven-safe.
2. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or rosemary for extra flavor.
3. Place the steak on the grill or in the hot frying pan. Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium rare. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
4. While the steak is cooking, resist the temptation to press down on it with a spatula. This will cause the juices to escape and result in a less juicy steak.
5. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium rare, the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C).
6. Once the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the grill or frying pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to become more tender.
7. Optionally, you can brush the steak with melted butter or garlic butter during the resting period for added richness and flavor.
8. After the resting period, slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness. This means slicing perpendicular to the lines of muscle fibers.
9. Serve your cooked New York strip steak medium rare with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Checking the Doneness
Checking the doneness of your New York strip steak is crucial to ensure that it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Here are a few methods you can use to check if the steak is medium rare:
- Using a meat thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure not to touch the bone. For medium rare, the internal temperature should read around 135°F (57°C).
- Touch test: Press the center of the steak with your finger. If it feels slightly firm with a little give, it is likely medium rare. Be careful not to push too hard, as it can release the juices.
- Visual cues: Observe the color of the steak. A medium rare steak should have a warm pink center with a hint of red, while the outer edges should be browned. Cut into the steak slightly to check the color if needed.
Remember that the steak will continue to cook a few degrees more as it rests, so it’s best to slightly undercook it before removing it from the heat source. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a perfectly cooked medium rare New York strip steak.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your New York strip steak is cooked to a perfect medium rare, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! Follow these steps to make the most out of your delicious steak:
- Transfer the steak from the pan to a clean cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier steak.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain. This will help make the meat more tender and easier to chew.
- Arrange the slices on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish the steak with some fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve the steak hot, accompanied by some classic steakhouse sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Pair your steak with a glass of red wine or your favorite beverage to complement the flavors.
- Enjoy every bite of your perfectly cooked New York strip steak!
Remember, cooking a New York strip steak to medium rare ensures that it will be tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The serving and enjoying process is just as important as the cooking itself, so take your time to savor every delicious bite.
FAQ
What is the best way to cook a new york strip steak medium rare?
The best way to cook a new york strip steak medium rare is to start by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper. Then, preheat a skillet or grill to high heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side to get a nice crust, and then transfer it to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) to finish cooking to the desired temperature. For medium rare, cook the steak for an additional 4-6 minutes in the oven. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
What is the cooking time for a medium rare new york strip steak?
The cooking time for a medium rare new york strip steak is about 2-3 minutes per side to get a nice sear, and then an additional 4-6 minutes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) to finish cooking to the desired temperature. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the heat of your skillet or grill. It’s best to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium rare, the steak should reach an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
Can I cook a new york strip steak medium rare on a grill?
Yes, you can cook a new york strip steak medium rare on a grill. To do this, start by preheating your grill to high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper, and then place it directly on the hot grill grates. Cook the steak for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium rare. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of the steak. Once cooked, let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
What is the difference between rare, medium rare, and medium steak?
The difference between rare, medium rare, and medium steak lies in the internal temperature and doneness of the meat. Rare steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C), and has a cool red center. Medium rare steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C), and has a warm red center. Medium steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), and has a hot pink center. The doneness of the steak affects its tenderness and juiciness, so it’s important to cook it to your desired level of doneness.
Why is it important to let the steak rest before slicing and serving?
It is important to let the steak rest before slicing and serving because this allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. When you cook a steak, the heat causes the juices to move toward the center of the steak. If you cut into the steak immediately after cooking, the juices will run out and the steak will become dry. By letting the steak rest for a few minutes, the juices have a chance to redistribute back into the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak.