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December 10, 2024
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook steak, look no further than pan-searing. Ranch steak, known for its rich flavor and tenderness, is perfect for this cooking method. Pan-searing allows you to achieve a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. With a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering ranch steak right in your own kitchen.
Preparing the Steak
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to properly prepare your ranch steak. Begin by seasoning it generously with salt and pepper, ensuring that all sides are covered. You can also add your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. Allow the steak to come to room temperature, which will help it cook more evenly.
Pro tip: For an extra tender and flavorful steak, marinate it in your choice of marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Choosing the Right Pan
When it comes to pan-searing, selecting the right pan is crucial. A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan works best for achieving a perfect sear. Make sure the pan is large enough to fit your steak comfortably without overcrowding.
Cooking the Steak
To get that beautiful crust and ensure even cooking, heat your pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter and let it heat until shimmering. Gently place the seasoned ranch steak into the pan, being careful not to overcrowd it. Allow the steak to sear for a few minutes on each side, depending on your preference for doneness.
Pro tip: For medium-rare, cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Resting and Serving
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Serve your ranch steak with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Pro tip: For an added burst of flavor, drizzle your cooked steak with a homemade garlic butter sauce or top it with sautéed mushrooms and onions.
Choose the right cut
When cooking ranch steak in a pan, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. The ranch steak is a cut that comes from the shoulder of the cow. It is a flavorful and tender cut that is perfect for pan frying. Some other names for this cut include shoulder center steak, boneless shoulder center steak, and shoulder steak.
Look for marbling
When selecting your ranch steak, look for the presence of marbling. Marbling refers to the thin streaks of fat that are interspersed throughout the muscle. This fat helps to ensure that the steak remains juicy and tender during cooking. Look for a good amount of marbling, but be careful not to choose a steak that is excessively fatty.
Avoid tough cuts
Avoid cuts of ranch steak that are tough or have a lot of connective tissue. Tough cuts will require longer cooking times or special cooking techniques like braising to become tender. Instead, choose steaks that are relatively tender and well-suited for quick pan frying.
Prepare the steak
Before cooking the ranch steak, it is important to properly prepare it to enhance its flavor and ensure a juicy and tender result.
1. Choose the right cut
Start by selecting a high-quality ranch steak cut. Look for a well-marbled piece of meat, as this will provide more flavor and tenderness.
2. Season the steak
Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat.
3. Tenderize the steak (optional)
If you prefer a more tender steak, you can tenderize it by using a meat mallet or a fork. This process helps to break down the muscle fibers and make the steak more tender.
4. Preheat the pan
Before cooking the steak, preheat a pan over medium-high heat. Heating the pan beforehand helps to sear the steak and lock in its juices.
5. Oil the pan
Coat the preheated pan with a thin layer of oil, such as vegetable or olive oil. This prevents the steak from sticking to the pan and adds flavor to the meat.
6. Pat the steak dry
Before placing the steak in the pan, use a paper towel to pat it dry. This removes any excess moisture, allowing the steak to sear properly and develop a flavorful crust.
7. Cook the steak
Place the seasoned and dried steak in the preheated pan. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. Adjust the cooking time for your preferred level of doneness.
8. Let it rest
Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
9. Slice and serve
Finally, slice the cooked ranch steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Serve it hot and enjoy!
Season the steak
Before cooking the ranch steak, it’s important to season it to enhance the flavor.
Start by patting the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Next, generously season both sides of the steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will help to bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
If desired, you can also add additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or a steak seasoning blend for extra flavor.
Marinate the steak
For even more flavor, you can marinate the ranch steak before cooking it.
In a bowl, combine your choice of marinade ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Place the steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure that it’s fully coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.
Remember to discard the marinade after use as it has come into contact with raw meat.
Note: Marinating is optional, and you can still achieve a delicious ranch steak by simply seasoning it.
Preheat the pan
Before cooking the ranch steak in a pan, it is important to preheat the pan to ensure even cooking and a delicious crust. Here are the steps to preheat the pan:
- Place the pan on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium-high.
- Allow the pan to heat up for a few minutes until it is hot but not smoking.
- If using a non-stick pan, make sure the pan is fully preheated before adding the steak.
- If using a cast iron or stainless steel pan, you can preheat the pan in the oven for about 10 minutes.
By preheating the pan, you will create a nice sear on the steak, which will help to lock in the juices and enhance the flavor. Remember to handle the hot pan with caution and use oven mitts or a heat-resistant handle cover when necessary.
Cook the steak
Once your steak has been marinated and brought to room temperature, it’s time to cook it. Follow these steps to cook the ranch steak in a pan:
1. Preheat the pan: Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Let it heat up for a few minutes until it’s hot.
2. Add oil: Drizzle a small amount of oil into the pan and spread it around using a brush or spatula.
3. Sear the steak: Place the marinated ranch steak onto the hot pan. Allow the steak to sear undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom. This will help to lock in the juices.
4. Flip the steak: Use a pair of tongs to carefully flip the steak to the other side. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the desired level of doneness is reached. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C).
5. Rest the steak: Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and place it onto a cutting board or plate. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
6. Slice and serve: After resting, slice your ranch steak against the grain into thin strips. This ensures tenderness. Serve it alongside your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your preference.
Now that you know how to cook ranch steak in a pan, you can impress your family and friends with a delicious and flavorful meal!
Let the steak rest
After cooking the ranch steak in the pan, it’s important to let it rest before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
To let the steak rest, transfer it to a clean cutting board or serving plate. Tent the steak loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm. Let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows the internal temperature of the meat to even out and the juices to settle.
During this time, the steak will continue to cook slightly, so keep that in mind when determining the desired level of doneness. It’s best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches your preferred doneness.
| Preferred Doneness | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 120-125°F (49-51°C) |
| Medium Rare | 130-135°F (54-57°C) |
| Medium | 140-145°F (60-63°C) |
| Medium Well | 150-155°F (66-68°C) |
| Well Done | 160°F (71°C) and above |
Once the steak has rested, you can proceed to slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve the ranch steak with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
FAQ
What is a ranch steak?
A ranch steak is a cut of beef that comes from the shoulder of the animal. It is a tender and flavorful cut, similar to a ribeye or a strip steak.
How do I cook ranch steak in a pan?
To cook ranch steak in a pan, start by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper. Heat some oil in a skillet over high heat and add the steak. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your preference. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
What are some tips for cooking ranch steak?
Here are some tips for cooking ranch steak: make sure the steak is at room temperature before cooking, season it well with salt and pepper, heat the pan and oil until it’s very hot before adding the steak, and let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Can I cook ranch steak in the oven instead of a pan?
Yes, you can cook ranch steak in the oven instead of a pan. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the seasoned steak on a baking sheet. Cook for about 15-20 minutes for medium-rare, or until the desired level of doneness. Let the steak rest before slicing and serving.