Achieving the perfect sear on a steak is a culinary triumph worth mastering. With just a few key steps, you can cook a steak to remember and crave!
Firstly, protect your hands with gloves, not only guarding against aging but also preserving your manicure. Then, grab a cheap or an opened bottle of red wine as a marinade, letting your steak soak up its rich flavors for at least 24 hours. The wine not only tenderizes the meat but also gives it an absolutely delicious flavor.
As you prepare to sear, ensure your pan is scorching hot. Test its readiness with a sprinkle of salt, and once confirmed, lower the flames to set the pan for the perfect sear.
Remove your steak from the marinade, gently place it in the pan, and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Let your steak sit for a few minutes and resist the urge to peek and prod as it sears, allowing it to develop a perfect caramelization. Trust the process and let it rest, allowing the flavors to meld and the edges to crisp. Flip after a few minutes to cook the second side.
It’s often helpful to test your steak’s readiness after the second side cooks with a digital meat thermometer. Remove the steak when it reaches a temperature of 120 Fahrenheit, and as it rests, it will continue to cook.
Final word: I prefer cooking steaks in a cast iron pan. Use that if you have one, otherwise, use a good steady nonstick pan. Happy searing!
