How to Cook a Delicious Steak on the Stove

As much as we may love the taste, most of us don't want to stand out in the cold just to grill a steak in the winter. Luckily, that is no longer necessary. This article tells you how to make healthy, mouth-watering steaks right on top of your stove.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your favorite brand of steaks
• Pre-bottled or your own homemade steak seasonings
• Browning sauce
• Butter or margarine
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Large skillet (preferably cast iron)

How to Cook a Delicious Steak on the Stove

1. If you don't already have steaks on hand, make a trip to the store to purchase your favorite meat cuts. This process will work on everything from cheap sirloin to filet mignon.

2. Season your steaks with your favorite seasonings. If you don't have any in particular, try garlic salt, seasoning salt, and pepper.

3. In a large skillet, melt approximately one tablespoon of butter or margarine. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and blend the two together over high heat.

4. Once the pan is sizzling hot, add the steaks to the skillet. Let them brown significantly on the first side before turning them over.

5. Once they are brown on both sides, cut small slits into the steaks so that you can watch the internal cooking process.

6. Pour one and one-half teaspoons of browning sauce on each side of the steaks during their last flip over.

7. Remove the steaks once they reach the desired temperature as determined either by a meat thermometer or by sight.
   
   Sight identify steaks this way: Rare steaks are browned evenly on each side but still red internally. Medium rare steaks are still red inside but no longer dispense blood when pressed lightly. Medium steaks remain pink on the interior. Medium well steaks are barely pink inside. Well done steaks are cooked brown throughout.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose steak varities with little fat content.
• Be certain the skillet is very hot before adding the steaks. This will help to ensure that the flavors are instantly sealed inside the meat.
• For tender steaks, do not over cook. The tenderest steaks are generally medium rare to medium.
• For those watching salt intake, eliminate any spice that contains salt.
• You can substitute soy sauce for browning sauce if you prefer. However, because soy sauce is salty, eliminate any other salty spices.
• You can substitute minced or fresh garlic for garlic salt for a heavier garlic flavor.
• Use salt substitutes and flavorings for a healthier option.
• If the skillet is heated properly, it is very hot. Be careful not to touch its surface.
• Make certain that rare steaks are at least browned on the outside to kill as much bacteria as possible.
• Avoid over salting.

[tundranut]

on 3/6/2009 Yum. Great tips. Thanks. 5*

[KuanShiYin]

on 2/17/2009 Thanks -- good tips on picking steaks.