How to Make Perfect Steak Every Time

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By Bethany Owens
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Make Perfect Steak Every Time

Wish you could make the perfect steak every time? Now you can create a fork tender, juicy and incredibly flavorful steak easily. This article will show you how to make perfect steak every time that's just as good as the steakhouse rivals!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Cuts.

The first step towards making that perfect steak is to select a cut of beef. There are a wide variety of cuts and each one varies greatly, with the most expensive cuts marbled evenly with fat. These are the most flavorful, but I'm going to show you how to take a cheap cut of beef and turn it into a tender, juicy steak that will tickle your taste buds as much as your favorite porterhouse!

For best results, select a cut that is at least 1 inch thick. The thicker the steak, the better it will be.
Step 2

Grades.

The next thing to consider is the grade of beef. In the United States grades are prime, choice and select. The top quality beef is prime and is typically sold to restaurants. You might luck out at your local meat market, but it's unlikely.

The next best grade of beef is choice. It is generally tender, flavorful and only slightly lower in quality than prime beef. This is the quality you should look for.

If you can't afford choice, go with grade select beef. It's less expensive and lower in fat, but generally not as tender. That's okay, though... we'll fix that.
Step 3

Tenderize.

The goal is a tender, juicy steak full of robust flavor. In order to achieve tender perfection, we must do a couple of things before we cook the meat.

Pour 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt (or sea salt) on the front surface of each steak. You shouldn't be able to see very much of the surface, as it should be covered in salt. Why so much? Because the salt does a couple of things...

First it draws moisture out. Then the steak will start to absorb some of that moisture back in, pulling in some of the salt with it. The salt will then break down and relax the proteins, making the steak incredibly moist and tender and oh so flavorful!

Make sure you use ONLY kosher or sea salt. Don't use table salt, as the steak will absorb too much salt and the flavor will be ruined.

Now that your steaks are severely salted, set a timer for 15 minutes and let that salt do it's thing. Don't worry, you won't be eating all that salt...
Step 4

Rinse & Dry.

Once the timer goes off, rinse your steaks until all remaining salt on the surface is gone. Return to a plate and pat dry.
Step 5

Cook those steaks.

Now you can cook your steaks however you wish. They are great grilled, broiled or pan fried. Feel free to season with garlic powder and pepper. Add a pat of butter and you're good to go!