Introduction
Steak is a delicious meal, and there’s absolutely nothing better than a perfectly cooked steak. However, getting that perfect cut of meat doesn’t always happen on the first try. It takes time and patience to cook steaks properly—and it’s always best to get it right the first time so you don’t waste any money or effort! The good news is that there are some tricks that can help you get started cooking your steaks once and for all. Here’s what we mean:
How Long Does It Take to Cook a Steak?
When it comes to cooking a steak, there are a few different methods that you can use. Each has its own pros and cons–for example, one method might be faster than another but won’t give your meat the same sear as another method. The following section will help you decide which cooking technique is best for your needs:
- How do I cook my first steak?
- What’s the best way to cook a steak?
- How long does it take to cook a steak in an oven or on the stovetop?
Steak Cooking Times
There is no set time for cooking a steak. Steak cooking times are different for every cut of meat, and they also depend on how you want it done.
If you have an accurate meat thermometer, use it to check the internal temperature of your steak as soon as it comes off of the grill or pan. The best way to ensure that your steak is cooked properly is by taking its temperature at least three times: once before cooking; once during cooking; and again after removing from heat (this will be your final temperature).
Rare Steak – 1 minute per side
One of the most common questions I get is, “How long should I cook my steak?”
Well, it depends on what kind of steak you’re cooking and how thick it is. The general rule of thumb is that rare steaks require one minute per side in a cast iron pan on high heat. But if you have no idea what your meat looks like when done properly (or simply don’t have time), there’s another method: use your fingers!
If you can touch the top part of your thumb with ease when bent over its knuckle, then this means that your steak has been cooked for too long–and therefore needs more time in the oven or grill before serving. If not quite there yet but still able to feel some resistance from touching too far down toward where bones would be located inside an animal body…then congratulations! Your efforts were successful; now all that remains between yourself and enjoying an excellent meal is slicing up some fresh French bread from local bakers who specialize solely in making delicious artisanal loaves infused with rosemary leaves harvested directly off nearby farms owned by friends who live just down roadways within walking distance from our house…”
Medium-Rare Steak – 2 minutes per side
- Heat a cast iron skillet to medium-high.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2 minutes per side, using tongs to flip the steak halfway through. After you’ve cooked both sides, remove from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Medium-Well Steak – 4 minutes per side
Medium-well steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees. It’s not quite as well done as medium, but still not quite rare. If you like your steak a little pink in the middle, this is a good choice for you!
Well Done Steak – 10 minutes per side
Well-done steaks are cooked to a final internal temperature of 170°F. To get there, you’ll need to cook the steak for 10 minutes on each side.
Use a cast iron skillet and heat it over medium heat until very hot, then add olive oil or butter (if you like). Let it sit for at least 30 seconds before adding your steak. The oil should be sizzling when you place the meat in it; if not, turn up your burner until it does!
Make sure that when cooking well-done steaks that you don’t have any flames coming out of your grill! This can cause charring which will turn into carbonization which will make for an unpleasant eating experience…and maybe even give off toxic fumes too!
Use proper cooking time, and enjoy a perfect steak!
- Use the proper cooking time.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak, as it’s the only way to accurately gauge doneness. You’ll want to cook steaks until they reach an internal temperature of 135 degrees F (medium rare), 145 degrees F (medium), or 160 degrees F (well done). The exact cooking time will depend on how thick your steak is, but generally speaking:
- 1-inch thick – 3 minutes per side on high heat in an oven or panini press; 4 minutes per side on medium-high heat if pan frying; 5 minutes per side if grilling over hot coals; 7 minutes per side if grilling over low coals
Conclusion
In conclusion, we hope that you have a better understanding of how long it takes to cook a steak. We know there are many factors that can influence this, but with some practice and experimentation it should become second nature!