As love is in the air and Valentine’s Day fervour takes hold today (February 15), a flurry of home chefs are hunting for the winning formula to cook the perfect steak.
However, many people falling victim to catastrophic cooking mistakes. Google searches are soaring, with “How long to fry a fillet steak” spiking by 130%, while “How to cook a steak in a pan medium rare” and “How long to cook a ribeye steak” have leapt by 90% within just a week.
With romance on the menu, online butchers Campbells Meat have stepped up, divulging the top blunders when it comes to steak preparation and offering sage advice to rescue your culinary endeavours for a stellar Valentine’s dinner at home.
Dive into their guidance below and ensure your steak achieves perfection for your beloved this Valentine’s Day.
Plus, a magnificent steak isn’t only a feast for the senses; it’s also prime bragging material on social media – envy assured!
1. Forgetting to let meat rest before and after cooking
The experts insist on a rest period of 15-20 minutes before and after taking to the flames. Plunging a cold steak into a hot pan can spell disaster, leading to uneven cooking.
It’s important to let the steak rest before to ensure even heat distribution and a juicier result.
It’s particularly essential to allow meat to rest after cooking and before cutting. The experts say that when the meat is cut, all the delicious juices will flow out, leaving you with a dry and tasteless dish.
2. Using a pan that’s cold
A cold pan can cause meat to stick and fail to sear properly. To achieve that appetising golden brown crust, they advise always preheating the pan or oven.
This not only improves the dish’s appearance but also seals in essential flavours and juices. Additionally, they caution against overcrowding the pan, which can result in uneven cooking. Instead, give your food ample space for even heat distribution.
3. Cooking your steak the wrong temperature
The experts say that cooking at a temperature too high could result in overcooked, tough and dry meat, which lacks moisture and flavour.
They recommend that you to always use a thermometer to check the temperature of your meat in the middle and adjust your cooking temperatures to suit.
4. Not using enough seasoning
Seasoning can make or break a recipe, according to the experts. Under or over seasoning can lead to bland, or overly flavoursome dishes, which can be overwhelming to taste.
They say the key is to find the right balance to enhance the natural flavours of the meat.
5. Forgetting about the air fryer
Air frying a steak can create a juicy interior and a crispy exterior for it.
Preheat the air fryer to 200-230°C and simple season your steak with salt, pepper and a little oil and then cook for 6-10 minutes per side, if using an air fryer, depending on the thickness and your desired level of doneness.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your preferred internal temperature (e.g., 52°C for rare, 57°C for medium-rare, 63°C for medium, 66°C for medium-well, and 71°C for well-done).
“Valentine’s Day meals should be about indulgence and enjoyment, not disappointment in the kitchen,” says a spokesperson for Campbells Meat.
“By avoiding these common mistakes, home cooks can ensure their steak is perfectly cooked, making their dinner a success.”
