A tender, juicy steak all comes down to choosing the right cut and cooking method. Here are 4 steps to cooking your steak to perfection.

 4 Steps

1.     Preheat a heavy-based frying pan, grill pan or barbecue grill, over a high heat. Brush steaks lightly with oil (avoid oiling the pan, oil the meat); season steak with a little salt and freshly ground pepper. Add steak to pan.

2.     Cook steaks over high heat to your liking. To keep meat juicy, turn once only using tongs, not a fork. With each turn, you will lose any juices that may collect on top of the meat.

3.     To test if steak is ready to your liking, use the side of the tongs to press meat in the thickest part. Don’t cut into the steak with a knife; this will allow precious juices to escape.

4.     Remove the meat from the heat; loosely cover with foil and rest for 5 minutes to let the meat relax; this will make the steak more tender and juicy. Use any juices that collect in a sauce or pour them over the meat before serving.

Cooking the perfect steak to your liking.

Rare Steak…

Depending on the thickness of the steak, cook for no more than a few minutes on each side.

Medium-Rare Steak…

Cook on one side until moisture is just visible on top. Cook on the second side until surface moisture is visible.

Medium-Well Done Steak…

Cook on one side until moisture is pooling on top. Cook on the second side until moisture is pooling on top. Reduce heat slightly and cook until steak feels firm but still springy with the back of the tongs.

Well Done Steak…

Cook on one side until moisture is pooling on top. Cook on the second side until moisture is pooling on top. Reduce heat slightly and cook until steak feels quite firm with the back of the tongs.

Whether you like your steak rare or well done, be sure to start with the right piece of fresh meat.