Steak is one of the simplest, most delicious and most impressive meals to
serve. Start with a great piece of steak, such as Lone Mountain Wagyu, and treat
it right – it won't let you down! With any method of cooking, you may defrost
your steak in the refrigerator, but be sure to bring to room temperature on the
counter for the last half hour. For cooking with a meat thermometer: 145°=
medium, 170°= well done. Without a thermometer, pierce with a meat fork to judge
by pinkness of juices. With that out of the way, let's review your options:
Searing: When beginning to cook, make sure the whole side begins to cook at
the same time. Searing steak seals it, trapping juices inside. Listen for the
sizzle and the steak after cooking! Do not cut into cooked steak for at least 7
– 10 minutes. Juice and tenderness are increased during this resting stage. If
you’d prefer to bake, you can also start by searing the meat in a cast-iron
skillet on your regular burner. Then simply place the pan in the oven at 350°
until done. There are many recipes available for baking steaks; if yours calls
for dipping in batter, this should be done before the searing. Let rest before
cutting.
Frying: A cast iron skillet is unbeatable for frying steak. Many love a good
marinade for the flavor added by garlic and herbs; others feel that a marinade
should be used only on tougher cuts of steak. If you decide upon marinade, only
lightly oil the pan. A marinade does not have to take long. Pop your thoroughly
defrosted steak into a Ziploc bag with olive oil, vinegar, fresh salt and pepper
and herbs of your choice for about an hour. Your pan should be on highest heat
and truly hot when the steak is dropped in. As soon as it is seared on one side,
turn it over. When seared on second side, immediately reduce heat to finish
cooking to desired doneness. If you should decide against marinade, use a bit
more oil in the pan. Rub fresh salt and pepper into your steak. Add herbs such
as garlic if desired, but rub thoroughly into the meat. With your pan at highest
heat, drop the steak in so the entire surface is seared. Turn to sear other side
and reduce heat to complete cooking. Add sauce items, such as onions or
mushrooms. Complete your sauce. Allow dish to rest.
Broiling: Prepare for marinade or non-marinade. You may use a cast iron
skillet for this or any service dish certified to withstand broiling. 4” from
heat is about right. When seared, turn and reduce heat until cooked. Let
rest.
Grilling: Prepare by marinading for a little while or just throw it on the
grill. Either way, grill the steak on both sides and immediately remove it to
rest. But be aware, this method has been known to get your testosterone
flowing!