The Ultimate Steak Cooking Chart: Perfect Doneness Every Time

This guide will walk you through the ultimate steak cooking chart, essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and pro tips to ensure success.

🔥 Ready to master the art of cooking steak? Let’s dive in!

🛒 Ingredients You Need for the Perfect Steak

The secret to a great steak starts with high-quality ingredients. Even the best cooking techniques can’t make up for a low-quality cut of meat.

📝 Ingredient List

📌 Pro Tip: Marbling (the white fat streaks within the meat) helps make steak juicier. Look for well-marbled cuts for better flavor!

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking steak properly depends on temperature control, timing, and technique. Follow these steps for a steakhouse-quality meal at home:

1️⃣ Prepare Your Steak

• Take the steak out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to let it reach room temperature. This helps it cook evenly.
• Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. A dry surface gives you a better sear.
• Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper.

📌 Pro Tip: Letting steak rest at room temperature prevents it from cooking unevenly.

2️⃣ Preheat Your Cooking Surface

• Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over high heat until it starts smoking.
• Add olive oil and let it heat for 30 seconds before adding the steak.

3️⃣ Sear the Steak for Maximum Flavor

• Place the steak in the hot pan and don’t move it for 2-3 minutes.
• Flip and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
• If using a thicker steak, finish cooking in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.

🔥 Want a delicious meal? Serve your steak with Steak Burrito Bowls for a perfect dinner combination.

4️⃣ Use a Meat Thermometer to Check Doneness

To ensure your steak is perfectly cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak.

📌 Pro Tip: Remove your steak from heat 5°F before the target temperature because it will continue cooking while resting.

🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Steak Ever

• Use butter and garlic for extra flavor. During the last minute of cooking, add butter, crushed garlic, and fresh rosemary to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the steak for incredible taste.
• Always let your steak rest! After cooking, transfer the steak to a plate and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.

🔥 Want a tasty alternative? Try Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken for another satisfying dish.

FAQs:

Steak Cooking Chart: Perfect Doneness Guide for Every Cut

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• Author: Achraf Selmouni
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 steak per serving

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Description

Steak Cooking Chart: Learn how to cook steak perfectly with our easy-to-follow doneness guide, temperatures, and pro tips.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Steak (Ribeye, NY Strip, or Filet Mignon) – 1 (8-12 oz)
• Kosher salt – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (freshly ground)
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (high smoke point oil)

For Butter Basting (Optional but Recommended):

• Butter – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic cloves – 2 (crushed)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme – 1 sprig

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare Your Steak

• Remove the steak from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
• Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.

📌 Pro Tip: A dry surface creates a better sear and prevents steaming.

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2️⃣ Preheat Your Pan or Grill

• For pan-searing: Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over high heat until smoking hot.
• For grilling: Preheat your grill to 450-500°F.
• Add olive oil and let it heat for 30 seconds before adding the steak.

📌 Pro Tip: A hot pan or grill ensures maximum caramelization for a deep, flavorful crust.

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3️⃣ Sear the Steak for Maximum Flavor

• Place the steak in the hot pan without moving it for 2-3 minutes.
• Flip and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
• For thicker steaks, transfer to a 400°F (200°C) oven and cook until it reaches the desired doneness.

🔥 Want a complete meal? Pair your steak with a Steak Burrito Bowl for an incredible dinner.

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4️⃣ Use a Meat Thermometer to Check Doneness

• Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak for an accurate reading.
• Remove the steak 5°F before the target temperature, as it will continue to cook while resting.

📌 Pro Tip: A medium-rare steak should read 130-135°F (54-57°C).

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5️⃣ Butter Basting for Extra Flavor

• In the last minute of cooking, add butter, crushed garlic, and rosemary to the pan.
• Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steak for an incredible depth of flavor.

📌 Pro Tip: This technique, called arroser, enhances tenderness and richness.

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6️⃣ Let the Steak Rest!

• Transfer the steak to a plate or cutting board.
• Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, keeping it juicy and tender.

📌 Pro Tip: Skipping the resting step will cause the juices to leak out, making the steak dry.

Notes

✔ Use a meat thermometer – This ensures perfect doneness every time.
✔ Pat steak dry before cooking – A dry surface = better sear.
✔ Butter baste for extra richness – Adds depth and tenderness.
✔ Slice against the grain – This keeps the steak tender and easy to chew.
✔ Use a heavy pan – Cast iron retains heat well for the best crust.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 steak (8-12 oz) per person
• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 50g

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