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How to Prepare a Steak

From: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cooking Basics
Servings: 8–12 oz. (serves 1 person)
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Ronnie's Notes

RF: baked potatoes is a recipe title, even though the “official” name is “How to Make Baked Potatoes.” Don’t you think wew should capitalize it??

Tips: Second Thoughts Most people like their steaks plain. But if you like an extra bit of pizzazz, mix 4–5 TB. of fresh minced herbs of your choice with 1 TB. lemon juice and 1/2 cup softened butter. Put a spoonful of this mixture on top of each portion of finished steak.

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

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Instructions

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1

Preheat a broiler, grill, or a skillet set over high heat.

2

(If you panfry the steaks in the skillet, brush the bottom of the pan with a film of butter or vegetable oil.) Sprinkle the steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3

Broil, grill, or fry the steak for per side.

4

Reduce the heat to moderate, and cook the steak on both sides, depending on the thickness of the steak and the degree of doneness you like (see hints below).

5

When you turn the steak, use a spatula or tongs—not a fork.

6

Here are some handy facts about cooking steak: • Total cooking times for a 1"-thick steak are 6– for rare, 8– for medium, and 11– for well done.

7

• Total cooking times for a 11/2"-thick steak are 9– for rare, 12– for medium, and 16– for well done.

8

• Time depends on factors other than thickness: Frozen steaks (yes, you can cook steaks straight from the freezer!) will take twice as long; cold steaks straight from the fridge may take a little longer.

9

Filets mignons, which can be very thick, may take longer.

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