When it comes to steak, here at Tom Hixson, we know a thing or two about how to cook them to perfection. We also know there are quite a few mistakes that many people often make when cooking their steaks.
Here, we go through some of those common mistakes and misconceptions and show you what to avoid, so you know exactly how to cook the perfect steak each and every time.
Mistake #1 – Cooking Straight From The Fridge
Many people make the mistake of taking the meat out of the fridge and cooking it straight away. For the perfect steak, take it out of the fridge around 30 minutes before cooking. You need to let it come to room temperature before frying it in the pan. This will allow even cooking throughout the meat.
Mistake #2 – Pricking The Meat
When cooking steak, a lot of people think that they need to prick the meat before cooking. This isn’t necessary. Stabbing or pricking will cause the juices to run out of the meat, which could lead to a dry steak.
To avoid accidentally breaking the meat during cooking, use tongs instead of a spatula or fish slice.
Mistake #3 – Not Seasoning Properly
A lot of people don’t use enough seasoning when cooking their steak. Almost half the seasoning falls off when it goes into the pan, so be sure to add plenty of rock salt and pepper before you cook it.
During cooking, you can also add further seasoning such as thyme to add extra flavour.
Mistake #4 – Not Pre-heating The Pan
Don’t put the steak into a cold pan. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the meat. You should also preheat your oil before adding the steak and ensure this is hot too.
Mistake #5 – Frying The Meat Flat
Most people, when frying steak, will place the meat in the pan flat. When you first put the meat in the pan, you want to fry it on its side first with the fat facing down. This will help to render the fat. Once it’s browned, you can then turn it over and place it down flat.
Mistake #6 – Not Moving The Meat
A lot of people think that you shouldn’t move or touch the meat whilst it’s in the pan. This is simply not the case. You can move the meat around the pan as needed.
Mistake #7 – Not Basting The Meat
Much like you would baste a Turkey at Christmas, it’s important to baste your steak when it’s in the pan. Spoon the juices and fat over the meat whilst it’s in the pan.
Mistake #8 – Serving Straight Away
Don’t eat the steak straight away. Leave it to rest for a few minutes on a plate before serving. Resting is just as important as the cooking. While it’s resting, be sure to add some more seasoning.
Steak Cooking Times
For the exact cooking times for doneness, take a look at our guide below.
For full instructions on how to cook the perfect sirloin steak, watch our video below, featuring top chef Harvey Ayliffe. Harvey has worked in some of London’s top restaurants, so he certainly knows a thing or two about a well cooked steak.
So now you know what to avoid when cooking your steak, why not give it a go with our range of quality beef from Tom Hixson of Smithfield? We offer a superb selection of the finest sirloin, rump and fillet, alongside the world renowned Wagyu steak and USDA beef.
