Should You Cover Steak When Pan Frying It? A Comprehensive Guide for Perfect Results
Should You Cover Steak When Pan Frying It?
No, it is not recommended to cover the pan when pan-frying a steak.
Using a cover will steam cook the steak instead of frying it, which can impact the texture and flavor.
It is best to remove the chill from the meat before cooking to allow for more even cooking and a juicier steak.
The skillet should be around 400 degrees Fahrenheit before placing the steak, and it is recommended to use canola, peanut, or vegetable oil for pan-frying.
Patting the steak dry before placing it in the hot pan helps achieve a crisp sear.
Some people prefer to liberally cover each side of the steak in salt the night before and refrigerate overnight for added flavor.
It is important to avoid touching or moving the steak once it is placed in the pan.
Sear the steak for about 3 minutes per side, flipping it once and pressing it down to ensure even contact with the hot surface.
Season with salt, using more than usual, and allow the steak to rest for 8 to 10 minutes after cooking.
The cooking time will depend on desired doneness and the thickness of the steak.
It is advisable to use a meat thermometer to determine the desired doneness.
When pan-frying steak, it is recommended to use a pan with a high smoking point cooking medium, such as refined oils like vegetable, peanut, or canola oil.
Butter, olive oil, and avocado oil are best avoided for this cooking method.
Ghee can be used as an alternative with a high smoke point.
Letting the steak sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour before cooking is also beneficial.
To achieve professional-grade steaks, it is important to practice and utilize a versatile cooking tool like a cast-iron skillet.
It is not necessary to wash the cast-iron skillet with soap.
Finally, when cutting skirt, flank, and hangar cuts, it is advisable to cut across the grain.
Key Points:
- It is not recommended to cover the pan when pan-frying a steak to avoid steaming and impacting texture and flavor.
- Remove the chill from the meat before cooking for even cooking and a juicier steak.
- Preheat the skillet to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and use canola, peanut, or vegetable oil for pan-frying.
- Pat the steak dry before placing it in the pan for a crisp sear.
- Some people prefer to salt the steak the night before and refrigerate overnight for added flavor.
- Avoid touching or moving the steak once it is placed in the pan and sear for about 3 minutes per side, pressing it down for even contact with the hot surface.
Did You Know?
1. Contrary to popular belief, covering steak while pan frying it can actually lead to a tougher texture. This is because the steam created from covering the steak can make the surface moist, inhibiting the Maillard reaction that produces a crispy crust.
2. Covering steak with a lid while frying can cause condensation to accumulate on the lid and then drip onto the steak. This additional moisture can prevent the steak from achieving a nice, even sear.
3. When pan frying steak, leaving it uncovered allows for better control over the cooking process. You can easily monitor the browning and adjust the heat as needed to achieve the desired level of doneness.
4. While covering the steak might help it cook faster, it often comes at the expense of flavor and texture. The dry heat applied during uncovered frying helps to develop a delicious crust while retaining the juiciness inside.
5. One exception to the general rule of not covering steak when pan frying is when you want to melt a cheese or add a sauce on top. In this case, covering the steak briefly towards the end of cooking can help the cheese melt or allow the sauce to heat through, enhancing the overall taste.
1. Why You Shouldn’t Cover The Pan When Pan Frying Steak
When pan-frying steak, it is not recommended to use a cover. Covering the pan will steam cook the steak instead of frying it, which is not ideal for achieving the desired results.
Pan-frying allows for deep browning and caramelization on the outer surface of the meat. This creates a delicious crust and enhances the overall flavor.
By avoiding a cover, you allow the moisture within the steak to escape, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. The heat from the skillet evaporates any excess moisture, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
So, if you’re looking for that perfect sear and a mouthwatering steak, skip the cover.
- Using a cover will steam cook the steak, not fry it.
- Pan-frying allows for deep browning and caramelization.
- Avoiding a cover allows moisture to escape, resulting in a tender and flavorful steak.
- Skipping the cover achieves a perfect sear and mouthwatering result.
“Covering the pan will steam cook the steak instead of frying it.”
2. Prepping The Steak For Even And Juicy Cooking
Before you start pan-frying your steak, it is essential to prep it properly. One important step is to remove the chill from the meat by letting it sit at room temperature for up to an hour before cooking. This allows for more even cooking and helps prevent the steak from overcooking on the outside while being undercooked on the inside.
Additionally, pat the steak dry with paper towels before placing it in the hot pan. This helps remove any excess moisture, allowing for a better sear and a crisper outer crust. It’s also worth considering liberally covering each side of the steak with salt the night before and refrigerating it overnight. This method, known as dry brining, enhances the flavor and tenderness of the steak.
3. Getting The Pan To The Right Temperature For Perfect Pan-Frying
Achieving the right temperature is crucial for pan-frying steak. Before placing the steak in the skillet, ensure that it is preheated to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat helps to create a beautiful sear and lock in the juices.
Using a pan with a high smoking point cooking medium is essential. Butter, olive oil, and avocado oil have lower smoking points, making them unsuitable for pan-frying steak. Instead, opt for refined oils like vegetable, peanut, or canola oil. Ghee, a clarified butter with a high smoke point, is also a good alternative. These oils will withstand the high heat and prevent the steak from sticking to the pan.
4. Best Oils To Use For Pan-Frying Steak
When it comes to pan-frying steak, not all oils are created equal. It is important to choose the right oil that can withstand high heat without burning or smoking excessively. Canola, peanut, and vegetable oil are all excellent options for pan-frying steak due to their high smoke points.
These oils have a neutral flavor, allowing the natural taste of the steak to shine. They also have a higher smoke point than butter or olive oil, ensuring that the oil doesn’t break down and negatively affect the flavor of the steak.
5. Tips For Achieving A Crispy Sear On Your Steak
To achieve a perfect sear on your steak, follow these tips:
- Ensure your skillet is properly preheated to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the steak.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Avoid touching or moving the steak once it’s placed in the hot pan. Let it develop a nice crust on one side before flipping it.
- Sear the steak for approximately 3 minutes per side, flipping it only once. This will help develop a flavorful crust while retaining the juiciness of the steak.
- Press down on the steak with a spatula to ensure even contact with the hot surface, promoting an even sear.
- Season the steak with salt, using more than usual to enhance the flavor.
6. Important Steps To Follow For Perfectly Pan-Fried Steak
For perfectly pan-fried steak, follow these steps:
- Let the steak sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking throughout the steak.
- Preheat your skillet to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Place the steak in the hot pan without moving or touching it.
- Sear the steak for approximately 3 minutes per side, ensuring you only flip it once.
- Use a meat thermometer to determine the desired doneness of the steak. The internal temperature should be 125 degrees Fahrenheit for rare, 135 degrees for medium-rare, 145 degrees for medium, and 160 degrees for well-done.
- Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the steak from the pan and allow it to rest for 8 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
“While pan-frying a steak, it is not recommended to cover the pan.”
This allows for proper searing, browning, and caramelization, enhancing the flavor and texture of the steak.
Enjoy your perfectly pan-fried steak!
- Properly searing the steak enhances the flavor and texture
- Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak
Frequently Asked Questions
How should you cook a steak in a frying pan?
To cook a steak in a frying pan, start by heating a large heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron, over high heat for about 5 minutes. Once the pan is hot, season the steaks to your preference. Add 1/2 teaspoon of butter to the pan and immediately place one steak on top.
After a few minutes, flip the steak and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes for rare, or 3 to 4 minutes for medium-rare. Once cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Finally, slice the steak and serve it as desired.
Should you cover meat while frying?
Yes, it is generally recommended to fry meat without covering it. Covering the meat while frying can trap the steam produced during cooking. This steam can prevent the meat from achieving a crispy and caramelized surface. By leaving the lid off, the steam can evaporate, ensuring that the meat fries evenly and develops a satisfying texture and taste.
Should I cover my steak in oil?
Yes, oiling your steak can bring several benefits to your cooking process. By applying oil directly to the steak, you ensure that every part of the meat is covered, including any hard-to-reach areas that may be missed when oiling just the pan. Moreover, applying a thin layer of oil will result in beautifully rendered fat and a perfectly caramelized piece of meat, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of your steak.
Can you cook a steak just by frying in a pan?
Yes, frying a steak in a pan is an effective way to cook it. By heating a small amount of oil in a frying pan until it reaches a high temperature, you can achieve a deliciously browned exterior on the steak. Once the steak is seared on one side, simply lower the heat to medium and continue cooking for the desired length of time, depending on your preferred level of doneness. This method allows you to control the cooking process and create a tender and flavorful steak right in your own kitchen.