How to Cook the Perfect Steak

After years and years of ruining steaks I finally figured it out! With 3 boys and my husband to feed, we make steak about every other week. Partially because we love it so much!

I typically will just serve a roasted vegetable on the side, but this Wedge Salad would be a perfect dinner pair up. You could also make some Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Mashed Potatoes if you wanted something a little heartier.

Steak Doneness Chart: Internal Temperatures for Perfect Results

These instructions are for medium well steaks, but you can cook up your steaks the doneness you prefer. Our family really enjoys medium rare at 140-145 degrees.

I use this meat thermometer to check the internal temp of all my meats when I cook them. Completely worth the investment in my opinion.

Here’s a guide to help you discover what your steaks should be when cooked.

Rare → 120–125°F (cool red center)

Medium-Rare → 130–135°F (warm red center, juicy & tender)

Medium → 140–145°F (warm pink center, balanced flavor/texture)

Medium-Well → 150–155°F (slightly pink center, firmer bite)

Well-Done → 160°F+ (little to no pink, firm throughout)

How to Prepare Steak for Cooking

Take your steak out about 1-2 hours before you want to actually start cooking it. This ensures your steak is coming to room temperature and will ensure a more even cook. If you cook the steak straight out of the refrigerator then you’ll end up steaming your steak instead of searing it. By the time you get the internal temp to where you want, the outside will be over cooked.

Best Seasoning for Steak

The one ingredient I use every single time is this salt from AM Salt. I was first introduced to it by a friend earlier this year and it single handedly could replace all of my seasonings in my cabinet. It adds so much incredible flavor to meats and vegetables. The way it melts in the mouth is superb!

One item that is going to make the biggest difference when cooking your steaks at home is a stainless steel pan. I was super intimidated using one for years because I didn’t know the proper way to heat it.

Preheating Your Stainless Steel Pan the Right Way

One of the most overlooked steps in cooking the perfect steak is properly preheating your pan. Stainless steel, unlike nonstick, needs to come to the right temperature before you add any oil or meat. If you rush this step, your steak will stick and you’ll miss out on that gorgeous sear.

Here’s a simple trick I use every single time. Place your stainless steel pan over medium heat and let it warm up for a few minutes. To test if it’s ready, add just a few drops of water to the pan. If the water sits and sizzles slowly, it’s not quite hot enough. But if the droplets immediately bead up and dance across the surface, your pan has reached the perfect temperature. That quick “ball bearing” effect means the stainless steel has expanded enough to create a temporary nonstick surface.

Once you see those little beads racing around, you’re ready to add your oil, let it shimmer, and then lay in your steak. This step ensures a deep, even crust without tearing the meat when you flip it.

I have two of these stainless steel pans and use them for most everything. They can go from stovetop to oven with ease if needed.

Other recipes you should give a try!

Steak Recipe