How to Cook a Perfect Steak Without a Meat Thermometer

Steak is one of the most popular dishes around the world. It???s juicy, flavorful and easy to cook. However, cooking a perfect steak can be challenging, especially if you don???t have a meat thermometer. In this article, we???ll show you how to cook a perfect steak without a meat thermometer.

Choose the Right Cut of Meat

Choosing the right cut of meat is the first step in cooking a perfect steak. The most popular cuts of steak are ribeye, sirloin, and fillet. Ribeye is a flavorful cut with lots of marbling, sirloin is leaner with a beefy flavor, and fillet is tender and lean. Choose the cut that suits your taste and budget.

Let the Steak Reach Room Temperature

Take the steak out of the fridge and let it reach room temperature before cooking. This will ensure the steak cooks evenly and retains its juices. Let the steak sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

Season the Steak

Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other spices and herbs to enhance the flavor. Rub the seasoning into the steak and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking.

Choose the Right Pan

Choose a heavy-bottomed pan that can handle high heat. Cast iron and stainless steel pans are great options. Avoid non-stick pans as they don???t get hot enough and won???t give you a good sear.

Preheat the Pan

Preheat the pan over high heat for a few minutes. You want the pan to be hot enough to sear the steak and create a crust.

Add Oil to the Pan

Add a tablespoon of oil to the pan. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil or any other high smoke point oil. Swirl the oil around the pan to coat it evenly.

Add the Steak to the Pan

Add the steak to the pan and let it cook for 3-4 minutes on one side. Don???t move the steak around as this will prevent it from getting a good sear.

Flip the Steak

Use tongs to flip the steak over and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Again, don???t move the steak around.

Test the Steak for Doneness

Use the touch test to check if the steak is cooked to your liking. If the steak is rare, it should feel soft and squishy when you press it. If it???s medium-rare, it should feel a bit firmer but still give a little. If it???s medium, it should feel firm but still have some give. If it???s well-done, it should feel very firm.

Rest the Steak

Take the steak out of the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the steak more tender.

Slice and Serve

Slice the steak against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy your perfectly cooked steak!