How to cook steak

Meat cooking can seem intimidating, and you’ll read all sorts of ‘rules’. But getting the perfect steak is not too tricky. Start by purchasing the right type of meat for what you are wanting to do.

First, take the steak out of the fridge about half an hour before cooking, so it’s at room temperature. Choose a heavy-based, large pan and get it to a nice high heat. Oil your steak – spray or rub a little oil on both sides. Then add steak to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes on one side, turn it over and do the same on the other side. This will give you a medium-rare steak. For medium or well done, cook a little longer. Finish thick steaks in the oven – place in a 200°C oven for 5 minutes once you’ve browned the outside. This will mean the surface of the steak won’t be burnt.

Pro tip

You can tell how cooked the meat is by feel. If it’s spongy, it’s rare; if it resists a bit when touched, it’s medium; and if it’s firm, it’s well done.