How to Cook Steak, Step-by-Step

Have you been reluctant to buy a high quality filet mignon or T bone because you don't think you know how to cook steak? At Big Daddy's Fresh Meats, we not only sell prime, expertly cut steaks that are the same as what you find in a five star steakhouse; we're also happy to teach you the tips you need to know to cook them to perfection.

There are truly only a few simple steps to know how to cook steak. Most importantly, you need to start with a great piece of meat. Cheap, tough cuts are simply not going to deliver the results you want, regardless of your cooking ability.

Look for a steak with marbling for flavour, and try to get a steak with even thickness (steaks should be more than 1 inch thick for grilling).

Once you have great steak (like any Big Daddy Steak!), you don't need a bunch of overpowering seasoning or heavy sauces. Instead, we recommend dry heat to brown and caramelize the meat and to create the complex flavor that is the hallmark of a great steak.

Step 1: Let the steak come up to room temperature before you start grilling. This allows for more even cooking.

Step 2: Bring the barbecue or grill up to a high temperature - more than 500 if possible. If you are using a charcoal grill, heat the coals until they turn white.

Step 3: Oil the grill - or not. It's your choice. If the grill is hot enough you won't have problems with the meat sticking.

Step 4: Determine the doneness using a face pressure test. This is superior to a meat thermometer because you won't be releasing any of the delicious juices as you do when you poke a steak with a meat thermometer. Use your finger (clean of course!) or a spoon.

• If the steak is soft like when you press on your cheek, the steak is rare.
• If the steak is semi-firm, like your chin, it's medium.
• If the steak is hard like when you press your forehead, the steak is well done.

When learning the best way to cook steak, we suggest that you try the three main cooking methods -- pan-searing, sear-roasting, and grilling. All of the methods have the capability of producing excellent results and are easy to master.

Would you like to learn more tips on how to cook steak at home? Sign up for our newsletter or give us a call today and we'll be happy to share with you the same techniques that are used by top chefs everywhere.