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Sizzling Sensations! How To Cook The Perfect Steak At Home

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Sizzling Sensations! How To Cook The Perfect Steak

February 6, 2024 - 4 min read

As any meat lover will tell you, the perfect cut deserves the perfect preparation. And that’s why we’re serving up the definitive guide to cooking steak. Fire up the barbecue for a classic char flavour, plug in the air fryer for a quick French-style steak frite, or do a Michelin-starred chef proud with the latest ovens and cooktops geared to precision cooking.

However you like your fillet, this is your how-to for mastering the medium-rare steak, perfecting your steak cooking times and wowing friends and family with a well-done rump.

Keen for a midweek mignon or Scotch fillet with your green salad? Read on for top steak cooking tips.

Steak-Cooking Staples

When it comes to steak, the cut makes a big difference – but so, too, does the appliance you cook it on. Whether you’re on barbecue steak duty at the family gathering or craving a speedy steak dinner, there’s an appliance to suit.

“Cuts of steak which naturally contain more fat are more forgiving on the barbecue, while thinner cuts are better suited to stovetop cooking,” says chef Annabel Bower of Food by Annabel.

How To Cook Steak On A Barbecue

Steak and barbecue, barbecue and steak – talk about a match made in culinary heaven. Whether it’s a free-standing or built-in barbecue on the back patio or a portable barbecue around the campsite, make the most of hot spots.

“Get to know your barbecue’s hot spots and use them to your advantage,” Annabel says. “Start by searing your steak on each side on the hottest part of the grill. When both sides are seared, move to the cooler edges of the grill to finish cooking.”

Chef Tip: Don’t turn your steak until the first side has developed a rich colour. Properly searing both sides will help lock in the juices.

Shop The Latest Barbecues

Weber Q+ Midnight Black LPG

BeefEater 1200 Series Black 4 Burner Built In BBQ

Weber Family Q+ Midnight Black LPG

BeefEater 1200 Series Black Enamel 5 Burner BBQ

How To Cook Steak In An Oven

For juicy steaks that melt in the mouth, you’ll want to combine the twin powers of your barbecue and your oven. “One of my favourite ways to cook steaks for a crowd is to pre-sear them on the barbecue cooktop, then finish them off in the oven,” Annabel says. “First, sear them quickly on all sides before transferring to a tray lined with baking paper.”

Store pre-seared steaks in the fridge for up to a day so when the party guests arrive or you’re ready to eat, all that’s left to do is cook them in the oven.

“Preheat your oven to 200°C fan-forced. Then, place a piece of butter on top of each steak and roast for approximately 10 minutes, depending on the weight and thickness of your steak,” says Annabel.

Chef Tip: For best results, remove steaks from the fridge to ensure they are room temperature before finishing them in the oven.

“One of my favourite ways to cook steaks for a crowd is to pre-sear them on the cooktop of the barbecue and finish them off in the oven.” Annabel Bower, chef, Food by Annabel

Shop The Latest Ovens

Chef 60cm Electric Oven Stainless Steel

Westinghouse 60cm Electric Oven

Technika 60cm 10amp Electric Oven

Miele 60cm Oven CleanSteel

How To Cook Steak On A Cooktop

Flick on the rangehood and fire up the cooktop – it’s steak time! Wondering how to cook steak evenly when frying in a pan? Start with your seasoned steak at room temperature. Next, preheat your pan on high.

“Instead of adding butter or oil to the pan, brush both sides of your steak before cooking,” Annabel says. “Then cook for 2–3 minutes on one side.” For extra flavour and caramelisation, add butter to the pan before turning. Then turn and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Annabel says electric or gas cooktops both cook delicious steaks; it really just comes down to personal preference. If you are upgrading your cooktop, you might also want to consider an induction cooktop – a favourite with pro chefs who love its quick cook times and precision temperature controls.

“Gas is ideal if you are going to rest your meat on the cooktop as the heat can be turned off instantly. Electric cooktops are fantastic for precision and heat control,” Annabel says.

Chef Tip: For a delicious jus to accompany your steak, deglaze the pan with some red wine and another knob of butter. Pour this over your rested steak.

Shop The Latest Cooktops

Solt 60cm Ceramic Cooktop

Westinghouse 60cm Gas Cooktop Stainless Steel

Haier 60cm Electric Cooktop Black

Fisher & Paykel 60cm LPG Gas on Glass Cooktop

How To Cook Steak In An Air Fryer

Not only for hot chips and fried chicken, an air fryer also offers a quick and easy way to cook steak. Simply pop your steak into the air fryer drawer, and cook at 180°C for about 12–14 minutes.

“The rapid hot air circulation of an air fryer is designed to cook thoroughly and quickly. This method lets you ditch the extra oils, but still deliver juicy and tender meat,” says Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer – Small Kitchen Appliances.

You’ll still need to flip your steak halfway through and rest it before serving. “Rest your steak for a third of its cooking time – you don’t need to cover it in foil, just make sure it’s in a warm spot,” says Annabel.

Chef’s Tip: Resting steak before serving or carving ensures juices are redistributed as the meat relaxes, resulting in more flavour.

Shop Air Fryers

Philips Air Fryer Essential Compact

NUTRIBULLET XXL 7L Digital Air Fryer

Ninja Airfryer Deluxe

Russell Hobbs 5.7 Litres Brooklyn Air Fryer

How will you cook? Choose your method – or try them all! Get sizzling with the latest barbecues, ovens, cooktops and air fryers, available in-store and online at The Good Guys.