Since nonstick pans are so ubiquitous in kitchens, many people are curious if they can cook steak on a nonstick pan.
In this post, we will look at this question as well as some recommendations on how to cook steak properly.
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Is it possible to cook steak in a nonstick pan?
While you can cook a steak on a nonstick pan, you should not. A nonstick pan cannot get hot enough to properly sear the meat and provide flavor.
The steak will cool down if you put it in the pan. The meat will then simmer in its own juices and dry out.
Most people leave the meat on a nonstick pan for a bit. The goal is to get a sear.
The end result?
An inedible portion of beef that is chewy and tastes bad.
This is why experienced chefs cook steaks on cast iron skillets.
Cooking Beef on a Cast Iron Skillet
A delicious and crunchy crust may be achieved by cooking your steak in a cast-iron pan.
You may also put it in the oven to ensure the steak is properly done. But, using a cast-iron skillet is an art.
Here are some suggestions for using one to cook the ideal steak:
Select the Perfect Steak
Contrary to common opinion, a thick steak is not required. Employ a thinner cut that is no more than an inch thick.
This allows you to cook both sides equally well. The meat will also taste better as a result. You can buy excellent cuts like New York strip or filet mignon.
Make sure the meat is dry before putting it on the hot skillet. If you don’t pay it dry first, you’ll get a lot of smoke.
Marinate the steak ahead of time.
Marinate the meat overnight for the greatest flavor. Put the marinated meat in a container or sealed bag and refrigerate. If you’re in a hurry, marinade the meat for no more than two hours.
Do not marinate for more than four hours if the marinade contains alcohol or salt. Otherwise, the additions will affect the inherent properties of the steak.
Similarly, if the marinade contains acid, such as citrus, such as lemon juice, it should not be marinated for more than two hours. Otherwise, the color of the flesh will alter.
If you are not using a marinade, use salt instead.
If you don’t want to use a marinade, season the steak with kosher salt instead. It will enhance the natural taste of the meat and aid in browning. Make this overnight to intensify the taste.
You may also season the meat for 40 minutes before cooking it with salt. That will somewhat improve the taste. Unfortunately, the steak will not be as soft as you want.
Soak it in a salt brine overnight to make it melt in your mouth afterwards. Add thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper for added flavor.
Let the steak to come to room temperature before cooking.
Let the steak to come to room temperature after marinating it overnight in the refrigerator.
Cook it after that. Let it to rest outdoors for an hour or more, particularly if the steak is thick. The meat will then cook evenly.
Get the Cast Iron Skillet Ready
Fill the cast iron pan halfway with vegetable or olive oil. To avoid burning, the oil should uniformly cover the bottom of the pan.
On high heat, heat the pan for a minute. Place the steak in the skillet once the smoke begins to rise.
Even after the meat is put on it, a cast-iron pan maintains heat. This is one of the primary reasons they are excellent for grilling steak.
Preparing the Steak
Place the steak in the middle of the pan when the oil begins to smoke. It is now hot enough to evenly cook and sear the meat.
Use caution if you’re putting the meat in with your hands. Otherwise, you risk burning yourself!
The steak should be grilled for five to six minutes on each side. The amount of time it takes to cook the meat depends on the cut and the temperature you want to cook it at.
Each side should be allowed to brown for five minutes as a general rule.
Reduce the cooking time if you desire a medium-rare steak. If you want a well-done steak, make sure the top is seared and brown before flipping it.
If you’re in a hurry, you may also rotate the steak every 30 seconds to cook it quicker.
determining completion
After one side of the meat is well browned, flip it with your fingers or a pair of tongs.
The steak will keep its juices and stay pink in the center if you simply turn it once.
To check the temperature, insert the tip of a meat thermometer into the middle of the steak. Here’s what you should look for:
- Medium – 140° F
- Medium well – 150°F
- Medium-rare – 130° F
- Rare – 120°F
- Well done – 160° F
Use the finger test if you don’t have a meat thermometer. Place your middle finger on your thumb and use your other hand to feel the fleshy area beneath your thumb.
To comparison, use the same finger to feel the meat. Your steak is medium-rare if the meat and the fleshy portion of the thumb feel the same.
Touch your index finger to your thumb to see whether it is uncommon.
Touch your ring finger to your thumb for medium. Touch your pinkie finger to your thumb for well-done.
Cooking Instructions for Steak in a Nonstick Pan
Be careful if you have no alternative but to cook steak on a nonstick pan.
Here are some general guidelines for utilizing this pan:
Avoid using metal on the pan.
Metal utensils may produce scratches on nonstick pans and eventually degrade their surface.
Instead of using metal tongs to flip your steaks, use scratch-free tools. They should be constructed of wood, plastic, silicone, or rubber.
Prevent Significant Temperature Changes
Do not immerse a hot nonstick pan in water! Rapid temperature changes might distort the material.
Although this is normal with lesser pans, you should not put an industrial-strength pan in cold water. They may be pretty costly.
Let a few minutes for your nonstick pan to cool before cleaning it.
The pan will not transfer heat evenly if it becomes deformed. The end result? Steaks that are undercooked or burn quickly.
Clean nonstick pans thoroughly.
Nonstick pans, as previously said, are readily scratched. When you’ve finished cooking the steak, clean the pan with a light scouring pad.
Avoid using rough ones or harsh cleaning products. After time, a metal scouring pad will remove the coating.
In addition, if the pan is crusty, soak it in water for 30 minutes before cleaning it. Even if you use a non-abrasive scouring pad, the crusted parts will peel off rapidly.
Cooking Acidic Food in a Pan
Don’t make your steak sauce on a nonstick pan. It will include acidic chemicals that might cause flaking.
Tomatoes and lemons may combine to form an agent capable of dissolving the superficial nonstick coating.
Certain pans may also be destroyed the first time they are used to cook acidic food.
Before using the nonstick pan, it should be washed.
Do not use your nonstick pan right out of the package.
To remove remaining oil and filth, first wash it with hot, soapy water. Before putting the pan on the burner, thoroughly rinse and dry it.
Unlike a cast iron skillet, this pan does not need to be cured before use. It may be used immediately after being cleaned and dried.
If needed, add more oil.
Even if your nonstick pan doesn’t need oil to keep food from sticking, use it anyhow. Instead of cooking spray, use a tiny amount of oil or margarine. They include compounds that might ruin the coating.
If you don’t want to use any oil, invest in high-quality nonstick cookware. They are often composed of ceramic and have longer-lasting coatings.
Yet, with time, you may need to apply oil to them as well. Even the greatest nonstick pans may lose their nonstick coating over time.
Avoid using high heat.
Nonstick pans, as opposed to cast iron skillets, heat up rapidly. Most coatings are not designed to resist high temperatures. Certain nonstick ceramic pans can withstand higher temperatures, but not for lengthy periods of time.
Hence, while heating the pan, use low to moderate heat. By adding butter, you can test the temperature. The pan is too hot if it begins to burn.
When it comes to cooking steak, a nonstick pan is best. It may preserve the taste of the meat while also adding a lovely sear. If you don’t have a skillet, use a nonstick pan.
Additional cooking pan articles you may be interested in:
- Is It Better To Grill Or Pan Fry Steak?
- Skillet vs Frying Pan – Are They Same or Different?
- Can You Deep-Fry in Nonstick Pan?
- How to Steam Vegetables in a Pan?
- Can You Bake Brownies in a Frying Pan?
- How Do You Reheat Fried Chicken In A Pan