Broiling is a fantastic way to cook steak as it’s fast, easy, and produces a deliciously charred crust on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside. The process involves cooking the steak under high heat from the top element of your oven. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to broil steak to perfection.
Step 1: Choose Your Cut
Not all cuts of steak are suitable for broiling. Ideally, you want to choose a steak that’s uniformly thick, at least 1-inch thick, and marbled with fat. Some of the best cuts for broiling include ribeye, New York strip, top sirloin, and filet mignon.
Step 2: Season Your Steak
Before broiling, make sure to season your steak generously to enhance the flavor. The classic seasoning for steak is salt and pepper, but you can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs. Rub the seasoning all over the surface of the steak, making sure to cover both sides.
Step 3: Preheat Your Broiler
Preheat your broiler to high heat for at least 10 minutes. It’s essential to let the broiler get scorching hot before cooking the steak to ensure that you get that beautiful sear on the outside.
Step 4: Broil Your Steak
Place the seasoned steak on a broiler pan or a wire rack set over a baking sheet. The broiler pan or wire rack allows the juices to drip off the steak and helps prevent it from getting steamed on the bottom. Place the pan or rack on the top rack of your oven, about 4-5 inches away from the broiler element.
With the oven door slightly open so that the heat can escape, broil the steak on one side for 4-5 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness level. Then, flip it over and broil the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes. Here’s a quick guide to help you estimate the cooking time:
– Rare: 4-5 minutes per side
– Medium-Rare: 5-6 minutes per side
– Medium: 6-7 minutes per side
– Medium-Well: 7-8 minutes per side
– Well-Done: 9-10 minutes per side
Step 5: Check for Doneness
The best way to check if your steak is done to your liking is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding the bone if there’s any. Here are the internal temperatures you should aim for:
– Rare: 120-130°F
– Medium-Rare: 130-135°F
– Medium: 135-145°F
– Medium-Well: 145-155°F
– Well-Done: 160°F
Once your steak has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and helps prevent them from escaping when you cut into the steak.
FAQs about Broiling Steak
1. Can I broil frozen steak?
Broiling frozen steak directly is not recommended as it can result in uneven cooking and a mushy texture. However, you can thaw the steak in the refrigerator overnight and then broil it as usual.
2. Do I need to flip the steak when broiling?
Yes, it’s essential to flip the steak over halfway through the broiling process to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
3. Can I broil steak in a toaster oven?
Yes, you can broil steak in a toaster oven as long as the steak fits under the broiler element and the temperature settings go high enough.
4. Can I broil steak with the oven door closed?
It’s not recommended to broil with the oven door closed as it can cause the steak to steam and cook unevenly. The oven door should be left slightly open to allow the heat to escape.
5. How do I prevent my steak from smoking while broiling?
To prevent smoking, make sure to pat the steak dry before broiling and avoid using too much oil or butter in the seasoning. You can also line the bottom of the broiler pan or baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any drippings and prevent them from burning.