Cooking the perfect steak: barbecue or cast iron pan? Here's how!
A perfectly cooked steak is the ultimate pleasure for any meat lover. Whether you choose a classic barbecue or the intense heat of a cast-iron pan, with the right techniques, temperature control, and a little patience, you'll create a tender, juicy steak every time.
At Outdoor Food, we help you every step of the way – from choosing the right cut of meat to serving it like a true grill master. Whether you like it medium rare or well done , with this guide, you'll prepare your steak like a pro.
Step 1: Choose the right steak
A successful steak starts with quality . Go for a thick cut, such as:
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Ribeye – full of flavor thanks to the fat
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Entrecote – tender and juicy
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Tenderloin – buttery soft and luxurious
Pay close attention to the marbling (the fat between the muscle tissue): the more marbling, the juicier and more flavorful the meat.
Step 2: Prepare like a pro
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Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature.
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Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
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Season generously with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – more is better than too little.
Tip: Don't use wet marinades just before cooking; they can "cook" the meat instead of searing it.
Step 3: Preheating your barbecue
For grilling on charcoal or briquettes:
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Light the barbecue in good time and let the coals glow until a gray layer of ash is visible.
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Create two zones :
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Direct heat for searing
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Indirect heat for slow cooking if needed
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Step 4: Prepare steak on the barbecue
Grill your steak on the direct zone, depending on your preference:
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Medium rare : 2-3 minutes per side
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Medium : 4-5 minutes per side
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Well done : 6-7 minutes per side
Turn the steak only once for a nice crust and even cooking.
🌡️ For accuracy, use a meat thermometer:
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Rare: 50–52 °C
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Medium rare: 55–57 °C
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Medium: 60–63 °C
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Well done: 70 °C and above
Step 5: Let your steak rest
This is crucial! After grilling, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes under aluminum foil. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
Always cut the steak against the grain for the best texture and flavor.
Step 6: Cooking Steak in a Cast Iron Pan
No barbecue handy? A cast iron pan offers perfect heat distribution and is ideal for an indoor steak session.
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Heat the pan over high heat
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Add a little neutral oil or butter
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Carefully place the steak in the pan
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Bake according to the same times as on the barbecue:
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Medium rare: 2-3 min per side
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Medium: 4-5 min
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Well done: 6-7 min
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🔔 Note: Use tongs to turn the meat – poking it with a fork will release the juices!
Step 7: Resting & Serving
Just like with a barbecue, let your steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes on a warm cutting board or plate, covered with foil. Then slice thinly, against the grain for ultimate tenderness.
Serve with fresh chimichurri, a smoky BBQ sauce, or just plain – because a well-prepared steak doesn't really need anything extra.
Conclusion: Grill like a boss, serve like a chef
Preparing a perfect steak isn't rocket science—but it does require attention, control, and the right tools. Whether you choose a piping-hot barbecue or the robust power of a cast-iron pan, with the tips from Outdoor Food, you'll make every steak a success.
👉 Looking for the right accessories for your perfect steak? Discover cast iron pans, thermometers, BBQ charcoal, and more at outdoor-food.nl
