How to Fry Beef Steak
By Philippa Jones
If you are fortunate enough to have a beef steak, frying it is a quick and simple way to cook it. Tender cuts such as tenderloin or sirloin work best for this method because the meat can cook quickly, while retaining its flavor and delicate texture. Cheaper cuts such as braising steak can also be fried but tend to remain tough — they are better suited for slow cooking. Use some basic cooking techniques to make the most of your steak.
To Fry Beef Steak You’ll Need:
- Canola oil
- Heavy frying pan or griddle
To Fry Beef Steak Instructions:
- Take your steak out of the fridge or freezer and leave it to rest until it is at room temperature. Allow at least 20 minutes for this to happen, or longer if the meat has to defrost.
- Put the heavy pan on high heat, and wait for the pan to heat up. This will take a couple of minutes — if the pan starts to smoke, it is too hot, so turn the heat down and wait for the smoke to disappear.
- Rub the steak with canola oil, and season it with salt and pepper if you want extra flavor. Using crushed peppercorns adds the most flavor, but you could also add chili flakes or herbs.
- Test the pan’s heat before you put the steak in. Dip a little bit of bread in oil and toss it in the pan. If it sizzles, the pan is hot enough. Then put the steak gently into the middle of the pan.
- Fry the steak so that it cooks to your liking. The time varies depending on the thickness and cut of steak. However, for a rare steak simply fry the steak for a minute each side. Take it out of the pan when it is lightly brown on each side. You will see that it is still red and juicy in the middle.
- Cook your steak further if you like medium or well-done steaks. You can test how well cooked it is by pressing down on the meat. The firmer it is to touch, the more well-cooked it is.
Take the steak off the heat, and transfer it to a plate. Leave the steak to rest for a few minutes. This will tenderize the meat to make it even tastier; serve immediately.
To Fry Beef Steak Tips:
- To cook medium steak, fry each side for 3-4 minutes on high heat, then 2 minutes on a lower heat.
- To cook well-done steak, fry each side for at least 6 minutes or until the steak is firm to touch.