Gordon Ramsay's ULTIMATE COOKERY COURSE: How to Cook the Perfect Steak

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide to cooking the perfect steak in a hot pan. It emphasizes the importance of searing the steak, not boiling it, by first allowing it to come to room temperature. The process includes seasoning with large grains of pepper, rendering fat, and basting the steak with butter, garlic, and thyme for enhanced flavor. The guide also highlights the ideal pan temperature, flipping every minute for even cooking, and testing doneness with the hand method. Finally, resting the steak ensures a tender, juicy result. Perfect for anyone looking to master the art of steak cooking.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bring steaks to room temperature 20 minutes before cooking to avoid overcooking the outside when starting with cold meat.
• 😀 Season steaks generously with coarse salt and large black pepper for a flavorful crust.
• 😀 A hot pan is essential for achieving the perfect sear; wait until the pan starts smoking.
• 😀 Always lay the steak away from you to avoid splashing hot oil.
• 😀 Let the steak cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to achieve an even sear before flipping.
• 😀 Render the fat on the steak by tilting the pan and using the hot fat to baste the meat for better flavor and tenderness.
• 😀 Add crushed garlic and thyme to the pan to infuse the steak with aromatic flavors while cooking.
• 😀 Turn the steak every minute for an even cook and optimal color.
• 😀 For precise doneness, use the palm of your hand as a reference (rare, medium, and well-done guide).
• 😀 Finish by adding butter to the pan, tilting it, and basting the steak for added richness and flavor.
• 😀 Always let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to retain juices and ensure tenderness.

Q & A

Why is it important to take the steak out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking?

Taking the steak out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking helps bring the steak to room temperature, allowing it to cook more evenly. Cooking a cold steak would require more time to heat up, potentially overcooking the exterior while the interior remains undercooked.

What is the significance of using large grains of pepper on the steak?

Large grains of pepper not only enhance the flavor with a bit of heat, but they also create a nice texture on the surface of the steak, adding a crunchy, flavorful crust once seared.

What should you do when placing the steak in the hot pan?

You should always lay the steak away from you into the hot pan. This prevents any hot oil from splashing toward you, and the sizzling sound indicates that the pan is at the right temperature for searing.

Why is it important to turn the steak every minute?

Turning the steak every minute ensures even cooking. It helps develop a consistent color and texture on the steak's surface, preventing any part of it from overcooking.

How do you render the fat on a sirloin steak effectively?

To render the fat on a sirloin steak, tilt the pan so the hot olive oil pools around the fat. This will allow the fat to cook down and add flavor to the steak.

What role does garlic play in the cooking process?

Garlic, when lightly crushed and added to the pan, imparts a subtle, aromatic flavor to the steak. It enhances the overall taste without overpowering the steak's natural flavors.

How does adding thyme impact the flavor of the steak?

Fresh thyme adds a fragrant, earthy flavor to the steak. As the steak cooks, the thyme releases its oils into the pan, subtly infusing the meat with a fragrant herbal note.

What is the purpose of basting the steak with butter?

Basting the steak with butter as it cooks adds richness and depth of flavor. The butter also helps to create a glossy, golden crust on the steak, making it more flavorful and visually appealing.

How do you check for the doneness of a steak without using a thermometer?

You can check the doneness of the steak by comparing its firmness to the palm of your hand. Rare is soft like the base of your palm, medium rare feels like the area near your thumb, and well-done is firm like the top of your wrist.

Why should the steak rest after cooking?

Allowing the steak to rest after cooking helps redistribute the juices within the meat, keeping it tender and moist. Cutting into the steak too soon causes the juices to escape, making the meat drier.