Whether you crave a juicy saignant steak or just enjoy the intensity of a blue steak, the art of grilling the perfect piece of meat requires careful attention to detail and a good understanding of different types of cooking. Let’s delve deeper into the sublime finesse of preparing a steak to your taste.
Rare (blue)
For those who like a more intense meat flavour, a rare steak is the ultimate choice. This means the meat is quickly seared on the outside and remains raw on the inside. Here’s how to pull it off:t:
- Make sure the steak is at room temperature before you start.
- Heat a grill or pan over high heat until glowing.
- Season the steak lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place the steak on the grill or in the pan and let it sear for just 1-2 minutes per side.
- Remove the steak from the grill or pan and let it rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting.
Medium-rare (saignant)
Saignant, also known as medium-rare, is a popular choice for meat lovers who enjoy a juicy and tender steak with a perfect balance of pink and brown. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Remove the steak from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Heat your grill or pan on high heat.
- Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the steak on the grill or in the pan and grill for 3-4 minutes per side for a medium-thick steak.
- Use a meat thermometer to reach a core temperature of about 55-57°C.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before cutting to let the juices settle.
Medium (à point)
For a steak with an even browning on the outside and a slightly pink interior, go for à point cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Let the steak come to room temperature.
- Heat a grill or pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper.
- Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium cooking.
- Check the core temperature with a meat thermometer and aim for around 60-63°C.
- Let the steak rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Well-done (bien cuit)
For those who prefer a well-done steak with a fully browned interior, follow these steps:
- Make sure the steak is at room temperature.
- Heat your grill or pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the steak to taste with salt and pepper.
- Grill the steak for 6-7 minutes per side for a fully cooked result.
- Use a meat thermometer to reach a core temperature of about 70°C.
- Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Preparing the perfect steak takes practice and patience, but with the right techniques and an understanding of your personal preferences, you can become a master at grilling this culinary gem. So, get into the kitchen, get your grill heating up and enjoy the delicious reward of a perfectly cooked steak, just the way you like it. Enjoy your meal!