As a professional chef, you know that cooking the perfect steak requires more than just good ingredients. You also need the right equipment. For that reason, it’s essential to have high-quality pans on hand when you cook steak dishes. We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to the best pans for cooking steaks. So let's fire up those burners and get started!
The Best Pans For Cooking Steaks
Cast Iron Pan
Cast iron skillets are a classic choice for steak lovers. They retain heat very well, meaning that once the pan is preheated, it will stay hot enough to cook your steak perfectly. They also have a rough surface, which helps create a nice sear on the outside of the steak. One downside of cast iron skillets is that they can be quite heavy, making them a bit difficult to handle.
Stainless Steel Pan
Stainless steel pans are a popular option for cooking steaks due to their durability and ability to heat up quickly. They don’t retain heat quite as well as other pans, but they are much easier to handle. Stainless steel pans also have a smooth surface, which some people prefer when cooking steaks. However, add oil to the pan to prevent the steak from sticking to the surface.
Carbon Steel Pan
Carbon steel pans are a great addition to your steak pan collection due to their ability to retain heat very well. Keep in mind, carbon steel pans are more on the pricer end of pans. On a positive note, they are lighter and have a smoother surface than cast iron skillets. This makes them easier to handle while still creating a nice sear on the steak.
Non-Stick Pan
While you can clean non-stick pans in a breeze, you won’t get that lovely sear many look for when cooking steak. These pans are designed to provide an even, low-friction surface for cooking, allowing food to be cooked without sticking and with minimal need for added fat or oil. Non-stick pans are durable, spread heat evenly, and versatile to suit all cooking needs.
What To Consider When Purchasing Pans For Cooking Steak
Finding the right type of steak pan can be tough, especially when you don’t know what to look for. Below are three essential characteristics to consider when purchasing pans to cook steak with:
Material: The material in steak pans is important because it allows heat to be evenly distributed across the surface of the pan, which prevents hot spots from forming. This ensures that the steak will cook perfectly and not stick to the pan. There are many materials to look out for when purchasing the best pan for cooking steaks - such as carbon steel, cast iron, or stainless steel.
Size: The size of the pan relies on how the cuts you're cooking and the number of people you are feeding. The larger the pan means you can add more meat without overcrowding. Crowding a pan can lead your meat to steam instead of having the browning effect we all strive for.
Cooking Surface : The cooking surface in pans is crucial when choosing the right one to meet your steak cooking needs. The cooking surface of the pan needs to reach high temperatures, and that will distribute heat evenly.
Should You Put A Glass Lid On The Pan When Cooking Steak?
Adding a glass lid to pans when cooking steak can significantly enhance the cooking process. A glass lid provides improved visibility, seals in flavor and moisture, and maintains consistent temperatures, ensuring a perfectly cooked steak every time. Here are the key benefits of using a glass lid when cooking steak:
Improved Visibility: Being able to monitor steaks without removing the lid is crucial for optimal cooking. It ensures even cooking and proper browning, allowing cooks to keep an eye on the process without losing heat.
Seals In Flavor And Moisture: Trapping the natural juices released during cooking is essential for a juicy, flavorful steak. This process reduces evaporation, preserving the steak's moisture and enhancing its taste.
Maintains Consistent Temperatures: Retaining all the heat inside the pan is vital for maintaining the optimal surface temperature. This prevents excessive steam from escaping, ensuring the steak cooks evenly and achieves the desired browning.
Using a glass lid eliminates the guesswork from cooking steak, providing greater confidence and better results without constant lid removal or ventilation issues. For perfectly cooked steaks with enhanced flavor and moisture, incorporating a glass lid into your cooking routine is a simple yet effective strategy.
Cook Steak To Perfection
Cooking steak on a skillet, particularly a cast-iron skillet, is often preferred due to its ability to retain and evenly distribute heat. This results in a beautifully seared crust and even cooking. Skillets can withstand high temperatures, which are crucial for achieving the perfect steak sear, whereas some pans may not provide the same heat consistency and retention. Check out our catalog for a variety of high-quality skillets perfect for your steak-cooking needs!
Is It Better To Cook Steak On A Skillet Or Pan?
Cooking steak on a skillet, particularly a cast-iron skillet, is often preferred due to its ability to retain and evenly distribute heat. This results in a beautifully seared crust and even cooking. Skillets can withstand high temperatures, which are crucial for achieving the perfect steak sear, whereas some pans may not provide the same heat consistency and retention.
Should I Put Oil On My Steak Or Pan?
It's generally recommended to put oil on the steak rather than the pan. Oiling the steak ensures an even coating, which helps achieve a consistent sear and prevents sticking. Using high-smoke-point oils, such as canola or avocado oil, on the steak can also help manage the high temperatures required for cooking.
Do You Pan Fry Steak On High Or Low?
Pan-frying steak should be done on high heat to achieve a perfect sear and a flavorful crust. High heat quickly caramelizes the exterior, locking in juices and enhancing the steak's flavor. However, after searing, you can reduce the heat to medium to cook the steak to your desired doneness without burning the outside.
Does Steak Taste Better In A Cast-Iron Skillet?
Steak often tastes better when cooked in a cast-iron skillet because of the skillet's superior heat retention and even cooking surface. Cast iron allows for a perfect sear, creating a delicious crust that enhances the steak's flavor. Additionally, the skillet can be transferred to the oven if needed, offering versatility in cooking methods.
Is It Better To Cook Steak In A Cold Pan Or Hot Pan?
It is better to cook steak in a hot pan rather than a cold one. Starting with a hot pan ensures that the steak begins to sear immediately, forming a flavorful crust and locking in juices. A cold pan, on the other hand, can cause the steak to cook unevenly and release moisture, leading to a less desirable texture and flavor.
