How to Cook Steak
How to cook steak has more than one right answer. Choose the grill, a skillet, the reverse sear, or sous vide, and cook to temperature.
There are countless ways to cook your favorite cut of steak, but is one method superior? At Pre, we cook our steaks using a variety of techniques. Here is how to cook steak four ways, and how to choose the one that fits your meal. Whichever you pick, use an instant-read thermometer and cook to the temperatures in our chart.
Steak temperature chart
Doneness | Internal temperature | Average time per side |
Rare | 120 to 125°F | 4 to 5 min |
Medium rare | 125 to 130°F | 5 to 6 min |
Medium | 135 to 140°F | 6 to 7 min |
Medium well | 140 to 145°F | 7 to 8 min |
Well | 150 to 160°F | 8 to 9 min |
This chart applies to every Pre steak. See the full version in our steak temperature chart.
How to cook steak on the grill
To cook the perfect steak, always use an instant-read thermometer and cook according to our temperature chart above. Whether you are making kabobs or slathering a marinade on your steaks, you will not be disappointed.
Heat your grill to medium-high to high heat, around 350 to 400°F. Pat your steak dry, because the drier the steak, the better the sear. Season liberally on both sides with coarse salt. Oil both sides with high heat oil, then oil your grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the steaks on the grill and cook until they are golden brown and slightly charred. Flip each steak only once, and rotate it about 30 degrees to get those sought-after grill marks. Use a thermometer to check for doneness. Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain. Get every detail in how to cook steak on the grill, and see our two-zone grill method.
How to cook steak in a skillet
We love cooking steak in a cast-iron skillet because cast iron heats evenly and holds heat well. It brings out delicious, buttery flavors and keeps your meat juicy.
To start, season your steak with salt and pepper. Heat the skillet over high heat, and once it is hot, add a high heat cooking oil. Add your steak and cook it, following the times in the chart (about 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium rare). Set the meat aside to rest for at least 5 minutes, then slice and enjoy. Learn more in how to cook steak on the stovetop, and choose the right oil with what are high heat cooking oils?
How to cook steak with the reverse sear
This oven-to-skillet method gives your steak a nice, slow cook on the inside in the oven, then a tasty high-heat sear at the end on each side for a beautiful, crunchy crust and char from a skillet or cast iron. It is the easiest and most accurate way to make sure the inside of your steak reaches your desired doneness, and it is the method we cannot mess up. Some people also like to finish it on the grill, which is pretty great, too.
The basic premise is to cook the steak at a low temperature for a longer time, then finish it with a very hot sear to develop that char and delicious caramelization. The reverse sear is a super easy way to cook steaks for a crowd, or to make sure you do not overcook or undercook thicker steaks. Get the full method in the best way to cook steak in the oven.
How to cook steak sous vide
Restaurants and chefs have used sous vide for years to partially cook and prepare food for service, and now home cooks are bringing this gentle method into their kitchens. We recommend a sous vide cooker for preparing steaks for a group, or when you want a very flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth steak that finishes in 5 minutes or less.
How to use your sous vide
Set your sous vide cooker to your desired final temperature from the chart (130°F is medium rare).
Place one steak in each bag.
Seal the bags on the moist food setting, and make sure the steaks are coated with marinade or seasoning. Place them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
Submerge your sealed steaks in the water bath completely, and keep them from touching each other so the water can flow all the way around.
Cook for 1 hour if your steak is 1 inch thick, and 1 hour 30 minutes if it is 1 1/2 inches.
Remove from the water and let the steaks come to room temperature. Store them in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to eat, or follow the next steps for immediate serving.
To finish:
Heat a skillet to medium-high.
Remove the steaks from the bag and discard the excess marinade.
Place the steaks in the hot skillet and sear both sides until browned and caramelized. Do not overcook, because your steaks are already perfectly cooked.
Slice against the grain and serve right away.
How to cook steak with Pre grass-fed beef
Pre knows a thing or two about grass-fed beef, and we have been at the top of the beef game for years. From pasture to plate, we consistently source only 100% Grass-Fed & Finished beef, raised with no added hormones and no sub-therapeutic antibiotics, and Non-GMO Project Verified. Short on time? Try how to cook the perfect steak in 20 minutes, or read how to cook every steak Pre sells.
FAQ
What is the best way to cook steak?
There is no single best method. Grilling gives char, a skillet gives a buttery crust, the reverse sear is the most accurate for thick steaks, and sous vide is great for a crowd. Whatever you choose, cook to temperature.
What temperature is medium rare steak?
Medium rare is 125 to 130°F, which averages 5 to 6 minutes per side.
How long should steak rest?
Rest steak for at least 5 minutes before slicing, and slice it against the grain.
Where can I buy Pre 100% Grass-Fed & Finished Beef?
Pre Brands beef is a lean, High Protein, delicious way to keep dinner healthy. Use our store locator to find a store near you, browse all Pre products, or find us on Instacart.
