Steak cooking mistake to avoid this Valentine’s Day

When it comes to steak, there are a number of different ways the meat can be cooked and getting it just how you like it can take practice. It remains a popular choice for home-cooked Valentine’s Day meals, with a significant rise in searches for cooking tips.

In the past week, searches for “how long to fry a fillet steak” increased by 130%, while searches for “how to cook a steak in a pan medium rare” and “how long to cook a ribeye steak” increased by 90%.

With this in mind, meat experts from online butchers Campbells Meat share the most common steak-cooking mistakes and how to fix them to achieve a high-quality Valentine’s meal at home.

1. Not letting meat rest before and after cooking

The experts recommend always allowing your meat to rest for 15-20 minutes before and after cooking. Taking a steak straight from the fridge to the pan can lead to uneven cooking. Let the steak rest before to ensure even heat distribution and a juicier result.

It’s especially important to allow meat to rest after cooking and before cutting. The experts say that when the meat is cut, all the delicious juices will flow out, leaving you with a dry and tasteless dish.

2. Using a cold pan

Never cook with a cold pan, warn the experts. This can lead to meat sticking and not properly searing. If you desire that delicious golden brown crust, make sure to always preheat the pan or oven. Not only will it help the overall appearance of the dish, but it will also lock in those essential flavours and juices.

Likewise, resist the temptation of overcrowding the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking. Give your food enough space and allow for even heat distribution.

3. Cooking at the wrong temperature

The experts warn that cooking at a temperature too high could result in overcooked, tough and dry meat, lacking moisture and flavour.

They advise you to always use a thermometer to check the temperature of your meat in the middle and adjust your cooking temperatures to suit.

4. Not thoroughly seasoning

Seasoning can make or break a recipe. Under or over seasoning can lead to bland, or overly flavoursome dishes, which can be overwhelming to taste. Experts say the key is to find the right balance to enhance the natural flavours of the meat.

5. Not considering air frying

Air frying can create a juicy interior and a crispy exterior for steaks. Preheat the air fryer to 200-230°C. Simply season your steak with salt, pepper and a little oil and then cook for 6-10 minutes per side, depending on the thickness and your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your preferred internal temperature (e.g., 52°C for rare, 57°C for medium-rare, 63°C for medium, 66°C for medium-well, and 71°C for well-done).

“Valentine’s Day meals should be about indulgence and enjoyment, not disappointment in the kitchen,” says a spokesperson for Campbells Meat. “By avoiding these common mistakes, home cooks can ensure their steak is perfectly cooked, making their dinner a success.”

For more information, visit the Campbells Meat steak guide.