How to Make Steak Tender: Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

• In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add garlic, rosemary, or thyme for extra flavor.
• Stir the marinade well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

• Place your steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag, and pour the marinade over the top. Make sure the steak is fully coated.
• Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour for tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak. For more tender cuts, 15-30 minutes is usually sufficient. You can also marinate it overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Step 3: Preheat the Pan or Grill

• Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill to medium-high heat. The cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and a perfect sear, which helps lock in the steak’s juices.

Step 4: Searing the Steak

• Once your pan or grill is hot, remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Season the steak with a little more salt and pepper just before cooking.
• Add olive oil to the pan, or brush your grill with some oil, and carefully place the steak in the pan or on the grill. Let the steak sear without moving it for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare (adjust for your preferred doneness).

Step 5: Rest the Steak

• After cooking, remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.

Method 2: The Reverse Sear Method

For thicker steaks, the reverse sear method is an excellent way to achieve tenderness. This technique involves slowly cooking the steak at a low temperature first, then finishing it with a quick sear to get that crispy, caramelized crust.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

• Season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer.
• Place the steak on a baking rack set over a baking sheet. This helps air circulate around the meat for even cooking.

Step 3: Slow-Cook the Steak

• Place the steak in the oven and cook it slowly for 20-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of your steak and the desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (for medium-rare, look for 130-135°F).

Step 4: Sear the Steak

• Heat a cast-iron skillet with olive oil or butter over high heat. Once it’s very hot, transfer the steak from the oven into the skillet and sear it for 1-2 minutes per side until a rich, brown crust forms.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

• Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure maximum tenderness.

Additional Tips for Tenderizing Steak

While marinades and cooking techniques are key to tenderizing steak, there are a few additional steps you can take to ensure your steak is as tender as possible:

1. Use a Meat Tenderizer: For tougher cuts, like flank steak or round steak, you can use a meat mallet to physically break down the fibers. Gently pound the steak with the flat side of the mallet to tenderize it before marinating or cooking.
2. Rest the Meat: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking is a crucial step. Resting lets the muscle fibers relax and retain their moisture, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak.
3. Cut Against the Grain: When slicing your steak, make sure to cut against the grain (the direction in which the muscle fibers run). This will make the steak easier to chew and more tender.
4. Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can make even the most tender cut of meat dry and tough. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure you’re cooking your steak to your preferred level of doneness without going too far.

Conclusion: Enjoy a Tender Steak Every Time

Making steak tender doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By using a flavorful marinade, opting for the reverse sear method, or simply tenderizing the meat before cooking, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked steak that’s juicy, flavorful, and tender. Remember, the key to tender steak is using the right techniques for the cut you’re working with, and allowing the meat to rest properly after cooking. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make steak tender and delicious every time. Enjoy!