Want to impress your customers when serving up steak dishes at your restaurant? Cooking a steak to perfection isn’t always easy, but one solution to a beautifully cooked steak is to use a cast iron skillet. There are many benefits that come with using one of these skillets for this type of meat, which is why they’ve become a popular choice in steak restaurants and eateries.
Whether your customers want rare, medium, or well-done steak, a high-quality skillet helps to make lighter work of cooking steak without compromising on quality. In this article, we’ll learn more about the benefits and how to create the perfect steak using a skillet.
What Are the Benefits?
So, what are the benefits of using one of these skillets? Well, there are lots of advantages you can look forward to, which is why many chefs now use a cast iron steak skillet. Some of the main benefits are:
- Even distribution of heat
- Excellent heat retention
- Intense heat for searing
- Ability to finish the cooking process in the oven
- Beautifully cooked steak
How to Cook Steak for the Best Results
Let’s move on to how to cook steak in your skillet to achieve the best results:
Preparation
The first step is the preparation, which starts with adding oil to the skillet. Heat on high until it begins to simmer. In the meantime, dry the steak by gently patting it and add salt and pepper to both sides to season. Before adding the steak to the skillet, make sure the pan is seasoned and fully heated to prevent sticking.
In addition, make sure you use the right oil, which means choosing one with a high smoke point. This includes options such as grapeseed, avocado, peanut, or canola oil. These oils are ideal because they can handle the heat that’s needed to cook steak.
Cooking the Steak
Next comes the cooking stage, and these step-by-step instructions will help you to achieve perfect results:
- Once the oil in the pan is properly heated, lower the steak into the pan gently. It is best to pick it up by the bone or the center using tongs, as this will reduce the risk of tearing.
- Using the tongs, turn your steak every few minutes for even cooking. Don’t forget to also focus on the sides of the meat by pressing them against the edges of the skillet to make sure they cook.
- You should baste the steak in the oil as it cooks; you can use a spoon to coat the meat with its juices and the seasoned oil from the skillet.
- It’s important to check the temperature of the steak while cooking, and you can use a meat thermometer to do this. You can then make sure you cook the steak to the required finish.
- As the meat cooks, add spices and a little butter to the skillet. You can then spoon these over the meat as it cooks to add flavor.
- It’s then time to remove the steak from the pan once you’re happy it is done to the desired level. Once removed, leave the steak to rest on a chopping board or plate for around ten minutes.
And that’s all there is to it! You can then serve up a beautifully cooked and wonderfully flavorsome steak!
Choosing the Right Skillet
One of the things you need to do is choose the right steak cast iron skillet for your commercial kitchen. Some of the key things you should consider are:
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Weight: You should consider the weight of the skillet. A lighter one is easier to move around and handle, but a heavier one is generally considered better for cooking steak.
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Handles: Make sure you choose a skillet that has very sturdy, high-quality handles. These should be large enough to hold with oven gloves safely and easily.
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Skillet Surface: You also need to think about the surface of the skillet. The benefit of a smooth surface is that it is easier to clean and maintain. However, a rough surface is easier to season.
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Skillet Coating: Also, consider the coating of the skillet. If it has an enamel coating, make sure it is of high quality.
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Pricing: As a business, you need to consider the cost of the skillet, so take some time to compare prices. However, never compromise on quality in order to cut costs.
With the right skillet, you can rustle up steaks that a beautifully seared and are juice and flavorsome.
An Ideal Addition to Your Commercial Kitchen
For restaurants that serve steak, these skillets are a perfect addition. They offer the perfect solution to cooking delicious, juicy, and perfectly seasoned steaks that will impress your customers. Make sure you invest in quality, as this can impact the end results.
