Any good cook will tell you that proper preparation of meat is essential to a successful dish. Meat that is not properly prepared can be tough, dry, and flavourless.  Whether you’re having steak skewers at Hunter & Barrel or preparing high-quality meat for a family occasion, the preparation of the meat is essential.

The preparation of meat is also essential in order to prevent foodborne illness. There are a number of potential sources of contamination during the butchering process, so it is important to take steps to ensure that the meat is clean and safe to eat. Here are the steps you can take to serve up a professional steak that is safe – and delicious. 

Select the Right Cut of Meat

There’s nothing quite like a juicy steak, cooked to perfection. But preparing a delicious steak dinner can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re not sure what cut of meat to choose. Here are a few tips to help you select the perfect steak for your next meal.

When it comes to steak, there are four main cuts: ribeye, strip loin, tenderloin, and top sirloin. Each cut has its own unique flavour and texture, so it’s important to choose one that will suit your taste preferences. 

Ribeye steaks are well-marbled and have a rich, beefy flavour. Strip loin steaks are slightly leaner than ribeyes but are still packed with flavour. Tenderloin steaks are the most tender of the four cuts but can sometimes be lacking in flavour. Top sirloin steaks offer a good balance of tenderness and flavour.

Once you’ve selected your cut of meat, it’s time to decide how you want it cooked. Steaks can be cooked rare, medium-rare, medium, or well done. The level of doneness is determined by the internal temperature of the meat, which you can measure with a meat thermometer.

Ensure All of Your Cleaning Equipment is Cleaned Properly 

Any dirt or residue on your grill or frying pan can cause your steak to stick, making it difficult to get a nice sear. 

In addition, any bacteria on your cooking tools can be transferred to the meat, potentially causing food poisoning. For this reason, it’s important to make sure all of your equipment is cleaned thoroughly before you start cooking. 

A few simple steps like scrubbing your grill with soap and water and wiping down your frying pan with a paper towel can go a long way in ensuring a perfectly cooked steak. So, next time you’re firing up the grill, take a minute to clean your equipment and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal.

Clean The Steak

Any good chef will tell you that knowing how to clean a steak is the key to serving up a delicious and juicy cut of meat. The first step is to rinse the steak under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel. 

Next, you’ll want to trim away any excess fat or connective tissue. This will help to ensure that your steak cooks evenly and doesn’t end up being tough or rubbery.

Season The Meat Properly 

One of the most important steps in preparing a steak is to season it properly. Seasoning helps to enhance the flavour of the meat and also helps to tenderise it. 

There are a variety of ways to season a steak, but one of the simplest and most effective methods is to coat it with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Another way to season a steak is to rub it with a mixture of herbs and spices. The key is to use a generous amount of seasoning so that the flavour has a chance to penetrate the meat. Once the steak is properly seasoned, it can then be cooked using any method you prefer. 

Whether you grill it, pan-fry it, or bake it in the oven, a properly seasoned steak will always taste great. Seasoning your steak properly is the first step to enjoying a delicious and juicy steak that everyone will love.

Cook The Meat at the Right Temperature

When it comes to steak, there’s a lot of debate over the best cooking method. Some people prefer to fry their steak, while others prefer to grill it. However, the most important factor in cooking a perfect steak is actually the temperature. If the steak is too rare, it will be tough and chewy. 

If it’s too well-done, it will be dry and flavourless. The key is to cook the steak just long enough to soften the collagen in the meat and allow the fat to render out, resulting in a juicy, flavourful steak that’s still tender enough to cut with a fork. Here’s a simple guide to help you cook your steak like a pro.

• For a rare steak: Cook for 2 minutes per side, then let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it.
• For a medium-rare steak: Cook for 3 minutes per side, then let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it.
• For a medium steak: Cook for 4 minutes per side, then let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it.
• For a well-done steak: Cook for 5 minutes per side, then let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it.

Remember, when cooking meat of any kind, it is always better to err on the side of caution and cook it slightly longer than shorter. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with your culinary skills the next time you serve steak.

How to Serve the Perfect Steak

A steak is not complete without the perfect side dish. While there are many options to choose from, a few classic staples always make an appearance on the best steakhouse menus. One such dish is roasted potatoes. 

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes, and the added herbs and spices give them a savoury flavour that pairs perfectly with the steak. 

Another popular option is a green salad. The crispness of the greens provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak, and the acidity of the dressing helps to cut through the fat. 

Finally, no steak dinner would be complete without a glass of red wine. The bold flavours of a cabernet sauvignon or merlot complement the savoury taste of steak, making it an essential part of any perfect meal.