Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sear a Steak on an Indoor Grill Pan
Are you craving a perfectly seared steak but don’t have access to an outdoor grill? No worries! You can achieve that mouthwatering sear right in your own kitchen using an indoor grill pan. Searing a steak on an indoor grill pan is a fantastic way to lock in flavor and create a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Follow these simple steps to achieve steak perfection:
What You’ll Need:
- Quality steak (such as ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon)
- Indoor grill pan
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the steak to cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help with achieving a good sear.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill Pan
Place the indoor grill pan on the stovetop and preheat it over medium-high heat for several minutes. You want the pan to be hot enough to create a sear, but not smoking.
Step 3: Season the Steak
Brush the steak with a thin layer of olive oil or spray the grill pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any other desired seasonings at this time.
Step 4: Sear the Steak
Carefully place the seasoned steak onto the hot grill pan using tongs. Let the steak cook without moving it for about 3-4 minutes to develop a nice sear. Using the tongs, gently lift a corner of the steak to check if it has developed a golden brown crust. Once the desired sear is achieved, flip the steak using the tongs and sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
If you prefer your steak rare, it may be done at this point. However, if you like your steak more well-done, you can transfer the grill pan to a preheated oven and finish cooking the steak to your desired level of doneness. Alternatively, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a rare steak, aim for 125°F (52°C), medium-rare 135°F (57°C), medium 145°F (63°C), medium-well 155°F (68°C), and well-done 160°F (71°C).
Step 6: Let the Steak Rest
Once the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness, remove it from the grill pan and place it on a cutting board. Allow the steak to rest for about 5-10 minutes to let the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of searing a steak on an indoor grill pan, you can enjoy restaurant-quality steak right at home. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, a perfectly seared steak is always a crowd-pleaser!
Happy cooking!