If you’re a fan of steak, then you have probably cooked or at least ordered a New York strip steak. This cut of beef is a favorite of many due to its tender and flavorful meat. However, cooking it perfectly can be a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with the right techniques. In this article, we will discuss how long it takes to cook a New York strip steak on the stove and how to achieve the perfect level of doneness.
Cooking a New York strip steak on the stove may seem easy, but it requires some attention and precision. Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done, you should know the right cooking time for each temperature. Overcooking or undercooking the meat can ruin the texture and taste, so it’s essential to get it right. Keep reading to find out the secrets of cooking the perfect New York strip steak in your home kitchen.
Understanding Your New York Strip Cut
Understanding your New York Strip cut is crucial to cooking it perfectly on the stove. The New York strip steak is also known as the top sirloin steak or the Kansas City strip steak. It comes from the short loin section of the cow and is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. The New York strip is usually boneless, but it can have a small bone running through it for added flavor.
When selecting your New York strip steak, choose one that is at least one inch thick. This thickness ensures that the steak will cook evenly without being overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside. Additionally, a thicker steak will give you a better sear and a juicier interior. Make sure to bring the steak to room temperature before cooking it to ensure an even cook. Lastly, don’t forget to season the steak well before cooking it on the stove for a delicious, perfectly cooked steak.
Preparing Your New York Strip Steak for Cooking
Preparing your New York Strip steak for cooking is crucial to ensure the perfect steak. Firstly, remove the steak from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature; ideally, for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking throughout the steak. Secondly, season your steak with salt and pepper to taste. This helps to enhance the natural flavor of the meat and adds a delicious crust to it.
After seasoning, you can add some other flavors to the steak if you prefer, such as herbs and garlic, by rubbing them onto the steak before cooking. Lastly, lightly coat the steak with oil to prevent sticking and provide a crispy outer layer. It is essential to follow these steps to ensure a tasty, juicy steak. Preparing the New York Strip steak should only take around 5 to 10 minutes.
Perfecting the Searing Process for Your Steak
Perfecting the searing process is crucial to cooking a juicy, tender, and delicious New York Strip Steak on the stove. Preheat your skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat for at least 5 minutes. This will help create a crispy crust, and retain the juices.
Once you place the steak on the pan, don’t move it around too much. This ensures that the steak develops a beautiful sear. Sear the first side for 3 to 4 minutes or until it develops a crust. Flip it and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing. Perfecting the searing process takes a bit of practice, but the end result is undoubtedly worth the effort.
Checking the Cook on Your New York Strip Steak
Checking the cook on your New York Strip Steak is crucial to ensuring that it is cooked to perfection. There are a few ways to determine the doneness of your steak, so you can choose the option that works best for you.
One common method is to use a meat thermometer to take the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the steak should have an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For medium, the temperature should be around 140-145°F. If you prefer your steak closer to well-done, the internal temperature should be around 160°F. Another option is to use the “finger test” to check the firmness of the steak. This involves comparing the resistance of the meat to the firmness of the flesh on your palm when making a fist. With a little practice, you can easily determine the doneness of your New York Strip Steak.
Mastering the Timing for a Medium-Rare Cook
Achieving the perfect medium-rare cook for a New York strip steak requires precision timing. After searing the steak on a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side, make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the temperature should read 135°F.
It’s important to let the steak rest for at least 3-5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender, juicy steak. Timing is key, so keep an eye on the clock and the meat thermometer for the best results. With practice, you can master the timing for a perfect medium-rare cook every time.
Resting and Serving Your Cooked New York Strip Steak
Resting and Serving Your Cooked New York Strip Steak:
Once your New York strip steak is cooked to perfection, resist the urge to cut into it right away. Allowing it to rest for five to ten minutes ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a tender and moist bite. Cover the steak loosely with foil during this resting period to keep it warm.
After the resting period, slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve your steak as is or with a sauce of your choice. Classic steak sauces include mushroom, demi-glace, chimichurri, Béarnaise, or a simple red wine reduction. Pair with a glass of red wine, a side salad, and a baked potato to complete your steak dinner.
Pairing Wine with Your Perfectly Cooked Steak
Pairing Wine with Your Perfectly Cooked Steak:
A good wine pairing complements the flavors of the steak and enhances the overall dining experience. There are different types of red wines that go well with a New York strip steak. One favorite is a Cabernet Sauvignon, which has bold tannins and a full-bodied flavor that pairs well with the rich flavor of the steak.
Another option is a Merlot, which has a slightly softer taste with a mix of fruit and oak flavors. The smooth taste of a Merlot goes well with medium-rare or medium-cooked New York strip steak. Lastly, a Pinot Noir can pair well with a leaner cut of strip steak, as it has a lighter flavor that won’t overpower the meat. Ultimately, the wine pairing comes down to personal preference, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties until you find a combination that suits your taste.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, cooking a New York strip steak on the stove is a relatively simple process that can yield delicious results with a little bit of patience and practice. By properly seasoning and heating the pan, searing the steak for a few minutes on each side, and allowing it to rest before slicing, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked steak in about 10-15 minutes.
Of course, everyone has their own preferences when it comes to steak, so feel free to experiment with different seasonings, cooking times, and temperatures to find what works best for you. With a little bit of experimentation and a lot of love for good food, you’re sure to find the perfect method for cooking a New York strip steak to your liking.