Insider Secrets: How to Cook the Perfect Steak

Ever wondered what the secrets are to cooking the perfect steak at home?

Well you’re in luck, because today, Chamberlain’s Steak & Chop House shares some of our secrets to the best steaks around. Chef Richard Chamberlain knows how to cook an amazing steak! Read on to learn tips and tricks from the expert himself:

1.     Simple, High Quality Seasoning

Many people ask us at Chamberlain’s, “what do you use to season your steak?” We hate to break it to you, but it’s simply kosher salt, freshly cracked pepper, and oil! Keep in mind, that freshly cracked pepper is key, as the freshly ground pepper has more flavor infused into it than anything out of a can that’s been sitting on a shelf. Sprinkle the mixture on generously, carefully coating both sides of your meat evenly. 

2.     Use Cast Iron

When cooking a steak at home, you can mimic the infrared cooking methods used at Chamberlain’s by cooking your steak on a cast iron skillet! Heat the skillet to medium high, sprinkle in a little oil, then wait until it begins to smoke slightly. Then you know it’s showtime! The cast iron will carefully and evenly sear the exterior of the meat, locking in the juices and adding the perfect caramelization to the exterior of the meat. 

3.     Infuse Herbs into the Cooking Process

Want to really kick that flavor up a notch? One way to give your steak a flavor all its own is with fresh herbs. Fresh rosemary and bay leaves both lend the perfect complimentary flavors to a delicious steak. You can add the herbs directly into the oil as you cook, then move them around, careful not the burn them!, then move the meat into the flavor infused oil. 

4.     Know your Oils

One of our tricks to the perfect sear is to use an oil blend of 3 parts canola oil and 1 part olive oil vs. pure extra virgin olive oil. The canola oil works well with the high temperature searing, while the extra virgin olive oil still lends its perfect flavor to each bite. 

5.     Let it Rest, Then Put it Back

When cooking steak – or any meat – it’s important to cook it, then let it rest for a few minutes. This period of rest allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat and add wonderful flavor to each bite. When you are ready to serve, Chamberlain’s recommends putting the meat back in the pan for a minute or two, just to add a fresh sear and warmth to the meat.

6.     Add a Compound Butter

One of the ways you can really add flavor to your meat is to top it with a compound butter before serving! A compound butter is simply a butter mixed with things like garlic, shallots, mushrooms, etc. to infuse the butter with even more delicious flavors. 

Want to learn more? Check out this video from Chef Chamberlain himself, explaining how to cook the perfect steak! 

Visit Chamberlain’s Steak & Chop House – the best steakhouse in Addison – today for curbside pickup of steaks and more!