How Long To Cook Steak On Stove?


Whether you’re a carnivore at heart or enjoy a good cut of meat occasionally, cooking steak on a stove is an excellent way to achieve a mouthwatering meal full of flavor. But how long should you cook your steak on a stove? This is a common question that many cooks ask, and the answer can vary depending on a few factors, such as the thickness of the steak, the type of stove you’re using, and the level of doneness you want. 

This post will explore the ins and outs of cooking steak on the stove and provide tips and tricks to ensure your steak turns out perfectly every time. So, whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, learn how long it takes to cook steak on a stove.

How long to Cook Steak On the Stove

Cooking steak on a stove is a simple and delicious way to achieve your desired level of doneness. However, the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the thickness of the steak, the type of stove you’re using, and your preference. In this section, we’ll provide you with the approximate cooking time and temperature for each level of doneness.

  • Rare: A rare steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 125-130 degrees Fahrenheit (51-54 degrees Celsius). You’ll need to cook your steak for 1-2 minutes per side over high heat to achieve this. A 1-inch thick steak will translate to a total cooking time of about 3-4 minutes.
  • Medium-rare: A medium-rare steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit (57-60 degrees Celsius). You’ll need to cook your steak for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat to achieve this. A 1-inch thick steak will translate to a total cooking time of about 4-6 minutes.
  • Medium: A medium steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit (63-66 degrees Celsius). You’ll need to cook your steak for 3-4 minutes per side over medium-high heat to achieve this. A 1-inch thick steak will translate to a total cooking time of about 8-10 minutes.
  • Medium-well: A medium-well steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 150-155 degrees Fahrenheit (66-68 degrees Celsius). You’ll need to cook your steak for 4-5 minutes per side over medium heat to achieve this. A 1-inch thick steak will translate to a total cooking time of about 10-12 minutes.
  • Well-done: A well-done steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) or higher. You’ll need to cook your steak for 5-6 minutes per side over medium-low heat to achieve this. A 1-inch thick steak will translate to a total cooking time of about 12-15 minutes.

How Long Should I Cook Steak On a Stove?

When cooking steak on the stove, several factors can affect the cooking time, including the temperature, size of the steak, recipe, family size, and dietary restrictions. In this section, we’ll explore these factors in more detail and provide some guidelines to help you determine how long to cook your steak on the stove.

1. Temperature

The cooking temperature for steak is crucial in determining how long to cook your steak on a stovetop. Generally, you’ll want to briefly cook your steak over high heat to sear the outside and lock in the juices.

This will help create a delicious crust while keeping the inside moist and tender. Once you’ve seared the steak on both sides, you can reduce the heat and continue cooking until the desired internal temperature is reached.

2. Size Of The Steak

The size of your steak will also affect the cooking time. Thicker steaks will require more time to cook than thinner ones. As a general rule, you’ll want to cook a 1-inch thick steak for about 3-4 minutes per side for rare, 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, 8-10 minutes per side for medium, 10-12 minutes per side for medium-well, and 12-15 minutes per side for well-done. If you’re cooking a thicker steak, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Recipe

The recipe you’re using can also affect the cooking time. For example, if you’re making a pan sauce or gravy, you’ll need to factor in the additional cooking time for the sauce.

This may mean cooking your steak for a shorter time to ensure it doesn’t overcook while the sauce is prepared.

4. Family Size

The size of your family will also affect the cooking time. If you’re cooking for a large family, you may need to cook several steaks at once, affecting the cooking time. It’s important to ensure that each steak has enough space in the pan to cook evenly.

5. Dietary Restrictions

If you or someone in your family has dietary restrictions, this can also affect the cooking time. For example, if you’re cooking a steak for someone who prefers their meat well-done, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Similarly, if you’re cooking steak for someone who prefers a rare or medium-rare steak, you’ll need to ensure that the internal temperature reaches the desired level of doneness.

Cooking Time For The Perfect Stove Cooked Steak

Cooking steak on the stove is a great way to enjoy a delicious and juicy meal. However, the cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. Here is a table of ten different steak cuts and their recommended cooking times, cooking temperature, and internal temperature for the perfect stove-cooked steak:

Steak CutThicknessDoneness LevelCooking TimeInternal Temperature
Filet Mignon1 inchRare4-5 minutes125°F
Ribeye1 inchMedium Rare6-7 minutes130°F
T-Bone1 inchMedium7-8 minutes140°F
Sirloin1 inchMedium-Well8-9 minutes150°F
Flank Steak1 inchMedium Rare8-10 minutes130°F
Skirt Steak1 inchMedium Rare6-7 minutes140°F
Porterhouse1 inchMedium7-8 minutes130°F
Strip Steak1 inchMedium Rare6-7 minutes130°F
Hanger Steak1 inchMedium Rare6-7 minutes130°F
Flat Iron Steak1 inchMedium Rare6-7 minutes130°F

How Long To Stove Cook Steak At 150

Cooking steak on the stove at a temperature of 150°F is not recommended as it may not reach a safe internal temperature for consumption. According to the USDA, the minimum safe internal temperature for beef steaks is 145°F.

However, suppose you want to cook steak at a low temperature to achieve rare or medium-rare doneness. In that case, it’s recommended to set the stove at a medium-high temperature of around 350°F to 400°F. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and personal preference for doneness.

How Long To Stove Cook Steak At 350

In achieving a medium-rare to medium doneness, for a 1-inch thick steak, you can expect to cook it for approximately 4-5 minutes per side. However, cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired doneness. 

It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak’s internal temperature has reached a safe level before serving. The internal temperature should read 130°F for rare, 140°F for medium-rare, 150°F for medium, 160°F for medium-well, and 170°F for well-done.

How Long To Stove Cook Cow tail Steak at 400

Cow tail steak, or oxtail, is a flavorful cut of meat that requires a longer cooking time to become tender. While it’s typically cooked using slow-cooking methods like braising or stewing, it can also be cooked on the stove at a higher temperature, like 400°F. Here’s a general guideline for cooking cow tail steak on the stove at 400°F:

  • Sear the cow tail steak on all sides in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side to get a nice crust.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the cow tail steak for about 30-40 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

It is important to check the steak’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached a safe level for consumption. Cow tail steak should be cooked to at least 145°F, according to the USDA.

How Long To Stove Cook Steak At 450

When cooking steak on the stove at a high temperature like 450°F, it is important to keep a close eye on the cooking process to prevent overcooking. You can expect to cook a 1-inch thick steak for approximately 3-4 minutes per side at 450°F for a medium-rare to medium doneness. Here’s a general guideline for cooking steak on the stove at 450°F:

  • Preheat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan on high heat until it’s hot.
  • Season the steak with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning.
  • Place the steak in the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness.

Doneness Level For The Perfect Steak Cooked in a Stove

Cooking the perfect steak on the stove is an art form that requires precision and attention to detail. One key factor in achieving the perfect steak is cooking it to the right doneness level. Doneness level refers to the steak’s internal temperature, and it can greatly affect the taste and texture of the meat.

Here is a table showing the doneness level and corresponding internal temperature for 10 different types of steak cooked on the stove:

Steak TypeDoneness LevelInternal Temperature
Filet MignonRare120-125°F
Medium Rare130-135°F
Medium140-145°F
Medium Well150-155°F
Well Done160°F+
RibeyeRare120-125°F
Medium Rare130-135°F
Medium140-145°F
Medium Well150-155°F
Well Done160°F+
New York Strip


Rare120-125°F
Medium Rare130-135°F
Medium140-145°F
Medium Well150-155°F
Well Done160°F+
T-BoneRare120-125°F
Medium Rare130-135°F
Medium140-145°F
Medium Well150-155°F
Well Done160°F+
SirloinRare120-125°F
Medium Rare130-135°F
Medium140-145°F
Medium Well150-155°F
Well Done160°F+

Stove Cooked Steak Recipe: How to cook steak on a Stove 

Cooking steak on the stove is a simple and quick way to enjoy a delicious and juicy meal. Here is a recipe and step-by-step instructions for cooking the perfect steak on the stove:

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 thick-cut steaks (such as ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1-2 tablespoons of oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil)
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic (optional)
  • 2-3 sprigs of fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) (optional)
  • 1-2 tablespoons of butter (optional)
  • Butter 

Instructions:

  • Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any other seasonings or herbs you prefer.
  • Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over a high-heat stove for a few minutes. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the pan.
  • When the oil is hot, carefully place the steak in the pan. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare or until the desired level of doneness is achieved. Use tongs to flip the steak and avoid using a fork, which can puncture the meat and release the juices.
  • Add one or two tablespoons of butter to the pan during the last minute of cooking and a tablespoon or two of butter. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter.
  • Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, please remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures a juicy and flavorful steak.

Video of Cooking Steak on a Stove

How long should I cook a steak on the stove for medium-rare?

For a 1-inch thick steak, you can cook it for 3-4 minutes on each side over high heat for medium-rare doneness. However, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness.

How do I know when the steak is cooked to my desired level of doneness?

The best way to determine the steak’s doneness is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F. For medium, the internal temperature should be 135-145°F. For medium-well, the internal temperature should be 145-155°F. For well-done, the internal temperature should be 155°F or higher.

Do I need to let the steak rest before slicing it?

Yes, it is recommended to let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures a juicy and flavorful steak.

Should I season the steak before or after cooking?

It is recommended to season the steak with salt and pepper before cooking. This helps to enhance the flavor of the steak and forms a nice crust when searing.

How can I prevent the steak from sticking to the pan?

To prevent the steak from sticking to the pan, make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the steak. Also, use a high smoke points oil like vegetable oil or canola oil to coat the pan. Finally, avoid moving the steak around too much while it is cooking to ensure a good sear.

Stove Cooked Steak Recipe

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1-2 thick-cut steaks (such as ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1-2 tablespoons of oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil)
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic (optional)
  • 2-3 sprigs of fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) (optional)
  • 1-2 tablespoons of butter (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any other seasonings or herbs you prefer.
  • Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over a high-heat stove for a few minutes. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the pan.
  • When the oil is hot, carefully place the steak in the pan. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare or until the desired level of doneness is achieved. Use tongs to flip the steak and avoid using a fork, which can puncture the meat and release the juices.
  • Add one or two tablespoons of butter to the pan during the last minute of cooking and a tablespoon or two of butter. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter.
  • Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, please remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures a juicy and flavorful steak.

Video


Conclusion

Cooking steak on the stove can be a great way to enjoy a juicy and flavorful meal without a grill. The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness, as we have discussed. A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the steak is cooked perfectly. 

Let the steak rest before slicing it to ensure a juicy and tender steak. Whether you prefer rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, or well-done, following the recommended cooking times and temperatures will help you achieve the perfect steak on the stove. With these tips and tricks, you can confidently cook a delicious steak on a stove for yourself, your family, or your guests.   

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