When it comes to cooking steaks, there’s no denying that steakhouses have mastered the art. A perfectly cooked steak can make all the difference in a dining experience, and steakhouses have spent years perfecting their techniques. But have you ever wondered what steakhouses use to cook their steaks? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of steak cooking and explore the different methods and tools that steakhouses use to achieve that perfect sear.
The Importance of Heat Control
When it comes to cooking steaks, heat control is crucial. Steakhouses need to be able to achieve a high heat quickly in order to get a nice sear on the steak. This is where the type of cooking equipment comes in. Steakhouses typically use one of two types of cooking equipment: grills or broilers.
Grills
Grills are a popular choice for steakhouses because they allow for a high heat and a nice char on the steak. There are several types of grills that steakhouses use, including:
- Gas grills: These are the most common type of grill used in steakhouses. They provide a consistent heat and are easy to clean.
- Charcoal grills: These grills use charcoal as a heat source and provide a smoky flavor to the steak.
- Wood-fired grills: These grills use wood as a heat source and provide a unique flavor to the steak.
Benefits of Grilling
Grilling is a popular cooking method for steakhouses because it provides several benefits, including:
- A nice char on the steak: Grilling allows for a high heat, which creates a nice char on the steak.
- Smoky flavor: Grilling over charcoal or wood provides a smoky flavor to the steak.
- Even cooking: Grilling allows for even cooking, which ensures that the steak is cooked consistently throughout.
Broilers
Broilers are another type of cooking equipment used in steakhouses. They use infrared heat to cook the steak and provide a high heat quickly.
Types of Broilers
There are several types of broilers used in steakhouses, including:
- Gas broilers: These broilers use gas as a heat source and provide a consistent heat.
- Electric broilers: These broilers use electricity as a heat source and are easy to clean.
- Infrared broilers: These broilers use infrared heat to cook the steak and provide a high heat quickly.
Benefits of Broiling
Broiling is a popular cooking method for steakhouses because it provides several benefits, including:
- High heat: Broiling allows for a high heat, which creates a nice sear on the steak.
- Even cooking: Broiling allows for even cooking, which ensures that the steak is cooked consistently throughout.
- Easy to clean: Broilers are easy to clean, which makes them a convenient option for steakhouses.
Cooking Techniques
In addition to the type of cooking equipment, steakhouses also use various cooking techniques to achieve a perfectly cooked steak. Some common cooking techniques used in steakhouses include:
- Searing: This involves cooking the steak over high heat for a short period of time to create a nice crust on the steak.
- Finishing: This involves cooking the steak over low heat for a longer period of time to cook the steak to the desired level of doneness.
- Resting: This involves letting the steak rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
The Importance of Resting
Resting is an important step in the cooking process because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak. This ensures that the steak is tender and flavorful.
How to Rest a Steak
To rest a steak, simply place it on a plate or cutting board and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it tender and flavorful.
Cooking Oils and Seasonings
In addition to the type of cooking equipment and cooking techniques, steakhouses also use various cooking oils and seasonings to add flavor to the steak. Some common cooking oils used in steakhouses include:
- Olive oil: This is a popular choice for steakhouses because it has a high smoke point and adds a rich flavor to the steak.
- Avocado oil: This is another popular choice for steakhouses because it has a high smoke point and adds a mild flavor to the steak.
- Peanut oil: This is a popular choice for steakhouses because it has a high smoke point and adds a nutty flavor to the steak.
Seasonings
Steakhouses also use various seasonings to add flavor to the steak. Some common seasonings used in steakhouses include:
- Salt and pepper: These are the most common seasonings used in steakhouses because they add a rich flavor to the steak.
- Garlic and herbs: These are popular seasonings used in steakhouses because they add a savory flavor to the steak.
- Spices: These are also popular seasonings used in steakhouses because they add a bold flavor to the steak.
How to Season a Steak
To season a steak, simply sprinkle the seasonings over the steak before cooking. This adds flavor to the steak and enhances the overall dining experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, steakhouses use a variety of cooking equipment, techniques, and seasonings to achieve a perfectly cooked steak. By understanding the different methods and tools used in steakhouses, you can create a similar dining experience at home. Whether you prefer grilling or broiling, there’s a cooking method and technique that’s right for you. So next time you’re in the mood for a steak, try using some of the techniques and seasonings used in steakhouses to create a truly unforgettable dining experience.
| Cooking Equipment | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Grills | Nice char on the steak, smoky flavor, even cooking |
| Broilers | High heat, even cooking, easy to clean |
- Use a high heat to achieve a nice sear on the steak
- Use a lower heat to cook the steak to the desired level of doneness
What type of broilers do steakhouses use to cook steaks?
Steakhouses typically use high-heat broilers to cook their steaks. These broilers are designed to produce intense heat, usually between 500°F to 800°F (260°C to 427°C), which allows for a nice crust to form on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside juicy and tender. This type of broiler is often more powerful than what you would find in a home kitchen.
The high heat of these broilers also helps to achieve the perfect sear on the steak. The sear is what gives the steak its flavor and texture, and it’s what sets a great steak apart from a good one. By using a high-heat broiler, steakhouses can achieve a perfect sear every time, which is why their steaks always seem to taste better than what you can make at home.
What is the secret to cooking a steak to the perfect temperature?
The secret to cooking a steak to the perfect temperature is to use a thermometer. Steakhouses use thermometers to ensure that their steaks are cooked to the perfect temperature every time. The ideal temperature for a steak depends on the type of steak and the level of doneness desired. For example, a rare steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 120°F to 130°F (49°C to 54°C), while a medium-rare steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F (54°C to 57°C).
By using a thermometer, steakhouses can ensure that their steaks are cooked to the perfect temperature every time. This is especially important when cooking steaks to a specific level of doneness, as the temperature can quickly go from perfect to overcooked. By using a thermometer, steakhouses can avoid overcooking their steaks and ensure that every steak that goes out to a customer is cooked to perfection.
How do steakhouses achieve a perfect crust on their steaks?
Steakhouses achieve a perfect crust on their steaks by using a combination of high heat and a small amount of oil. The high heat of the broiler helps to sear the steak and create a crust, while the oil helps to add flavor and texture to the crust. Steakhouses typically use a neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil, to add a subtle flavor to the crust without overpowering the natural flavor of the steak.
The key to achieving a perfect crust is to not overcrowd the broiler. Steakhouses typically cook their steaks one or two at a time, depending on the size of the steak and the broiler. This allows for even cooking and helps to prevent the steaks from steaming instead of searing. By cooking the steaks individually, steakhouses can achieve a perfect crust every time.
What type of pans do steakhouses use to cook their steaks?
Steakhouses typically use cast-iron or stainless steel pans to cook their steaks. These pans are ideal for cooking steaks because they retain heat well and can achieve a high temperature. Cast-iron pans are especially popular in steakhouses because they can be heated to a very high temperature and retain that heat for a long time.
The type of pan used can make a big difference in the quality of the steak. A good pan can help to achieve a perfect sear and add flavor to the steak, while a poor-quality pan can result in a steak that is cooked unevenly or lacks flavor. Steakhouses typically use high-quality pans that are designed specifically for cooking steaks.
How do steakhouses season their steaks?
Steakhouses typically season their steaks with a combination of salt, pepper, and other seasonings. The type and amount of seasonings used can vary depending on the type of steak and the desired flavor profile. Some steakhouses may use a dry rub, which is a mixture of spices and seasonings that is applied to the steak before cooking.
The key to seasoning a steak is to not overdo it. Steakhouses typically use a light hand when seasoning their steaks, as they want to enhance the natural flavor of the steak without overpowering it. By using a combination of salt, pepper, and other seasonings, steakhouses can add depth and complexity to their steaks without overwhelming the palate.
What is the importance of letting a steak rest before serving?
Letting a steak rest before serving is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. When a steak is cooked, the juices are pushed to the surface of the meat. If the steak is sliced immediately, the juices will run out of the meat, resulting in a dry and flavorless steak.
By letting the steak rest for a few minutes before serving, the juices have time to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a steak that is juicy and full of flavor. Steakhouses typically let their steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, depending on the type and size of the steak. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to retain its natural flavor and texture.
How do steakhouses ensure consistency in their steak cooking?
Steakhouses ensure consistency in their steak cooking by using a combination of techniques and tools. One of the most important tools is a thermometer, which ensures that the steak is cooked to the perfect temperature every time. Steakhouses also use a timer to ensure that the steak is cooked for the right amount of time, depending on the type and thickness of the steak.
In addition to using thermometers and timers, steakhouses also train their chefs to cook steaks to a consistent level of doneness. This involves teaching the chefs how to use the thermometer and timer, as well as how to visually inspect the steak to determine its level of doneness. By combining these techniques and tools, steakhouses can ensure that every steak that goes out to a customer is cooked to perfection.