Cooking a steak without a grill is entirely possible, and there are several methods you can use to achieve a delicious result. Here are some popular ways to cook a steak without a grill:
Pan-Searing:
- Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan on medium-high heat.
- Rub the steak with a little oil and season it with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning.
- Once the pan is hot, add the steak and sear it for a few minutes on each side until you achieve a nice crust.
- Lower the heat to medium or medium-low and continue cooking to your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Broiling:
- Preheat your oven's broiler on high.
- Prepare the steak by seasoning it as desired.
- Place the steak on a broiler pan or a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Put the pan with the steak in the oven, a few inches away from the broiler element.
- Cook the steak on one side, then flip it to cook the other side. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
Oven-Baking:
- Preheat your oven to the desired temperature (usually around 400-450°F or 200-230°C).
- Season the steak and sear it briefly in a hot skillet to get some color on both sides.
- Transfer the steak to a baking dish or an oven-safe pan.
- Cook the steak in the preheated oven until it reaches your preferred doneness, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Sous Vide (Water Bath) Cooking:
- Season the steak and place it in a vacuum-sealed bag (or a heavy-duty ziplock bag with the air removed using the water displacement method).
- Heat a pot of water to your desired final temperature (usually between 120-160°F or 50-71°C, depending on your preferred doneness).
- Submerge the bag with the steak in the water bath and cook for a few hours.
- After sous vide cooking, sear the steak quickly in a hot skillet or on a grill pan to develop a crust.
Remember that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your preferred level of doneness. It's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your liking:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium-Rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium-Well: 155°F (68°C)
- Well-Done: 160°F (71°C) or higher
Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Enjoy your deliciously cooked steak!