You can cook a steak without using an oven or microwave by utilizing alternative cooking methods such as stovetop cooking, grilling, or sous vide. Here are three popular methods to cook steak without an oven or microwave:
- Stovetop Cooking (Pan-Searing):
Ingredients:
- Steak (your preferred cut)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Cooking oil (such as vegetable oil or olive oil)
Instructions:
Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature, allowing for more even cooking.
Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add a little cooking oil to the hot pan and swirl it around to coat the surface.
Carefully place the seasoned steak onto the hot pan. Cook the steak for a few minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the steak and your preferred level of doneness (rare, medium-rare, medium, etc.).
Use tongs to flip the steak and cook the other side until it reaches the desired doneness.
Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Grilling:
Ingredients:
- Steak (your preferred cut)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Grill or barbecue
Instructions:
Prepare your grill or barbecue for direct heat cooking. You can use charcoal or gas, depending on your grill type.
Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
Place the seasoned steak on the preheated grill and cook for a few minutes on each side, turning the steak once to achieve grill marks and your preferred level of doneness.
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Sous Vide (Water Bath Cooking):
Ingredients:
- Steak (your preferred cut)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Heavy-duty resealable plastic bag
- Pot of water
Instructions:
- Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the seasoned steak into a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag and seal it, removing as much air as possible.
- Fill a large pot with water and attach a sous vide precision cooker to the pot, setting the temperature according to your desired doneness (e.g., 130°F / 54°C for medium-rare).
- Submerge the sealed bag with the steak in the water bath and cook it for the recommended time for the thickness of your steak (this can vary but is typically a few hours).
- Once the cooking time is up, remove the steak from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Sear the steak on a hot skillet or grill for a brief time to develop a nice crust on the surface.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Remember, the cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the level of doneness you prefer. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the desired internal temperature.