Cooking a steak on a propane stove is a straightforward process that can yield delicious results. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cook a steak on a propane stove:
Ingredients:
- Steak (your preferred cut, such as ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon)
- Cooking oil (vegetable oil, canola oil, or any high smoke point oil)
- Salt and pepper (or your favorite steak seasoning)
- Butter (optional)
Equipment:
- Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan (preferred, as it retains heat well)
- Tongs or a spatula
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
Instructions:
Preparation:
- Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This helps the steak cook more evenly.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to ensure a better sear.
Seasoning:
- Rub the steak with cooking oil, coating it evenly on both sides. This will help the seasoning adhere and prevent sticking to the pan.
- Season the steak generously with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning. You can also add other herbs and spices, according to your taste preference.
Heat the pan:
- Place the cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan on the propane stove over medium-high to high heat.
- Allow the pan to get hot. You can check by holding your hand a few inches above the surface. If you feel the heat radiating, it's ready.
Cook the steak:
- Carefully place the seasoned steak onto the hot pan. You should hear a sizzling sound when the steak makes contact with the surface.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; if you're cooking multiple steaks, cook them one at a time or use a larger pan.
- Cook the steak for a few minutes on each side, depending on your desired doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak gently. Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your preferred level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines:
- Rare: 2-3 minutes per side
- Medium-rare: 3-4 minutes per side
- Medium: 4-5 minutes per side
- Well-done: 5-6 minutes per side
- If using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the steak. The internal temperature for different levels of doneness is approximately:
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Well-done: 150°F (66°C) and above
Optional: Add butter:
- For extra flavor, you can add a knob of butter to the pan during the last minute of cooking. As the butter melts, spoon it over the steak to baste it.
Resting the steak:
- Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the pan and place it on a cutting board or a plate. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak.
Serve:
- Slice the steak against the grain for the best texture and presentation.
- You can serve the steak as it is or with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your deliciously cooked steak from the propane stove!