Table of contents
- 11 Best Pans To Cook Steak
- How to choose the best pan to cook a steak?
- Frequently Asked Questions about Pans to Cook Steak
Steak is a common dish in most American households. Then why is it so hard to make a perfectly cooked steak? We think that it is because most people do not spend considerable time choosing appropriate cookware to cook steak. Considering that the meat is more complex than basic items like egg and some varieties of fish, the best pan to cook steak would be the one that has properties of high endurance for heat, low maintenance and one that can be used as a multipurpose utensil.
Now that we know what kind of pans are the best pans for searing steak let’s look at the 11 best pans for cooking steak.
It is always a proud moment to own cookware that has been in the family for generations. And if one were to invest in a cast-iron pan, then this will be nothing short of a family heirloom. The cast-iron skillet is pre-seasoned with vegetable oil which increases its functionality with every use. The skillet, also known as ‘the best steak pan or the best pan for cooking chicken’ can be easily used to saute veggies, fry chicken and so much more. Additionally, the skillet also comes with a silicone handle to protect users from possible burns caused due to heat.
Pros:
- Low maintenance.
- Functions better with age.
- Easy to use.
Cons:
- Heavy-weighted
- Needs to be greased well.
- Slightly high maintenance.
Who does not love a good grill pan, right? It gives the food its texture, moisture and enhances its flavour. The cast-iron grill is not just the best skillet for steak, it could be used to cook a variety of items. One could grill sausages, patties, bread along with some veggies on the side. The 10.5 inches cookware is square and ensures that there is ample space to sear more than one item during one cooking session. You could be grilling steak and veggies on the same pan and the result would still be great!
Pros:
- Great flavour.
- No odour after washing.
- Convenient to use.
Cons:
- To be cleaned immediately upon usage.
- May potentially rust if not well maintained.
- Small size.
Granite-stone skillets are light-weight and extremely easy to cook in. They can be used to cook basic and complex food items alike. For beginners who want to cook all kinds of veggies and meat, this skillet is exactly what you need. It serves multiple roles and works on all kinds of stoves ranging from induction to gas to electric. The pan has an eco-friendly granite coating and is free of all toxic chemicals. The bakelite handle is an excellent additional feature and makes it convenient to use the pan.
Pros:
- Best non-stick pan.
- Does not leave food residue.
- Even heat all around.
Cons:
- Small in size.
- Hotspots in some places
Cookware can either make or break your dish, so you must make the right choice of utensils and avoid re-buys. Carbon-steel has been trusted for generations together to be the perfect companion in your kitchen. Carbon-steel pans are considered the best pans for searing steak, sauteing veggies and frying all kinds of meat. For over generations, these pans have earned the trust of our mothers and grandmothers alike for being durable, heating evenly and enhancing the flavour of the food. If you are ready to invest in the best stainless steel pan for steak that will stay with you for generations to come, we think it should be a carbon-steel pan, these-days the pans also come coated with bees-wax to protect them from oxidation.
Pros:
- One-time investment.
- Longevity is high.
- Smooth cooking surface.
- Dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- Heavy-weighted.
- High maintenance.
Nonstick grill pans steal the show when it comes to talking about pans that do not need fat/ butter or any grease to sear food. The pan is square in size and infused with a diamond coating to increase durability and deliver an ultimate cooking experience. Moreover, a square-shaped pan is absolutely essential when you have a full-house or guests over! Compatible with all kinds of stoves, this diamond pan is not only an eye-grabber but sticks to its name and is an absolute delight to use.
Pros:
- Solid and easy to clean.
- Looks great on the counter-top.
- Value for Money.
Cons:
- The pan is very thin.
- Requires greasing.
Leading the way in the durable pans category is this granite square griddle pan. The pan is non-stick, scratch-resistant and an excellent choice of utensil to cook steak in. The shape of cookware ensures a larger surface area, so if one were to look for utility then this is the best choice. Its 3-layered stainless steel base ensures even heating throughout the pan and guarantees tasty meals on any kind of stove be it induction or burner.
Pros:
- Perfect size to grill meat.
- Non-toxic coating
- Value for Money.
Cons:
- Heavy-weighted.
When a pan has the word ‘tough’ in it, you have got to trust it to do its job in the kitchen. This grill pan is eco-friendly and toxic-free and lives up to its name as the best pan to cook steak. And if there is anything we know about non-stick pans it is that they are easy to clean, low on maintenance and convenient to store. The grill pan checks all the right boxes when it comes to durability and ease of cooking. The pan’s non-stick nature allows it to cook all kinds of meat easily making it one of the best pans to cook steak in.
Pros:
- Aluminum construction
- Nonstick interior and exterior
5-quart capacity - Nonstick interior and exterior
Cons:
- Aluminum construction
- Nonstick interior and exterior
5-quart capacity - Nonstick interior and exterior
Whoever said that a perfect grilling pan does not exist has not got their hands on the anodised pans. The pattern on the pan is strikingly different from the rest of the grill pans and has been done so to ensure even heating and effortless grilling of food. This also means that you need not look anymore for the best pan for steak or other meat, this pan can do it all. The red silicone handle is yet another distinct feature of this skillet which has been designed to ease the pressure while cooking on square cookware.
Pros:
- Easy to cook, clean and store.
- Highly durable.
- Looks great on your kitchen top.
Cons:
- Heavy-weighted.
- High maintenance.
We like to think of this grill pan as the leader of the lot and we’ll tell you why. The searing pan is non-stick and the ridges are designed to ensure 50% more oxygen between the food to facilitate proper searing. The skillet is also deep enough to ensure you can fry or saute all kinds of steak, fish and veggies. An excellent feature that distinguishes this pan from the rest is the spouts that are provided on either side to remove excess oil or grease. Lastly, a feature that took all of us by surprise is the handle of the steak pan. The handle can easily be folded inside which makes it easy to carry the pan for outdoor cooking and also saves a ton of storage space.
Pros:
- Easy to cook, clean and store.
- Highly durable.
- Looks great on your kitchen top.
Cons:
- Heavy-weighted.
- Ridges need to be maintained well.
If there is anything we know about cast-iron pans, it is that they can be blindly trusted when it comes to searing meat, and the same holds true for this non-stick cast-iron skillet too. Like all cast-iron pans, this requires proper maintenance, however when it comes to searing food items, one does not require butter or any kind of grease to cook food on it. The bottom of the pan is in a gorgeous red porcelain enamel and is conducive for all kinds of kitchen tops. Another interesting feature about the pan is the easy spout on either side to drain excess oil and the extra inch of porcelain on top for easy manoeuvring of the skillet. Cast iron pans such as these are definitely a great investment if you do not want to change pans regularly and want to leave a legacy behind!
Pros:
- Great for all kinds of meat.
- Comes with a non-stick coating.
- A must-have for a modern kitchen.r
Cons:
- Heavy to use.
- Maintenance is difficult
Given that the maintenance of iron-cast pans is slightly on the higher side, we also know that no other skillet can grill better than them. The square grill pan is seasoned and comes with great heat retention quality. Suitable for both outdoor and indoor cooking this pan is restaurant grade and can sear every kind of meat. The spouts on either side allow easy draining of excess grease and the loop on the top makes it convenient to manoeuvre the utensil while cooking. All in all this iron skillet is the best pan to cook steak, other meat and veggies.
Pros:
- Get restaurant-like food at home.
- Non-stick and durable.
- Perfect for all kinds of meat.
Cons:
- Heavy to use.
- Maintenance is difficult.
How to choose the best pan to cook a steak?
Before diving directly into buying a pan, it is important to see what your requirements are. Whether you want a light or a heavy pan, whether you have the time to maintain the pan or not and lastly take a good look at your budget. Following are some ways you can decide the right pan for cooking steak; for you.
- Heating Capacity
For a steak to cook well, even heating is essential. Ensure that the pan you select gets evenly heated up and can also retain that heat for a certain duration. Additionally, you also need to be patient, let one side of the steak cook properly before flipping it to the other, or both sides shall remain undercooked. - Budget-friendly
There are many choices when it comes to buying a cooking pan for steak, you need to know what is the right one for you. Iron-cast skillets are heavy and slightly on the expensive side but they also function better with time and last much longer than regular pans. On the contrary, non-stick pans are suitable for beginners, they are budget-friendly, easy to handle and light on maintenance. - Size
Depending on whether you are cooking for two people or four or the whole lot you can choose the right pan for yourself. If you are a first-timer, we recommend that you choose the smaller size, but if you are a family person then definitely go in for one of the big sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Pans to Cook Steak :
1. How do you prevent your steak from sticking to the pan?
The first step is to buy a good quality skillet to cook your steak, do not hesitate to invest in a good pan because if you compromise on this, then you may end up spending a ton of money on its maintenance. Skillets that are non-stick or seasoned are the best choices to go in for, these enhance food flavours and last longer.
The second is cooking the meat the right way. By this, we mean to say that it is better to pre-heat the pan, wait for some time, then add oil or butter. After you add the grease, ensure that it does not turn too hot, regulate the temperature. Add your meat and let it cook properly.
Lastly, do not flip the meat too often, this may undercook your food or worse make it stick to the pan.
2. How to minimize splatter when frying?
Splattering can be avoided to a great extent in the following ways.
Do not pour a lot of oil into the pan, keep the oil to the minimal level required to cook meat.
Do not put frozen meat directly into the oil, get the meat to the regular temperature before cooking it.
Ensure there are no water droplets on the meat or it may increase the splattering.
Regulate the temperature while cooking, excessive heat can lead to splattering.
Conclusion:
The intent is the key to buying the right pan for you. Most pans will get the work done, but your requirements play a huge role in choosing the best pan for you. Think about the storage, budget, size of the pan, heat distribution, material well before finalizing the cookware. How you intend to care for the pans is also an essential factor in purchasing a grill pan. The best pan to cook steak for you will be the one that suits your cooking style, budget and storage capabilities.
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