How to Cook Medium Rare Strip Steak: A Culinary Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the New York Strip Steak
3. Preparing Your Steak
4. Cooking Methods
5. Checking Doneness
6. Enhancing Your Cooking Experience
7. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
8. Conclusion

Introduction

There's something particularly satisfying about the sizzle of a well-prepared steak hitting the hot skillet or the grill. The aroma wafts through the air, instantly stimulating the senses and igniting both appetite and anticipation. Consider the New York strip steak: a delectable cut renowned for its marbling, tenderness, and robust beef flavor. Cooking it to medium rare perfection—where the center remains a warm pink with juicy goodness—can transform a mundane meal into a culinary celebration.

Perfectly cooking a New York strip steak at home can feel daunting, especially when striving for an exquisite restaurant-quality outcome. However, armed with the right techniques, anyone can master this seemingly complex dish. This blog post will guide you through the process of cooking medium rare strip steak, ensuring each bite is as memorable as the last.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid understanding of why this cut is cherished, the secrets behind achieving the perfect medium rare, and practical tips and techniques for preparing an unbeatable steak dish. Additionally, we'll explore how to make the most of your culinary journey by emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients. At Land and Sea Delivery, we are committed to providing you with the highest-quality New York strip steaks and premium meats, available for home delivery directly to your kitchen.

Understanding the New York Strip Steak

What Makes the New York Strip Special?

The New York strip steak, also known as the sirloin strip or Kansas City strip, is a cut from the short loin part of the animal. It features a good balance of tenderness and flavor due to the marbling of fat running through the meat. This marbling not only enhances the beefy taste but also keeps the steak juicy during cooking. A well-cooked strip steak boasts a beautiful crust and a tender, pink center—characteristics that make this cut a favorite among steak lovers.

Choosing the Right Cut

When selecting your New York strip steak, aim for a cut that is about 1 inch thick. Look for well-marbled meat; the fat should be evenly distributed and not overly trimmed. At Land and Sea Delivery, we pride ourselves on sourcing high-quality meats that meet these standards, ensuring that every steak we deliver stands out in flavor and juiciness.

For an optimal experience, consider choosing a USDA Choice or USDA Prime steak. These grades signify that the meat has been inspected and meets certain quality standards, providing you with the meat's best attributes.

Preparing Your Steak

Bringing Your Steak to Room Temperature

Before cooking your steak, it's essential to allow it to come to room temperature. This step ensures even cooking, allowing the steak to sear properly on the outside without leaving the center too cold.

1. Take your steak out of the refrigerator about 30 to 40 minutes before cooking.
2. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drying the surface helps to achieve a better sear.

Seasoning Your Steak

The best way to season your steak is to keep it simple. Using just kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper allows the natural flavor of the meat to shine through.

1. Generously sprinkle both sides of the steak with kosher salt.
2. Add black pepper to taste. If desired, you may include a light dusting of garlic powder or smoked paprika but be cautious as these can char quickly when searing.

Cooking Methods

You can achieve a perfectly cooked medium rare New York strip steak using various cooking methods, with either stovetop and oven combination or grilling being the most popular.

Method 1: Stovetop Searing and Oven Finishing

This method provides control over cooking temperature and time, ensuring a rich crust and moist interior.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Skillet: Start by preheating your oven to 500°F (or 450°F if using a conventional oven). Place a well-seasoned cast iron skillet on the stovetop over high heat for about 5-7 minutes until it's smoking hot.
2. Sear Your Steak:
   • Place the steak in your hot skillet. Sear without moving it for about 2 minutes on each side. This step creates a lovely crust.
   • Once the sides have seared, you can also quickly sear the fat strip for about 30 seconds to render some of that delicious fat.
3. Finish in the Oven: Using oven mitts, carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. For medium rare, roast the steak for about 3-4 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F.
4. Rest the Steak: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the steak to a plate. Loosely cover it with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
5. Serve: After resting, consider topping your steak with a pat of butter, allowing it to melt over the warm steak for added richness, then slice and enjoy.

Method 2: Grilling

If you prefer an outdoor cooking experience, grilling is another excellent way to prepare strip steak.

1. Preheat the Grill: For gas grills, heat to high. For charcoal, let the coals reach a consistent heat.
2. Grill the Steak:
   • Place your seasoned steak on the hot grill for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
   • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 130°F to 135°F for medium rare.
3. Rest and Serve: As with the stovetop method, allow your steak to rest for a few minutes after grilling for the same juicy results.

Method 3: Reverse Searing

This technique is underutilized but provides excellent results, especially for thicker steaks.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 275°F.
2. Cook in the Oven: Place your seasoned steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet and cook in the oven until it reaches around 10°F lower than your desired temperature (around 125°F for medium rare).
3. Sear in a Hot Skillet: Once the steak is close to your intended temperature, remove it from the oven and quickly sear it in a hot cast iron skillet, about 1-2 minutes per side.
4. Rest: Allow your steak to rest before serving.

Checking Doneness

The only reliable way to check for doneness is with an instant-read meat thermometer. For medium rare steak, you should aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. Here’s a simple temperature guide:

• Rare: 120°F - 125°F
• Medium Rare: 130°F - 135°F
• Medium: 140°F - 145°F
• Medium Well: 150°F - 155°F
• Well Done: 160°F+

Enhancing Your Cooking Experience

Basting with Butter

For an extra flavorful steak, consider basting with butter during the last few minutes of cooking. Simply add a couple of tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet and spoon the melting butter over your steak. This technique not only adds richness but also enhances the crust's flavor.

Pairing Your Steak

To elevate your meal, consider side dishes that complement the rich flavor of a strip steak. Popular options include:

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery with a hint of garlic.
• Grilled asparagus: Lightly charred with a sprinkle of lemon juice for freshness.
• Creamed spinach: A rich and indulgent vegetable side.
• Simple green salad: Tossed in a vinaigrette, providing a bright contrast.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re fortunate enough to have leftover steak, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, the goal is to warm it gently to avoid overcooking. The best method is to use a microwave at 50% power or reheat slowly in a small skillet with a bit of butter.

Freezing Leftovers

If you want to save your leftover steak for a future meal, freeze it within a few hours of cooking. Use heavy-duty foil or freezer bags, and consume frozen steak within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and quality.

Conclusion

Cooking a medium rare New York strip steak is a rewarding endeavor that can enhance your culinary repertoire. By following the right techniques, understanding the importance of quality beef, and mastering a few basic cooking methods, you can enjoy steakhouse-quality experiences in your own kitchen. When you choose Land and Sea Delivery for your meat, you’re choosing quality—fresh cuts that help you achieve those perfect sears and juiciness.

Ready to embark on your cooking adventure? Try these techniques for your next steak dinner, and let the flavors fill your home with an enticing aroma. For the freshest New York strip steak and premium meats, don’t forget to explore our home delivery options at Land and Sea Delivery or check out our Shop for an excellent beef selection.

FAQ

1. What is the best way to cook New York strip steak?

The best method involves searing it in a hot skillet and then finishing it in the oven for even cooking throughout.

2. Should I season the steak beforehand?

Yes, season your steak with kosher salt and pepper before cooking to enhance its natural flavors.

3. How do I know when my steak is done?

Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to check doneness. Aim for 130°F to 135°F for medium rare.

4. Can I freeze leftover steak?

Yes, wrap your leftover steak and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

5. What side dishes pair well with New York strip steak?

Consider pairing your steak with garlic mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for balance.

Armed with this detailed guide, you're now prepared to cook the perfect medium rare strip steak that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy your cooking experience and the delicious results!