How Long to Cook Steak per Side in a Pan?
Cooking time
- Steak, sear per side
- 3 min
A 2.5 cm (1 inch) steak needs about 3 minutes per side in a very hot pan for medium-rare. Core temperatures, basting and resting.
Method
- Take the steak out of the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking, pat it dry and season it.
- Heat a heavy pan until very hot with a little high-smoke-point oil. Lay the steak in and start the timer — don't move it.
- Turn it and time the second side the same way, then rest it (see "Rest the steak").
Tips
- Three minutes a side suits a steak about 2.5 cm thick, cooked medium-rare. Thicker steaks need longer, or a few minutes in a hot oven to finish.
- A meat thermometer takes out the guesswork: about 52–55°C (125–130°F) in the centre for medium-rare; it rises a few degrees while resting.
- For the last minute, add butter, garlic and thyme and spoon the foaming butter over the steak.
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