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The best types of steak are tender, juicy and well-marbled.
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5 from 2 votes

How to Cook Different Types of Steak

This step-by-step guide shows how to cook different types of steak. Whether you've got a tender or tough cut, you can make a fabulous steak dinner!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: different types of steak
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Cindy

Ingredients

Tender Cuts (T-Bone, Ribeye, Filet Mignon, Top Sirloin etc.)

  • 2 pounds steak cut at least 1 inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil or other high-temperature oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • fresh rosemary or thyme optional

Less Tender and Tougher Cuts (Flank, Skirt, Sirloin Tip etc.)

  • 2 pounds steak
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ cup canola oil or other high-temperature oil
  • 2 tablespoons Worchestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice or balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Tender Cuts (T-Bone, Ribeye, Filet Mignon, Top Sirloin etc.)

  • Remove the steaks from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to warm slightly.
  • Preheat your oven or grill to 400 deg F. Place a cast iron pan on high heat for 5 minutes until very hot. Turn on the ventilation exhaust fan.
  • Meanwhile, pat dry the meat with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub with oil on all sides and season with salt and pepper.
  • Place the steak in the cast iron pan and sear for 2 minutes undisturbed. Using kitchen tongs, flip the steak and sear 2 minutes more.
  • Transfer the pan to the oven to finish cooking until desired doneness is reached. Or if you prefer, continue cooking on the stovetop, flipping every minute for even cooking.
  • Remove the steak to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes covered with foil. Slice against the grain to serve. (This steps allows the juices can redistribute through the meat for maximum tenderness.)

Less Tender and Tougher Cuts (Flank, Skirt, Sirloin Tip etc.)

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, soy sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce and lime juice/vinegar.
  • Add the steak to the marinade and turn several times to coat thoroughly.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to marinate for up to 4 hours.
  • Remove the bowl from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven or grill to 400 deg F. Place a cast iron pan on high heat for 5 minutes until very hot. Turn on the ventilation exhaust fan.
  • Meanwhile, remove the meat from the marinade and scrape off all excess with a spoon.
  • Place the steak in the cast iron pan and sear for 2 minutes undisturbed. Using kitchen tongs, flip the steak and sear 2 minutes more.
  • Transfer the pan to the oven to finish cooking until desired doneness is reached. Or if you prefer, continue cooking on the stovetop, flipping every minute for even cooking.
  • Remove the steak to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes covered with foil. Slice against the grain to serve. (This steps allows the juices can redistribute through the meat for maximum tenderness.)

Notes

  • For very tough cuts such as round steak, braising in a Dutch oven or crock pot is recommended. Sear over high heat for 2 minutes per side to brown the meat. Add the marinade ingredients to the crock pot and cook for 3 hours on Low until tender. Drizzle juices from the crock pot on the steak to serve.