Steak isn’t (yet!) one of the most popular dishes in Poland. Even though good steak-quality beef is high in protein and quick to prepare, some people still worry if they can actually cook it at home. Is steak really that difficult to make? Let’s be clear: if you can boil potatoes, you can cook a steak. It’s one of the simplest and fastest meals you can prepare. To get a great result, you only need to follow two simple rules: choose good-quality meat, don’t overcook it.
What Do You Need to Cook Steak?
Worried we’re about to list expensive kitchen gadgets and fancy grills? Don’t be. You don’t need pricey tools or pro cookware. No fancy sauces or spice mixes required. You don’t even need oil. You can cook steak on a regular frying pan, a camping stove, or even over a campfire.
There is one non-negotiable, though: the meat has to be high-quality. Without it, even the best side dishes won’t save the meal.
Buy Beef from a Trusted Source
This is the #1 mistake beginners make. Beef from unreliable sources varies in quality. At best, you’ll get something mediocre. At worst, you’ll end up with rubbery steaks that turn you off beef altogether.
So where should you buy your beef? The best option is directly from the producer. At steki.pl, you’ll find fresh and dry-aged steaks from the small village of Chobot near Warsaw. The beef comes from verified Polish farms and is hand-cut by our skilled butchers. During dry-aging, we constantly monitor temperature and humidity to ensure top-notch quality.
What’s the Best Beef for Steaks?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – steak lovers all have different preferences. Some swear by rib eye, others go for sirloin. If you’re just starting out, know this: marbling (the fat within the meat) has the biggest impact on flavor.
Not sure which type you’ll like best? Go for a steak sampler – it’s the best way to find your favorite cut.
How to Pan-Fry a Steak
Let’s say you’ve got high-quality beef. Now what?
First, open your windows and turn on the extractor fan – there will be smoke. Heat a dry pan until it starts to smoke. Place the steak on the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side. Only then should you add salt – and optionally, some pepper.
After cooking, place the steak on a wooden cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes.
How to Grill a Steak
Grilled steaks are always a hit at garden parties. Fire up your grill, get it as hot as possible, but avoid placing the meat directly over open flames. Grill both sides until they naturally release from the grate.
If you’re working with thicker steaks, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Things to Watch Out For
First and foremost: don’t overcook your steak. A few minutes is all you need (or even less, if you like rare steaks). Overcooking robs the meat of both flavor and its signature tenderness. Don’t worry if it’s slightly undercooked – just let it rest on the board and the heat will spread evenly.
Also, make sure your steaks are at room temperature before cooking. Take them out of the fridge at least 30 minutes beforehand.
If you’ve frozen your steak, thaw it properly. Never microwave it or dunk it in hot water – that destroys both flavor and texture. Instead, move it from the freezer to the fridge overnight. Learn more about freezing steaks in our FAQ section.
Summary
Steak is one of the quickest and easiest meals you can make in your kitchen – and it’s perfect for grilling too. Just remember not to overcook it, and always bring it to room temperature before cooking.
The key factor is high-quality beef. So where should you buy it? The best flavor comes from meat purchased directly from the producer – no GMOs, no hormones, no antibiotics.
