Can You Cook A Steak In A Nonstick Pan?

Grilled black angus steak striploin on frying cast iron grill pan, Can You Cook A Steak In A Nonstick Pan?A big juicy steak that has a perfectly caramelized crust is a beautiful thing to eat. Cooking steak at home is the ultimate indulgence. A good cut of meat might be expensive, though, and should be treated with care in the kitchen. There are many thoughts on the best way to prepare steak. One idea that is always present is that you need a hot, sizzling hot pan to start, but not all pans can take the heat. Can you cook a steak in a nonstick pan?

While it's possible to cook a steak in a nonstick pan, it's not the best method for your steak or pan. Ideally, steaks need to be prepared in a preheated, super-hot pan to get the right sear that locks in the juicy flavor. Teflon coatings begin to break down when temperatures reach 570°F and above. Medium cooking temperatures are necessary to preserve the nonstick surface of your pan. Taking your nonstick pan to a smoking hot temperature might ruin your pan and your steak.

While we don't recommend that you use a nonstick pan to prepare your steak, there are plenty of people that do. Keep reading as we discuss the best way to make a steak and how to use a nonstick pan if you so desire.

Top Seven Tips To Cook A Steak

  1. Bring your steak to room temperature
  2. Preheat your cooking surface to hot
  3. Season steak with a lot of salt and freshly ground pepper
  4. Sear each side of the meat on a hot cooking surface
  5. Cook to the USDA minimum recommended internal temperature of 145 °F
  6. Let the meat rest after cooking to seal in the juices
  7. Slice your meat against the grain

What Is The Best Way To Cook Steak?

Grilled black angus steak striploin on nonstick iron grill pan

The best way to cook a steak is a personal preference and depends on what cooking appliances you have access to in your kitchen. We've recommended at a high level how to prepare your steak. Here are three conventional cooking methods and tips for getting the best results on your steaks:

Fire Up The Grill

Grilling outside is an excellent way to cook steak. There's plenty of ventilation, the grates heat quickly, and cleanup is easy.

Start by heating your grill to high. Brush your room temperature steaks with oil then season. Once the grill is heated, place the steaks on the grill racks and cook until they are golden brown. Depending on the cut or thickness of your meat, it will take a few minutes. Turn steaks over and continue cooking until you reach your desired temperature.

Remove steaks from the grill, let them rest about five minutes then dig in.

Use Your Broiler

The broiling feature on ovens can reach the temperature you want for cooking steaks. Move your cooking rack to about four inches below the heating element and turn on the broil setting. You'll also need a pan that can withstand a scorching heat. We recommend that you use a cast-iron skillet or a broiler pan (most ovens come with one). Never place a nonstick pan under the broiler; it can't take the heat. Place the cooking pan in the oven and let it preheat. Place your steaks on the preheated pan and slide into the oven. Depending on your oven, you might need to leave a door open just a bit.

Cook to your desired temperature and remove the pan from the oven. Allow your steaks to rest, then enjoy.

Cook On Your Stovetop

Using your stovetop to cook steaks is uncomplicated. But you need a good exhaust fan, so you don't smoke out your kitchen. Heat a heavy pan like a cast iron or stainless steel until its hot, very hot. Add oil and let it heat until it starts to sizzle.

Take your prepped steaks and carefully add them to the pan. Let the first side of the meat cook for a few minutes to get a nice sear. Flip the steaks and cook a few more minutes until they reach the doneness you prefer. The secret to cooking on the stovetop is to let the pan do the work. You only want to flip the meat once. And if it sticks, you've flipped it too soon.

These cooking methods don't use nonstick pans. If you prefer to use a nonstick pan, there are ways to get a tasty steak.

Can You Sear A Steak In A Nonstick Pan?

Nonstick pans are easy to use and easy to clean. They also don't require cooking with much butter or oil. To get a good sear on a steak using your nonstick pan, you'll need some patience and some fat.

Here's how to sear a steak in your nonstick pan:

Slowly preheat the pan to a medium temperature. Don't turn it up to high to make it heat faster. Once the pan is at medium heat, add a few tablespoons of butter or oil. Let the fat heat up to medium to medium-high. Bubbling oil or butter means it time to add your room temperature and seasoned steak to the pan.

Let the steaks cook a few minutes in the hot oil. Turn the meat once and let the other side cook until it has a gorgeous caramel color.

How To Cook A Ribeye In A Nonstick Pan?

Ribeye steak grilled with asparagus, with visible smoke rising from the hot cast iron pan

The best way to cook a ribeye steak is quickly over high heat. Heating your nonstick cookware to a hot temperature isn't ideal for your pan, but you can use it for cooking your meat.

Make your meat is prepped for cooking, then heat your nonstick to a medium to medium-high heat slowly. Generously add butter or a high smoke point oil to the pan. Once you see the butter or oil start to shimmer, it's time to add the ribeye. Let the meat cook for a few minutes undisturbed then carefully flip to cook the other side.

Once you've reached the doneness you want, let the meat rest, then slice.

You can always finish steaks in the oven using your nonstick as well. Most nonstick pans can are oven-safe to a the temperature of 400 degrees.

What Other Types Of Meat Are A Good Fit For Nonstick Pans?

Grilled pork chops in the grill pan on the table

Nonstick pans are handy in the kitchen. Almost any type of red meat can be cooked. Here are a few ideas for beef, pork, and seafood:

  • Bacon: Medium heat is excellent for cooking bacon as the fat will render creating a beautiful crispy finish.
  • Seafood: Scallops, shrimp, and fish fillets love a slippery surface. The delicate skins of these foods won't stick to the pan's coating, and high heat isn't needed for cooking.
  • Pork Chops: Just like steaks, you can sear your pork chops in a nonstick pan. Remember to heat the pan slowly and add your favorite fat.
  • Burgers: We've talked a lot about steaks but not the classic burger. A burger is easy to cook in a nonstick pan.

Nonstick Pans Are Essential In The Kitchen

Nonstick pans have been making cooking more effortless in the kitchen for decades. The slick surface is perfect for making eggs, pancakes, and sautéing vegetables. But the easy clean of these vessels means cooking meat is less messy too.

You can cook just about any kind of food in your nonstick, including steak, if you remember to use medium temperatures and avoid getting your pans too hot.

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