Keeping steaks hot after cooking in a cast-iron pan
I have been using my cast-iron skillet for some time with good results.
Essentially, I bring out the meat from the fridge with time so it gets at room temperature, then I heat up my pan until it smokes and then I place the meat (with some salt and pepper and a little bit of oil) and cook it so it comes out medium-rare.
My issue is the temperature of the meat. As soon as I let it rest for 5 minutes after cooked, the meat cools down and it's no longer hot. I assume, since it has only been cooked for 3 minutes per side, that explains how fast it gets cold.
Is there any solution for this? How do restaurants do to keep the meat warm when it gets to your table?
Best Answer
If you cook rarer you don't need as long a rest period, for rare and medium-rare you only need a minute or two. Put the steak onto a row of chopsticks or a cooling grate if you aren't using a warmed plate so the plate doesn't cool them, then put a bit curved pot lid over the top. You can use a tent of foil if you need, it's just that there's less waste if you use a lid.
If you are cooking many steaks and can't serve right away then put the cooked steak into an oven just a bit lower than the temperature you want at the center of the steak, this will keep it warm without overcooking it. Don't do it for too long though, you'll dry the steaks out.
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Quick Answer about "Keeping steaks hot after cooking in a cast-iron pan"
How do you keep steak warm without continuing it?
The first thing you can do is use a warm plate. This will keep the steak warm without cooking it further. You can take aluminum foil and tent the steak to prevent it from cooling. Make sure that you do not wrap the steak in foil as it will cook and dry out.Should you let steaks sit after cooking?
If you cut straight into your beautiful piece of steak after cooking it it kind of defeats the purpose. The reason it needs to rest is because the juices need time to redistribute. Otherwise it will just flow away, leaving you with a brown, overcooked piece of meat. Read next: How do you get the perfect crust on steak?How long should a steak rest after pan frying?
Remove the steaks from the frying pan to a warmed plate and leave to rest in a warm place for 3\u20135 minutes. This is important as it allows the juices to be re-absorbed back into the meat. The steak will hold its heat for this length of time, so resting does not affect the final eating temperature.How do you keep beef warm after cooking?
Keep cooked meats hot by setting them to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook. At home, the cooked meat can be kept hot in a warm oven (approximately 200 \xb0F, in a chafing dish or slow cooker, or on a warming tray.how to clean a CAST IRON PAN after cooking
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Answer 2
There are a couple things you can do which will help:
- Tent the steak, while resting, with aluminum foil, to minimize the cooling.
- Warm your plates.
- If you feel fancy, use a plate cover or cloche to help keep the plate warm until it is presented.
However, the simple fact is that steak is thin and is going to cool off. Rapid service after it is cooked is your best friend.
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