What are the effects of salting a thin steak that's grilled on a pan?
What are the effects of salting a thin (1/4" to 1/2") beef steak right before being seared on a pan, compared to not salting at all?
(there are no other spices used, salt or nothing).
Does the exact method of preparation matter to the differences (e.g. searing almost-frozen steak vs. thawed out)?
Obviously, I'm interested in effects other than imparting salty flavor.
Best Answer
Related answer to the question Is it okay to salt beef before or while cooking it?
TL;DR: Salting the steak right before searing does not noticeable affect the tenderness.
Concerning the (semi-) frozen or thawed steak: Is it bad to cook frozen meat without waiting it to be unfrozen?
Since your mentioned steak is quite thin I don't think the semi-frozen steak goes "bad".
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Quick Answer about "What are the effects of salting a thin steak that's grilled on a pan?"
Adding salt to the exterior of a piece of steak draws out the moisture in the steak. The salt then dissolves in this moisture, creating a brine that is then re-absorbed back into the steak. In this process, the lean muscle proteins in the meat are broken down, made juicier and more tender. All thanks to salt!Should you salt steak before pan frying?
Why It Works. Pre-salting the meat seasons it fully and gives enough time for any juices drawn out by the salt to be re-absorbed, guaranteeing better browning later. Flipping the steaks back and forth as they cook maximizes browning while minimizing an overcooked layer under the surface.Is it bad to salt steak before cooking?
"Salt will begin to cook the steak's surface and release moisture from the muscle if salted too far in advance. Ideally, we want to keep the juices in the steak by salting right before we cook," Balistreri says. Olivieri concurs. "It's always good to salt a steak prior to cooking to dry the outside," says Olivieri.Does salting steak make it tough?
"Salting raw meat draws out the moisture and dehydrates it, making it tough when cooked,\u201d a spokesperson for the delivery service said. They advise oiling the meat before cooking it and seasoning once it's cooked.Salt Experiment: When Should You Salt Your Steaks (Steak Experiment) | Salty Tales
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