How to Make the Perfect Steak, Tips from a Professional Chef. A perfectly cooked steak is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. It’s a dish that’s fit for a special occasion, but it’s also one that you can easily make at home. With the following tips, you’ll be able to cook a restaurant-quality steak that will impress your dinner guests.

There’s nothing like a juicy, perfectly cooked steak. But all too often, home cooks end up with a tough, chewy, and burnt piece of meat. If you’ve ever wondered how the professionals do it, wonder no more! Here are four tips to help you cook the perfect steak at home.

Tip #1: Pick the right cut of meat.

Not all steaks are created equal! The type of steak you pick will have a big impact on how it cooks. For a tender and juicy steak, look for cuts that are well-marbled with fat, such as ribeye or strip steak. These types of steaks will also be more expensive, but they’re worth it! cheaper cuts of meat, such as flank or skirt steak, tend to be tougher and drier.

Tip #2: Season your steak properly.

Seasoning your steak is key to getting that delicious flavor. You’ll want to use a good amount of salt—this may seem counterintuitive, but it helps to break down the proteins in the meat so that they retain moisture during cooking. You can also add other seasonings, such as pepper, garlic powder, or fresh herbs. Just make sure not to go overboard—a little salt and pepper go a long way!

Tip #3: Preheat your pan—and don’t forget the oil!

You’ll want to use a hot pan when cooking your steak so that you get a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Preheat your pan on the stove over medium-high heat before adding oil. Once the oil is hot, add your steak to the pan. Remember not to overcrowd the pan—if necessary, cook your steaks in batches so that they have enough space to breathe.

If you crowd the pan, your steaks will steam instead of sear and you’ll end up with a tough piece of meat. No one wants that! Also, make sure to use enough oil—you should see a thin layer of oil coating the bottom of the pan. If there’s no oil or not enough oil, your meat will stick to the pan and it won’t develop that nice sear.

Tip #4: Know when to flip—and when to rest!

One of the most important things to remember when cooking a steak is not to flip it too frequently. Once you’ve added your steak to the hot pan, resist the urge to fiddle with it! Let it cook for 3-4 minutes undisturbed so that you get a good sear on one side before flipping it over. After flipping, cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium-rare or 5-6 minutes for medium before removing from heat. And finally, don’t forget to rest your meat! This allows time for the juices in the meat to redistribute so that they don’t all spill out when you cut into it. Resting also helps prevent overcooking—the residual heat in the meat will continue cooking it even after you’ve removed it from the heat source. Simply transfer your cooked steaks onto a plate or cutting board and let them sit for 3-5 minutes before cutting into them.