Broiling is a quick and easy way to cook steak that can result in a juicy, flavorful meal. However, one important step that should not be skipped when broiling steak is letting it rest after cooking. Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. If you cut into a steak immediately after broiling, the juices will run out and the steak will end up dry. So how long should you let a broiled steak rest? The recommended resting time is 5-10 minutes.
Why Should You Let Steak Rest After Broiling?
There are a few reasons why letting steak rest after cooking is important:
Allows Juices to Redistribute
When steak is cooked using a high-heat method like broiling, the juices get pushed to the center of the meat. If you cut into the steak right away, the juices will run out onto the cutting board. But if you let it sit for 5-10 minutes first, the juices will redistribute throughout the steak. This results in a juicier piece of meat.
Allows Proteins to Relax
The high heat of broiling causes the muscle fibers in steak to contract and the proteins to tense up. Resting the meat gives the proteins a chance to relax and loosen up. This makes the steak more tender when you cut into it.
Carries Over Cooking
Even after you take steak off the heat, the residual heat will continue cooking it slightly. Letting it sit for a few minutes allows this carryover cooking to finish without overcooking the center of the steak.
Maximizes Flavor
As the juices redistribute back into the meat fibers, the flavors have a chance to permeate throughout the steak. This maximizes the flavor in each bite rather than just the center.
How Long Should You Let Steak Rest After Broiling?
The ideal rest time for broiled steak is 5-10 minutes. Any less and you risk the juices running out when you cut into it. Any longer and the steak may cool down too much.
Here are some more specific recommendations depending on the thickness of your steak:
Steak Thickness – Rest Time
– 3/4 inch thick – 5 minutes
– 1 inch thick – 7 minutes
– 1 1/2 inches thick – 8-10 minutes
For thicker steaks, you can tent them loosely with foil to keep them warm as they rest. Just don’t wrap the foil too tightly or it will steam the steak.
Tips for Resting Steak After Broiling
Follow these tips for flawlessly rested steaks every time:
– Transfer the steaks to a clean plate or cutting board, not the same one you used for raw meat to avoid bacterial contamination.
– Lightly tent the steaks with foil, but don’t wrap them up tightly. You want air circulation so they don’t overcook.
– Resist the urge to cut into the steaks right away! Be patient and let them rest the full time.
– Don’t rinse off the steaks or blot them with paper towels. This will wash away the delicious browned bits and juices.
– Add a pat of butter on top of each steak while resting so it can melt into the meat.
– Rest steaks on the counter, not in the oven. The oven will overcook them.
– Turn the steaks over halfway through resting to allow juices to circulate evenly.
– Check for doneness after resting. If they are undercooked, you can put them back on the grill for a minute or two.
Common Mistakes With Resting Steak
It’s easy to mess up the resting period if you aren’t careful. Avoid these common mistakes:
Cutting Into Steak Too Soon
It’s very tempting to slice into the steak immediately to check if it’s cooked properly. But cutting too soon will cause the juices to leak out onto the board. Be patient and let it rest the full time.
Resting in the Oven
While it may seem like a good way to keep it warm, resting steak in the oven will overcook it. Always rest it on the counter.
Covering Too Tightly With Foil
If you wrap the foil too tightly around the steaks, it will trap steam and continue cooking them. Loosely tent foil so some air can circulate.
Rinsing With Water
Never rinse steaks after cooking – this will wash off the delicious crust and juices! Just let the meat rest on its own.
Not Letting Rest Long Enough
Be sure to let steaks rest at least 5 full minutes, even if they seem done. This allows juices to redistribute and flavor to develop. Don’t cut corners on resting time.
The Benefits of Properly Resting Steak
Resting broiled steak for 5-10 minutes may require some patience, but it pays off with big benefits:
More Evenly Cooked Meat
The center of the steak will continue cooking gently as the cooler outer edges warm up. This equals perfectly cooked meat edge to edge.
Maximized Juiciness
Letting the juices redistribute keeps steak incredibly moist and flavorful in every bite, rather than just the center.
Better Texture
With the protein fibers relaxed after cooking, the meat will be tender and easy to chew.
Concentrated Flavor
The juices contain a lot of flavor. As they migrate back into the meat, they permeate the whole steak with concentrated beefiness.
Prevent Overcooking
Resting gives you a window to check for doneness and put steaks back on to cook more if needed without overcooking the exterior.
Fewer Leftovers
With juicier, more evenly cooked steak, there will be fewer leftovers to worry about storing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rest steak before or after seasoning?
Season steak right before cooking so the spices get a chance to form a tasty crust. Only season again after resting if needed.
What temperature should steak be after resting?
Take steak off heat when it’s 5-10°F below your desired doneness, then it will coast up to the right temp as it rests.
Can I make pan sauce while steak rests?
Absolutely! Making a quick pan sauce is a perfect way to use the fond leftover in the pan while your steak rests.
Is rested meat safe to eat?
Yes, as long as it hasn’t sat out for over 2 hours. Resting for 5-10 minutes ensures safe, delicious meat.
Should I cover resting steak?
You can lightly tent with foil to retain heat, but don’t wrap tightly or the steak will steam and overcook.
Key Takeaways
– Letting steak rest after broiling is crucial for evenly cooked, juicy meat.
– The ideal rest time is 5-10 minutes. Thinner steaks need less time than thicker cuts.
– Rest steak on a clean platter, loosely tented with foil. Never rest in the oven or wrapped tightly.
– Avoid common mistakes like cutting into steak too soon, rinsing it off, or not resting long enough.
– Properly rested steak is tender, juicy, and packed with well-distributed flavor in every bite.
Conclusion
While it requires some patience, resting broiled steak for at least 5-10 minutes is an essential step you can’t skip. Allowing the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax results in steak that is cooked evenly from edge to edge, incredibly juicy, and bursting with flavor. Forgetting to rest steak can lead to dry, unevenly cooked meat. For flawlessly cooked broiled steaks, always be sure to let them rest properly before diving in and enjoying their delicious beefy flavor.