Lamb steaks are a delicious and healthy meal option. However, getting the right cook time is essential for maximizing the flavor and texture of the meat. Undercooking lamb can leave it tough and chewy, while overcooking results in dry, stringy meat. So how long should you cook lamb steaks for optimal doneness? The answer depends on a few key factors.
Thickness of the Steaks
One of the most important considerations is the thickness of your lamb steaks, as this impacts total cooking time. Thinner steaks measuring around 1 inch thick will take less time to cook through than thicker cuts 2 inches or more in height. Here’s a rough guide for how long to cook lamb steaks of different thicknesses:
Cooking Times Based on Steak Thickness
| Steak Thickness | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | 2-4 minutes per side |
| 1 inch | 4-6 minutes per side |
| 1 1/2 inches | 6-8 minutes per side |
| 2 inches or more | 8-10 minutes per side |
As you can see, cooking time should be increased as the thickness of the steaks increases to ensure they cook through properly without burning the exterior. A good meat thermometer is invaluable for checking on the internal doneness of thicker cuts.
Desired Doneness
The ultimate doneness you want to achieve with your lamb steaks is another factor impacting total cook time. Here is a guide for determining cook times based on desired doneness:
Cooking Times for Different Doneness Levels
| Doneness Level | Internal Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 125-130°F | Brief cooking over high heat |
| Medium Rare | 130-135°F | Moderate cooking over medium-high heat |
| Medium | 135-145°F | Thorough cooking over medium heat |
| Medium Well | 145-155°F | Extended cooking over medium heat |
| Well Done | 155°F and above | Prolonged cooking over medium-low heat |
Rarer lamb requires less total cook time compared to well-done meat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and determine when your preferred doneness is reached. Remove the steaks from heat just shy of the target temperature, as they will continue cooking slightly from residual heat when rested.
Cooking Method
How you choose to cook the lamb steaks also impacts time required. Quick, high-heat methods like grilling or pan frying take less time compared to slower roasting or braising methods. Here are estimated cooking times based on some popular lamb steak preparation techniques:
Cooking Times by Method
| Cooking Method | Approximate Total Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Grilling | 8-12 minutes |
| Pan frying | 6-10 minutes |
| Broiling | 10-14 minutes |
| Roasting (350°F oven) | 18-24 minutes |
| Braising | 60-90 minutes |
Faster cooking over higher heat helps develop a delicious browned exterior while minimizing overcooking. Slower wet-heat methods result in very tender lamb but require more time.
Bone vs Boneless
Lamb steaks can be purchased either bone-in or boneless. The bones in bone-in steaks act as an insulator, slowing the cooking process of the meat. So bone-in cuts will require a little more time to fully cook through compared to boneless steaks. Only increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes per side for bone-in vs boneless.
Filet vs Loin vs Ribeye
Cooking times may also vary slightly depending on which steak cut you are preparing. The leaner tenderloin (filet) cooks quickest, while fattier ribeye and loin cuts take a little longer due to higher fat content. Here are estimates:
Cooking Times by Cut
| Lamb Steak Cut | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Tenderloin/Filet | Slightly less time than other cuts |
| Loin | Average cooking time |
| Ribeye | Slightly more time than other cuts |
For most lamb steaks of average thickness, cooking to medium rare doneness takes about 6-8 minutes per side for optimum flavor and texture. Monitor thickness and adjust cooking times up or down accordingly.
Carryover Cooking and Resting
Be sure to account for carryover cooking and resting time when determining total cook times. Carryover cooking refers to the internal temperature continuing to rise 5-10°F after meat is removed from the heat source. To prevent overcooking, remove lamb steaks from heat just shy of their final target temperature.
Likewise, lamb steaks should rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat for a tender, juicy result. Keep carryover cooking and resting time in mind when planning to have steaks ready at a certain time and doneness level.
Key Tips for Cooking Lamb Steaks
Follow these tips for perfect lamb steaks every time:
– Bring meat to room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.
– Pat steaks dry thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning or cooking.
– Use a digital meat thermometer to monitor doneness precisely.
– Allow steaks to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
– Adjust cook times up or down based on thickness, doneness preference, cooking method and bone vs boneless.
Conclusion
When cooking lamb steaks, allow 6-8 minutes per side for medium rare doneness as a general guideline. Adjust cooking time up for thicker cuts, increased doneness, bone-in and slower cooking methods. Always use a meat thermometer for precision and account for carryover cooking and resting. Following these guidelines will help you turn out perfectly cooked lamb steaks to enjoy.