Pan-Seared Steak: Choosing The Right Size Pan

The size of the pan you need for cooking steak depends on how many people you're cooking for and the size of your steaks. A 10-inch pan is perfect for one to two people and can fit one eight-ounce steak. If you're cooking for a larger group or want to cook multiple steaks at once, a 12-inch pan is a better option. For more than four people, you may want to consider an even larger pan, such as a 15-inch skillet.

Cast iron skillets are great for cooking steak

Cast iron skillets are a great option for cooking steak. Here are some reasons why:

Heat Retention and Even Heating

Cast iron skillets are excellent at retaining heat, making them perfect for searing steaks and achieving a delicious crust. They also heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly, ensuring your steak is cooked consistently.

Versatility

Cast iron skillets offer versatility in terms of the types of steaks you can cook. They can handle thick-cut steaks like ribeye or New York strip, which require high heat to develop a gorgeous crust while remaining juicy and tender. You can also cook thinner steaks like skirt steaks, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Ease of Use

Cast iron skillets are straightforward to use. You can pan-fry your steak with minimal preparation, and there's no need for marinating or preheating. Just season your steak, heat up your skillet, and cook to your desired level of doneness.

Size Options

Cast iron skillets come in various sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. A 10-inch skillet is perfect for cooking one to two steaks, while a 12-inch skillet can comfortably fit two steaks or more, depending on their size.

Taste

While personal preference plays a role in taste, cast iron skillets can deliver a delicious steakhouse-style sear. The key is in the skillet's ability to retain heat and create a crust that locks in the juices, resulting in a tender and flavourful steak.

Maintenance and Durability

Cast iron skillets are incredibly durable and can last for generations with proper care. They are easy to maintain and season, ensuring a non-stick surface for your steaks. Regular maintenance involves washing, thoroughly drying, and coating the skillet with a thin layer of oil to protect it from moisture.

A 10-inch skillet is perfect for 1-2 people

A 10-inch skillet is perfect for cooking for one to two people. It can fit one eight-ounce steak, full sides for one to two people, desserts, cornbread, and more. If you're cooking for two, you can also use this skillet to bake pies or bread.

A 10-inch skillet is also a good size for other types of meat, such as chicken. It can fit two large or three small chicken breasts, or two servings of stir fry.

If you're cooking steak for one to two people, a 10-inch skillet is a good choice because it's large enough to fit your steak without being too big, which can cause the middle of the pan to become hotter than the edges. This means you can cook your steak evenly without having to worry about overheating or underheating parts of the pan.

When cooking steak in a 10-inch skillet, it's important to make sure the pan is not overcrowded, as this can cause the steak to cook inconsistently. Give your steak enough space to breathe in the pan, and make sure the pan is hot before adding your steak to get a good sear.

In addition to steak, a 10-inch skillet is a good size for cooking other foods such as pizza, fish, and pasta. It can fit a 10-inch personal pizza, one to two biscuits, one eight-ounce fish fillet or two small fillets, and a 10-12 oz can of pasta sauce.

A 12-inch skillet is great for a family of four

A 12-inch skillet is a great option for a family of four as it is the most versatile option for your kitchen. You can cook four servings of most foods in a 12-inch skillet without having to cook in batches. This means you can prepare meals for your family all at once, rather than cooking in several batches as you might with a smaller skillet.

A 12-inch skillet is also a good option if you like to have leftovers. If you always want leftovers, you might consider sizing up to a 12-inch skillet for two people.

When you first get your 12-inch skillet, test it out to see if it heats your food evenly. Skillets of this size will be hotter in the middle and cooler on the sides. To help cook food more evenly, make sure you use your largest burner when cooking with a 12-inch skillet. The edges will heat up much faster.

A 12-inch skillet is also a good option for cooking steaks. A 10-inch skillet will fit one eight-ounce steak, while a 12-inch skillet can comfortably fit two. If you want to successfully sear your steak, cook one at a time and keep it toward the middle of the pan, as this will be hottest.

A 12-inch skillet is also a good option if you want to cook other foods alongside your steak. For example, you can cook three to four servings of side dishes like roasted vegetables or potatoes, or two eight-ounce steaks and two eight-ounce fish fillets.

A 12-inch skillet is a good option for a family of four, but it might be too big if you are only cooking for yourself or for one other person. If this is the case, you will probably want a 10-inch skillet.

A 15-inch skillet is ideal for larger gatherings

A 15-inch skillet is ideal for cooking for larger groups of people. It can cook 5-7 servings, which is much more than most people need on a daily basis. However, it is perfect for larger gatherings or parties.

A 15-inch skillet is heavy and not practical for everyday use. It is also too large for most residential stovetops, which can lead to uneven cooking and food sticking or burning. However, if you are cooking for a crowd, a 15-inch skillet is a good option.

A 15-inch skillet has a lot of surface area, which means you will need a lot of heat to get it up to temperature. This can be a problem if you are using it on a stovetop, but it works well on a grill or over a campfire.

If you are considering a 15-inch skillet, make sure you have enough storage space as it is difficult to move and store compared to smaller skillets. You may also want to consider buying two smaller skillets, which can be easier to cook with and take up less space.

A 15-inch skillet is a good choice if you regularly cook for a large group of people. It allows you to cook multiple servings at once without overcrowding the pan. However, if you only cook for a small group or just yourself, a smaller skillet would be a better option.

Carbon steel is a good alternative to cast iron

When it comes to choosing the right pan for cooking steak, there are a few things to consider, such as the size of the steak, the number of people you're cooking for, and the desired cooking technique. While cast iron pans are a popular choice for steak due to their heat retention and searing capabilities, carbon steel pans offer a good alternative with their own unique benefits. Here's why:

Lightweight and Easy to Maneuver

Carbon steel is a combination of approximately 99% iron and 1% carbon, resulting in a lightweight and durable material. This makes carbon steel pans easier to handle compared to cast iron, especially when cooking on the stovetop, grill, or maneuvering in and out of the oven. Their lightweight construction also makes them more suitable for outdoor cooking setups and transportation.

Quick Heating and Temperature Control

Carbon steel pans heat up very quickly due to their lightweight nature, satisfying hungry cooks and diners alike. They also respond swiftly to changes in temperature, making them ideal for grilling or cooking over an open flame. This ensures that you can achieve a perfect sear without the risk of overcooking.

Smooth Surface and Even Heating

Carbon steel pans have a smooth surface, which is ideal for sautéing vegetables, preparing fish, and similar tasks. They also heat more evenly than cast iron, with fewer hot spots. This even heating ensures that your ingredients cook consistently, preventing overcrowding in the pan.

Versatility and Durability

Carbon steel, like cast iron, can withstand high temperatures and is oven-safe, making it suitable for various cooking techniques such as grilling, searing, and charring. It is also versatile enough for stovetop and outdoor cooking, just like cast iron. With proper care, carbon steel pans can last for generations, offering a durable alternative.

Size Options

Carbon steel pans come in various sizes, including 10" and 12" options, which are suitable for cooking steaks. A 10" pan can typically fit one large steak, while a 12" pan can accommodate two comfortably. These size options provide flexibility, depending on the number of people you're cooking for.

Frequently asked questions