A Perfect New York Strip Steak

There’s something undeniably satisfying about sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked New York strip steak. With its tender texture, rich marbling, and mouthwatering flavor, this classic cut of beef never fails to impress. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of picking the right steak, and share cooking techniques for searing, grilling, and oven broiling to achieve your desired level of doneness.

 

Your grocery list

Produce

• Fresh garlic
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)

Pantry items

• Olive, vegetable, or canola oil
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)

Dairy

• Unsalted butter

Meat

• New York strip steak(s)

 

Equipment/tools you’ll need

• Paper towels (to pat the steaks dry)
• Cast iron pan
• Cutting board (for resting) and knife (for slicing and serving)

 

Choosing the perfect New York Strip steak

Any good dish starts with quality ingredients. , To select a high-quality New York strip steak, look for steaks that have a bright red color, with abundant marbling throughout the meat. Opt for steaks that are at least an inch thick, as thinner cuts tend to dry out during cooking.

 

Different cooking methods for steak

Searing the Steak

For a delicious crust and juicy interior, searing is an essential step. Begin by patting the steak dry with a paper towel, as moisture inhibits browning. Preheat a cast-iron skillet over high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the skillet is smoking hot, carefully place the steak in the pan and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Adjust the timing according to your desired level of doneness (rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done).

Grilling the Steak

Grilling imparts a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks to your New York strip steak. Preheat your grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the steak on the grill and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred doneness.

Oven Broiling the Steak

Broiling is a fantastic option when grilling outdoors isn’t possible. Preheat your oven’s broiler and position the rack 4-6 inches away from the heat source. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Place the steak on a broiler pan and broil for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Keep a close eye on the steak to avoid overcooking.

Hybrid Method (my preference!)

This method combines the skillet and oven broiling methods to make a delicious and, in my opinion, superior steak.

Resting and serving your New York strip steak

Before cooking

Take your steak(s) out of the fridge 30 minutes or more before cooking to bring them up to room temperature. This will ensure even cooking and more predictable times/temperatures.

After cooking

Once your steak reaches the desired level of doneness, remove it from the heat source and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. Finally, slice your New York strip against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides or sauces.

 

Cooking times and temperatures

Steaks vary in thickness and people have their individual preferences when it comes to the doneness of their steak. Use the following chart to determine how many minutes a steak should be cooked on both sides based on its thickness and your doneness preference.

	Thickness	1/2”	3/4”	1”	1 1/4”	1 1/2”	1 3/4”	2”
Rare (120 - 130 F)	First Side (minutes) After Turning (minutes)	2 2	4 2	5 3	5 4	6 4	7 5	8 6
Medium Rare (130 - 140 F)	First Side After Turning	3 2	4 3	5 4	6 5	7 5	8 6	9 8
Medium (140 - 150 F)	First Side After Turning	4 2	5 3	6 4	7 5	7 6	8 7	10 8
Well Done (160 - 170 F)	First Side After Turning	5 3	7 5	8 6	9 7	10 8	11 9	13 11

 

Example

A 1 1/2” thick New York strip steak should be cooked for 7 minutes on the first side then flipped and cooked for 6 more minutes on the second side for a perfect medium doneness.

 

Finishing butters for your New York strip steak

Recipe 1: Garlic Herb Compound Butter

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary), chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe 2: Chipotle Compound Butter

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 teaspoon lime zest
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt to taste

Recipe 3: Blue Cheese Compound Butter

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and other ingredients/spices.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Place the mixture on a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a log.
5. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
6. Slice the compound butter and place a pat on top of each steak before serving.

Note: Feel free to adjust the quantities and ingredients according to your taste preferences.

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